Gift Certificate question

[bumblebee2k9]

I may be leaving my rented office space soon. I've sold some GC's that haven't been redeemed. I planned on calling the people and asking them if they'd like to schedule and letting them know it must be used within a specified period of time due to closure of the office. Now I know there is at least one GC that the salon sold for me and I don't have contact info... so I hope I can get in contact with that person.Anyway, I'm wondering- am I obligated to give a refund if anyone asks for one? Some of my GC's stated 'no refund', some may not have. I'm a little worried about this, cause I know I just can't afford it right now...

 

[Pompal 09.]

Gift Certificate question

I'm sorry to say that you may be obliged to refund the money.  You may want to check leglislation for your state regarding GC sales. Some states it is illegal to expire GC sales and must be available to redeem for cash.

Here's a link to the legislation for all states:

http://www.ncsl.org/programs/banking/GiftCardsandCerts.htm

Hope this helps.

 

[Pawan J]

Gift Certificate question

Thanks for posting Talenyn. Now I'm wondering if I should even try to contact the people and tell them anything?? Since I use my cell for my current office, when I left I thought I'd put the phone # for the establishment I'll be working at as an independant contractor on my voicemail message, so prospective clients would know where I'm working. Since at the new job I'll be paying a rent fee as opposed to a percent from each session, I may be allowed to honor my old GC's at the new location. However I kinda feel it would be unethical to not contact them- but, some of these GC's are from Mother's Day- so they may not intend on even using them.Thoughts?

 

[nickie]

Gift Certificate question

It will be really good for your reputation if you go ahead and call those clients to inform them of your move and where they can call if they want to use their gc's. Even if they don't come in, they will remember that you cared enough to inform them of your move which will benenfit you in the long run.

 

[American Guitarist]

i think you should call them.  it would be one thing if you didn't have any contact info but seeing you do, you really should.  as for a refund....the answer is yes.  this is a really good reason to not spend the money before you have earned it, then you wouldn't have to worry about it.  something to think about at your new location.  btw, why would they not intend on using them since they were for mother's day? i'm not sure i understand that comment.  heck, i've got a gift card for a spa for christmas that i haven't used yet but i fully intend to.  

 

[Greta]

Gift Certificate question

Thanks for your comments everyone. I felt like I should call, just wanted some other perspectives. I also stated terab that I would leave the phone # to the new office on my voicemail message, and also stated I was going to check with the new place to see if it was a problem to honor my old GC's there if I need too.Yeah, I know that the GC money shouldn't be used till the GC is redeemed... however it's been tuff to even make rent at this office. Definately some lessons learned. I read somewhere that like 50% of GC's are never redeemed. When I get a gift card or GC for something, I use it! I don't sit on it for months. Someone buys you a great gift like that to treat yourself and some people actually don't use it!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Gift Certificate question

What's funny is that I was told in mt school (many years ago) the same thing, that only 50% of gc's get used.In my own business and working for others, I find that not to be true. Almost all gc's I have sold or have been sold where I work are used eventually.