MSE News: Beware shopping gift vouchers during economic turmoil

Former_MSE_Helen

This is the discussion thread for the following MSE News Story:

"If you buy a gift card or voucher, and a company goes bust, it could be worthless ..."

Read the full story:

Beware shopping gift vouchers during economic turmoil

jackieblack

I haven't bought gift vouchers for a good few years now.
Safer to give money - cash if I can hand deliver, a cheque if it's got to be posted.
I know people who had loads of grief with HMV and Woolworths vouchers which they bought or been given as gifts - just not worth the hassle IMO.

atarisrocks

one thing about gift vouchers i hate is when you dont get given change on it. if i spend £17 of a £20 voucher i want change even if it in the form of a credit note or refund vouchers

Enterprise_1701C

Last time I gave a gift voucher it was a One4all Gift Card from the post office. Worth having a look at if you must give a voucher, it covers a lot of stores.

callum9999

atarisrocks wrote: »

one thing about gift vouchers i hate is when you dont get given change on it. if i spend £17 of a £20 voucher i want change even if it in the form of a credit note or refund vouchers

I've never not received change from a gift voucher - where did you try it? I always get the exact amount back on a gift card, or the most they can give in gift vouchers with the rest in cash.

lolly_896

I also buy the one4all giftcards - a safer bet x

maz1964

Jane_Blackford wrote: »

Last time I gave a gift voucher it was a One4all Gift Card from the post office. Worth having a look at if you must give a voucher, it covers a lot of stores.

thats right, i also used these and we would really be unlucky if ALL the stores mentioned go belly up,

but like others say cash if handing over or a cheque too is handy

have a fun eve maz

[Deleted User]

lolly_896 wrote: »

I also buy the one4all giftcards - a safer bet x

But if the Bank of Ireland goes tits up, you still lose your cash. Even if the stores that accept it are still OK.

Why not just give, you know... cash?

Eco_Miser

I give "Bank of England shopping vouchers", with a nice card describing them as such, and reminding the recipient that they are accepted in all High Street stores, supermarkets and malls.
I get them from an ATM.:T

qwe

Eco_Miser wrote: »

I give "Bank of England shopping vouchers", with a nice card describing them as such, and reminding the recipient that they are accepted in all High Street stores, supermarkets and malls.
I get them from an ATM.:T

Exactly my thoughts:D:beer:

VoucherMan

Don't do any gift vouchers or cards now.

Got stung with the gift card scam once. Found an HMV gift card when I was tidying up. Because it was over 2 years old the credit had expired.