Vouchers / GiftCards postage query

Jumpinbeans

I am looking at purchasing a large amount of gift card vouchers through a work scheme which saves me some money on a purchase i want to make. The company I am buying them from offers a variety of "postage" options ranging from first class (just over £1) to special delivery insured (just over £10).

As I am going to be buying a large amount, my question is....

When i place an order online, Does the seller have an obligation under the Distance Selling Regulations to ensure the item arrives safe and thus is there any need for me to insure the order?

I have seen a post on citizens advice regarding what to do if something you ordered doesn't arrive and wondered if it applied to vouchers too

If something you ordered hasn't arrived

This advice applies to England Share this advice Print
If something you’ve ordered hasn't arrived, you should contact the seller to find out where it is.

It’s the seller’s legal responsibility to make sure the item is delivered to you. They should chase the delivery company and let you know what’s happened to your item.

If your item wasn't delivered to the location you agreed (eg it was left with your neighbour without your consent), it's the seller's legal responsibility to sort out the issue.

If the item doesn't turn up, you’re legally entitled to a replacement or refund.

Any help/advice would be appreciated.
Andrew

wealdroam

Jumpinbeans wrote: »

I am looking at purchasing a large amount of gift card vouchers through a work scheme which saves me some money on a purchase i want to make. The company I am buying them from offers a variety of "postage" options ranging from first class (just over £1) to special delivery insured (just over £10).

As I am going to be buying a large amount, my question is....

When i place an order online, Does the seller have an obligation under the Distance Selling Regulations to ensure the item arrives safe and thus is there any need for me to insure the order?

I have seen a post on citizens advice regarding what to do if something you ordered doesn't arrive and wondered if it applied to vouchers too

If something you ordered hasn't arrived

This advice applies to England Share this advice Print
If something you’ve ordered hasn't arrived, you should contact the seller to find out where it is.

It’s the seller’s legal responsibility to make sure the item is delivered to you. They should chase the delivery company and let you know what’s happened to your item.

If your item wasn't delivered to the location you agreed (eg it was left with your neighbour without your consent), it's the seller's legal responsibility to sort out the issue.

If the item doesn't turn up, you’re legally entitled to a replacement or refund.

Any help/advice would be appreciated.
Andrew

That CAB advice applies to anything being sold - including vouchers and gift cards. They remain at the risk of the sender until delivered and the seller should take out insurance cover if they feel the risk warrants it.

Jumpinbeans

Thanks very much Wealdroam. Seems a little bit cheeky the company asking for the purchaser to insure the product which they have an obligation to ensure it arrives.

Thanks for explaining

wealdroam

Jumpinbeans wrote: »

Thanks very much Wealdroam. Seems a little bit cheeky the company asking for the purchaser to insure the product which they have an obligation to ensure it arrives.

Thanks for explaining

Remember RM Special Delivery offers more than insurance.
For example, guaranteed next day delivery might be important to you.

LilElvis

Jumpinbeans wrote: »

Thanks very much Wealdroam. Seems a little bit cheeky the company asking for the purchaser to insure the product which they have an obligation to ensure it arrives.

Thanks for explaining

It also depends on how urgently you want to use the vouchers. Should they go AWOL in the mail there will probably be a sizeable wait in case they arrive late, another wait whilst they get RM to investigate and yet another one whilst they cancel the vouchers and reissue them.

paddyrg

I'd suggest that the vendor has the right to insist that orders over £40 (or whatever the uninsured limit is for first class mail) must be sent via the insured carrier, or not sent at all.

Remember, those voucher schemes are typically a few percent savings, but you lock your cash into a time-sensitive, easy to lose, limited vendor, unprotected scheme. After a tenner postage eating into those few percent, is it really such a great deal? If the store hits the rocks, you're an unsecured creditor and likely lose the lot.

You may find you can get better cash deals with the store manager just for asking, if it's a large amount as suggested. Even 3% on £2k is better value than the vouchers, and keeps your options open if their competitors have a sale?

mije1983

paddyrg wrote: »

Even 3% on £2k is better value than the vouchers, and keeps your options open if their competitors have a sale?

But the OP hasn't said how much of a discount they are getting so how can you assume 3% for a cash purchase is better?

As an example, my old employer used to offer discounts on Love2Shop vouchers and it worked out at an 8% saving.

shaun_from_Africa

paddyrg wrote: »

I'd suggest that the vendor has the right to insist that orders over £40 (or whatever the uninsured limit is for first class mail) must be sent via the insured carrier, or not sent at all.

Yes, they can insist on Special delivery if that is the only service offered but from reading what the OP stated, it doesn't appear to be that this is what the vendor is doing.
They are offering a variety of postage options including 1st class and if the OP takes up this option, any loss incurred is still the responsibility of the vendor.

If the vouchers in question are redeemable by anyone then there is no cover for loss at all if send 1st class.