spinoff: How do you feel about G/Cs having expiration dates

[gutter_fly]

The fine print on my GCs reads:

-Not redeemable for cash
-Must present original certificate to receive goods/services
-$XX maximum service redemption value
-This certificate is good for one 60-minute session at time of purchase; dividing time into separate sessions will incur an extra charge
-Price increases since date of purchase may be payable at time of redemption
-Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice void this certificate

It's as lot to get on there, but it really helps to be able to show that it's all spelled out. Then if I do bend my "rules" a little, the client ends up feeling I've been generous.

 

[Heidi K]

thanks Beccy. Here's what mine says:

No refunds or cash back. Not redeemable for cash. Must present original Gc to receive service. This certificate is good for the service indicated, dividing time into separate session or substituting for another service is at the therapist's discretion only and may result in an additional charge. Same day cancellations or "no shows" will void this certificate
Advance appointments are appreciated. We regret that we cannot guarantee same day appointments and that walk ins cannot be accomodated"

 

[BritneyM]

I don't sell a lot of gift certificates, but I do give out a number of them at no cost. I am in a state where you can have an expiration date on them, and I think it is especially good for this situation.

If I give one/multiples for free and the recipient/s doesn't/don't choose to use it (usually a doctors office I am marketing to), then I would prefer not to have it hanging out there in the wind for the next umpteen years.

Just a slight spin on why expiration dates can be good.



PS: I'm not chinchy with them either. I really do try to provide for at least 5-10 at a time when it is a big office. Getting people to redeem them seems to be thr problem. People sit on GC's until the sun doesn't shine, unfortunately. If they didn't pay for it, it seems to be less important.

 

[xoCircles]

FTR, I don't know that I have an opinion on these laws WRT small businesses like ours. I am very much in favor of these laws when it comes to much larger businesses -- not because I think they are "evil," but because I have had gift cards to dept. stores expire and it just made me so mad! (Hard to imagine I know ) The idea that the store offered the option to pre-buy a set value, took the money, and then decided to keep the money without delivering anything to the customer -- well it chapped my hide. So . . .

In order to be consistent, I have to apply the same standard to my own small business.

I see the point about a "nanny state." But if some businesses are acting like they NEED a nanny, we all end up with one. I'm not sure what a better solution would be.

 

[Ness]

I don't sell a lot of gift certificates, but I do give out a number of them at no cost. I am in a state where you can have an expiration date on them, and I think it is especially good for this situation.

Our state law allows an expiration on GCs for which no cash or trade has been exchanged.