Gift Vouchers

SirNeddy

I often receive gift vouchers for Christmas, birthdays etc but not being the 'shopping type' often don't get round to spending them for some time.

I am increasingly finding that these are expiring and worthless within a shorter period of time (6 months most recently) which doesn't seem fair, given relatives have paid hard cash for them, and the stores essentially giving nothing in return.

Are there any rules governing this, or any ways of claiming the money / new vouchers back once the expiry date has passed?

hollydays

Who only gives 6 months?

hayley11

I've had vouchers for health spas that last 6 months. I would have thought the gift cards last forever though?

If it states on the voucher that it expires on a certain date I doubt there's much you can do.

If you know you're not going to spend them, why not sell them on ebay, you get some cash, they vouchers don't get wasted

djb215

When people buy gift vouchers they are effectively buying a 'credit note' to use in that particular company/store and as far as I know the issuer (usually the store/retailer itself) has full control over these so can set any terms & conditions they please. 6 months sounds unusually short unless it could be for something which depends on fluctuating prices?

e.g. if it was a voucher for a helicopter ride and price of fuel increases the cost to honour the voucher would be more than at the time of issue, but if it was for a retailer then 6 months is a bit short but unfortunately the issuers have full control and it is unlikely that you will be able to get the vouchers reissued.

HTH a bit :cool:

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

Companies also have to consider accounting etc

If someone buys a voucher they know the deadline and if you dont spend it in that time tough,

pinkshoes

Why don't you just take up shopping? Or sell them on ebay?

Mekmj

I would write to the customer services at the head offices asking for them to extend the expired voucher. I did this for French Connection, and they sent me a credit note instead, which was valid for another two years.

Searcher

Never have managed to see the attraction with gift vouchers to be honest. It isn't like the recipient can't see how much they cost

I much prefer the ones with the Queen on them and they don't expire