subject: The Benefits Of Using And Giving Gift Cards [print this page] The Benefits Of Using And Giving Gift Cards
Anyone who's ever had a long list of people to buy for knows how hard it is to get the perfect present for everyone on the shopping list. With gift cards, your worries are over. You can personalize your voucher selections to fit each person's individual taste without having to shop all over town or spend endless hours on the internet looking for the right item in the right size at the right price.
Make Gift Shopping Easier
One of the best reasons for choosing gift cards is the convenience. One size fits all, you don't have to comparison shop to find the best deal, and you don't have to worry about something being out of stock or the wrong color. In fact, they are the best way to ensure you're giving loved ones something that won't be returned or exchanged. The recipient can take the time to pick out something that fits, is the perfect color, and will give months of enjoyment.
Another added bonus is not having to make sure you get receipts for every purchase. Most of us have faced the disappointment of giving a present that isn't quite right. If you've lost or never received a receipt, the recipient is left having to either exchange the present for something else or get a store credit. If you've ever tried to return something without a proper receipt, you know the store will likely offer credit only for the lowest price ever offered on that item. If you buy an expensive item before Christmas that is discounted after the holidays, your loved one will not get full credit for what you paid, cheapening the item considerably and limiting what they can buy for themselves. The value of a gift card never goes down if you buy from the right store.
How many times have you given a present only to discover that someone else gave the recipient the same item? It's disappointing when you duplicate a present, but if you give a gift card, you can rest easy knowing the recipient will be sure to find something special that isn't duplicated.
Gift Cards Can Go To Far Flung Places
Do you give birthday and Christmas items to those nieces and nephews you only see once a year? They probably love getting something special from their favorite aunt or uncle, but it can be difficult keeping up with the interests and sizes of children. That niece that loved pink last year, may be into nothing but black this year. Don't run the risk of giving your relatives something that will have them rolling their eyes. Sizes change quickly, particularly for kids. If you buy a beautiful outfit in September, there's no guarantee it will still fit your nephew in December. A gift card from a store that offers lots of choices will be much more appreciated. You won't offend or disappoint anyone if you give the added benefit of choice. It's like offering them a day of shopping at no charge!
If you buy gift cards for everyone on your shopping list that lives far away, you'll also save a good deal of money on shipping costs. You can even use the money you save on wrapping, boxing up, and shipping bulky presents to treat yourself. The recipients will appreciate your generosity, never knowing that you actually saved money by not packing up and shipping presents to their house. Just add a festive card and you're done; you get to send presents for the cost of a stamp.
Gift Cards Aren't Just For Giving
Don't limit yourself to buying gift cards when you need a present for someone else. There are many ways to save money using them yourself. Some grocery stores offer points towards discounts or rewards programs when you shop with their vouchers. The internet features websites that offer cash back rewards or special pricing when you buy online.
If you enjoy shopping online, gift cards are a great way to do your shopping without using credit cards. With identity theft running rampant, using these secure vouchers is an excellent way to protect your identity and make sure you aren't taken advantage of online. There are even websites where you can purchase these vouchers and get electronically billed so that you can pay for these them outright in cash, eliminating the need to use credit or debit funds from your bank. With incentives like discounts and cash back rewards for using electronic billing, you'll have substantial savings when you shop.
Using online gift cards to pay for presents or essentials is also a great way to manage your budget. When you prepay or use electronic billing, you know exactly how much you have to spend and won't overextend yourself financially. Paying immediately for the voucher also means you won't end up being hit with interest charges or fees, keeping your spending under control while still getting great deals on what you need.
