MSE News: Beware shopping gift vouchers during economic turmoil

Pincher

Really annoying. Just spent £500 buying stuff from John Lewis last week, and then saw this advert in the Evening standard on Monday.

Spend £200 in a single transaction by midnight of Sunday 11th December, and get £20 Christmas voucher, valid till 24th December.
I could have split the £500 into two transactions, and got £40 in vouchers! Online code is "XMAS20". I think you need to bring the advert if shopping in store.

JimmyTheWig

billbennett wrote: »

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

It's just not quite the same.
Cash might just end up getting used in everyday life, whereas with a gift card they're more likely to buy themselves soemthing nice.

ronanmagee

What if you have already spent the vouchers, like on a piece of furniture, and whilst awaiting delivery (estimated delivery approx 3 months after the purchase) the company goes into administration before receiving the goods?

Ronan

mjm3346

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

It's just not quite the same.
Cash might just end up getting used in everyday life, whereas with a gift card they're more likely to buy themselves soemthing nice.

A gift card is much more likely to end up not being used and thrown away than cash is and if the person would/needs to spend it in everyday life at least it is their choice.

[Deleted User]

mjm3346 wrote: »

A gift card is much more likely to end up not being used and thrown away than cash is and if the person would/needs to spend it in everyday life at least it is their choice.

Indeed. I've got about £15 of HMV gift card and £20 of Capital Bonds sitting unused, because there's nothing I want in those places, that wouldn't require me putting extra cash towards it.

smithrobbionson

I think GPT card is the best for me. The high point GPT gift card makes gift giving easy. The GPT Gift Card is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Aidy

Latest suggestions are that la senza, Blacks and Millets are all really struggling at present. HMV are often mentioned as well.

janeyfastcarr

Looks like D2 look dodgy too. Got my daughters boyfriend a £40 give card, when he went in to spend it the shop was nearly empty! The sales assistant said he really didnt know what was going on, luckily a girl came to the till with £40 cash for 2 pairs of shoes, and she happily exchanged her cash for the gift card. Think I`ll be giving cash next year coz you never know!

RHemmings

janeyfastcarr wrote: »

Looks like D2 look dodgy too. Got my daughters boyfriend a £40 give card, when he went in to spend it the shop was nearly empty! The sales assistant said he really didnt know what was going on, luckily a girl came to the till with £40 cash for 2 pairs of shoes, and she happily exchanged her cash for the gift card. Think I`ll be giving cash next year coz you never know!

Do you mean this D2?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-16350067

Looks like your daughter's BF may have been smart in getting rid of the gift card.

luxor4t

Aidy wrote: »

Latest suggestions are that la senza, Blacks and Millets are all really struggling at present. HMV are often mentioned as well.

The La Senza in Swansea is closing (poor sales, maybe lease is up for renewal too but not sure) so DD used up her birthday gift voucher just in case - even though she doesn't live here any more.