Help, Gift Vouchers Expired

Dubz

Hi all

I hope this is the right place to post this?

I have 2 sets of Ted Baker vouchers, given to me by family members, for previous Xmas and Birthday presents. I had decided to save the vouchers for the winter season and buy something nice, that I could show the family... e.g. "Thanks for the vouchers, check out the lovely present you got me".

However, I was dismayed when I just pulled them out of the draw to discover that the original set were only valid for 6 months, and have therefore expired.

There were £80 worth so its a fair amount of money, leaving me with just the £30 that are still in date. I'm gutted as I didn't even realise there was an expiry date, otherwise I would have spent them earlier.

Do you think there is any chance the store will still take them? Is it legal for them to put such a short date on them, or just a guide line?

I can't afford to put money in myself to make up for the missing £80 if they won't accept them, and you don't get much for £30 in Ted Baker.

I welcome any advice you good people might have!

xxlaurissaxx

I would just chance it and see if they notice. If they don't then great If they do, act silly and say you didnt realise and would it be possible to accept them? xx

HopeAndDriftWood

I don't think there's any chance of them extending them, as my sister was given £200 once and then had an accident and was in hospital, we went to spend them the day after they expired and the shop refused. They eventually rang head office for us, we explained the situation and he said there was nothing he could do, and that they make money from people not spending them. They wrote to apologize, but offered no compensation.

So I'd go with the suggestion of chancing it, and hope they don't notice! Although if they do afterwards, I'm not sure if they'd be able to chase you for the £80?

Photojonic

SaucySecrets wrote: »

I don't think there's any chance of them extending them, as my sister was given £200 once and then had an accident and was in hospital, we went to spend them the day after they expired and the shop refused. They eventually rang head office for us, we explained the situation and he said there was nothing he could do, and that they make money from people not spending them. They wrote to apologize, but offered no compensation.

So I'd go with the suggestion of chancing it, and hope they don't notice! Although if they do afterwards, I'm not sure if they'd be able to chase you for the £80?

I believe once they've accepted the vouchers (whether expired or not) for payment, that is the contract completed, they can't then come back and say oi you've not paid. Especially as even if they are expired vouchers, that someone has still given them that money already in exchange for the vouchers. I would think any small claims court judegment would rule that there is nothing left to pay.

PS, I would personally chance it and try to spend them anyway, I'd try and do it when the store is busy and the till staff are working flat out... means they won't be doing all their usual checks on vouchers.

Good luck!

Dubz

Thanks for the prompt replies xxlaurissaxx, SaucySecrets and Photojonic (great names by the way!)

Yeah I reckon thats probably my best chance, though they have changed the style, colour and design of the vouchers so the old ones do stand out. Unless I'm extremely lucky I reckon they'll check them.

Nothing to lose I suppose, aside from the fact I know I'll end up buying it for cash instead! :rolleyes:

I'll give it a go on Saturday, a busy day I imagine just before Xmas and I'll let you know how I get on!

topbargainhunter

My friend had some vouchers for Ann Summers that had expired, she decided to chance her arm, selected something to buy and while she was being served, chatted amiably to the assistant, who didn't check and accepted the vouchers.

So I would give it a go, you've nothing to lose and if you can't get away with it, then write a letter to plead with them.

good luck!