It’s Time To Spend Your Gift Cards!
Expiry dates
Some – such as cards from John Lewis – have no expiry date, but many do and the validity period can vary enormously. Don’t assume there is no cut-off date if none is marked, either.
Protect yourself
For spends over £100, paying by credit card is the best way of protecting yourself because should a company go bust, you can claim the money back through your credit card provider. Chargeback schemes offer similar services to customers who paid by debit card or if the credit card purchase isn’t covered by section 75. It can be more of a struggle to claim money back via this route.
Don’t save them for a rainy day!
For once, adopt a spend-sooner-rather-than-later attitude! Event gift cards, such as Ticketmaster, are popular, but bear in mind you cannot extend the validity period. There’s no point hanging on to them for that special event if booking doesn’t open until after the card has expired. Unfortunately it seems that these days, you never know which retailer will fold next.
Make the most of manufacturers’ guarantees
Once you’ve bought your item, even if a trader ceases to exist. If the purchase proves faulty you may still be able to get your money back. Or a replacement by going direct to the manufacturer. This will only work if your issue with the item is within the manufacturer’s warranty period, which is typically one year.
One for all
Instead of buying a voucher that’s specific to one store, buy the One4all card from the Post Office, which can be used at 17,000 retail outlets, including Boots and Debenhams. Should one store close, your gift recipient will have plenty of other shops to choose from!
National Book Tokens
From WH Smith and Waterstones through to independent book shops. National Book Tokens can be used in thousands of bookshops across the UK.
National Garden Gift Vouchers
Are fantastic for green-fingered friends, National Garden Gift Vouchers can be spent at over 2,000 UK garden centres, including Homebase.
