WH Smith Gift Cards Rip Off

DCFC79

BlindJak wrote: »

Not being one who usually deals in vouchers I didn’t, and neither did my friends or family which would lead me to believe that most consumers don’t realise that either. Which is why I thought I would highlight it.

I dont get many vouchers myself and i know that im not able to use them on the internet, ive not had 1 yet which i can use on the internet

BlindJak

DCFC79 wrote: »

I dont get many vouchers myself and i know that im not able to use them on the internet, ive not had 1 yet which i can use on the internet

Fair enough, your one of the majority who was aware of this. I wasn’t.

uktim29

BlindJak wrote: »

Who rattled your cage? Irregardless of whether many people knew about this or not the fact remains Smiths (and it seems others) take money from consumers and then restrict its spending power to higher priced products that they sell cheaper to other customers. I.e. rip off.

But then a gift vouchers themselves limit you to spending in only one outlet compared to the money that purchased it which can be used anywhere! It kind of makes your argument pointless, if restricting on spending is your problem then why aren't you complaining about people who give gift vouchers as gifts?

Reggie_Rebel

BlindJak wrote: »

Given an actual choice I would go with the cheaper option and go down the Arndale. But I would feel equally peeved if they were selling cheaper down the Arndale and I was limited to spending on the net.

That's a different argument though. Well technically it's the same argument but in reverse, either way it's away from the point of your initial rant. Either that or you are impossible to please.................................in which case you must be related to my wife;)

BlindJak

My complaint with the companies is that at the point of sale of the gift card its limitation is only pointed out in very small print and as no one (who doesn’t already know) would expect to find a limitation on how a gift card may be spent, the purchaser would not be checking the small print for such a pit fall. If you don’t agree that this is a rip off than at best it’s extremely shady practice designed to maximise their return at the consumer’s expense.

As for complaining about a gift now you’re just being silly. Firstly, I had no control over the gift I received, it was a birthday present from a friend. Secondly, not knowing that such a limitation existed how am I supposed to warn people off them? Thirdly, while I have now warned friends & family against this rip off I’m not so arrogant or self centred as to tell people what to buy me (unless they ask for ideas) Lastly I’m not so rude as to complain to a pal if they get me the wrong gift. The fact that they have thought enough of me to buy me anything is worthy of prise rather than scorn.

I’d set the question, why can a gift card/voucher not be spent online? Consumers treat physical and online stores alike so why can’t the companies? If an HMV stores did something to hack me off to such an extent that I’d withdraw my custom it would also be withdrawn from the website. The accounting excuse is a load of phooey and as the gift card have unique numbers and an online element, they can be use electronically. Also bare in mind you can order from Smith online and pick up in store at no extra charge. So any argument that online saves the company money which they them pass on is made redundant.

BlindJak

Reggie_Rebel wrote: »

That's a different argument though. Well technically it's the same argument but in reverse, either way it's away from the point of your initial rant. Either that or you are impossible to please.................................in which case you must be related to my wife;)

LOL!

It is the same argument in reverse, but then you set the scenario in reverse
:rotfl:

My initial argument is that I want my to be able to spend my card at both store or online. That way I can get the best price from where ever it may be.

uktim29

BlindJak wrote: »

now you’re just being silly.

You're the one being silly, you're just blowing things completely out of proportion.

rogue_element

At the risk of being too helpful....

"We offer FREE delivery to any of our High Street stores at all times and FREE delivery to home or a work address during promotional periods stated in our help pages."

Do you have to pay before it gets delivered?

BlindJak

rogue_element wrote: »

At the risk of being too helpful....

"We offer FREE delivery to any of our High Street stores at all times and FREE delivery to home or a work address during promotional periods stated in our help pages."

Do you have to pay before it gets delivered?

I did see this which, imo, makes it even more puzzling as to why a gift card can not be used on line. If I order online and get it delivered to the store I get in cheaper than if I go to the store and order it there.

BlindJak

uktim29 wrote: »

You're the one being silly, you're just blowing things completely out of proportion.

Who’s blowing anything out of proportion? I’ve not advocated a boycott of Smiths, nor am I calling for a march on their head quarters or demanding directors heads on a pike outside the Tower. I’ve merely highlighted ‘sharp practice’ which in my opinion rips off consumers and advised those who didn’t already know this to check if vouchers/gift cards can be spent across all parts of the business.

So how exactly am I blowing this out of proportion?