How to Buy a Gift Card

A gift voucher is a certificate or money order type of document that can be used as payment for goods or services. These are often offered by businesses like restaurants, hotels, hair salons, train companies, theme parks and airlines. Gift cards can also be used to purchase a product or experience on the internet. These can be a great alternative to giving cash as they are much more personal and give the recipient the freedom to choose what they really want.

There are many reasons to buy a gift card, from birthdays and Christmas to weddings and other special occasions. They can be especially useful for those hard-to-buy-for friends or relatives who have everything. Gift cards are also more convenient and safer than giving cash, as the recipient can spend the money when they want to.

When buying a gift card, check it is valid for use in the store you intend it to be used at. Check the terms and conditions to see if there are any restrictions or exceptions, and make sure you are not giving a gift that will only be redeemable for cash. Also, check whether there is an expiry date and how long it takes to reach the value.

It is a good idea to write down the code or numbers on the back of the voucher before you use it. This can help you track the balance and find out how much is left to spend. It is also a good idea to keep a record of the voucher number or codes in case they are lost, stolen or damaged. You can do this by entering them into a spreadsheet, or you can download an app that will automatically track the balance and expiry date for you.

If a company goes bust, it is unlikely that you will be able to use the vouchers as they are usually not transferable. You can try to make a claim with the administrators or liquidators, but this is unlikely to be successful. Alternatively, you can check the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s list of insolvency-related websites to see if any of the companies that offer gift cards are registered with them.

Gift card companies often include extras on their products and experiences that are not covered by the gift card value. This can include things like photos and additional equipment. Some of these extras can be purchased after the customer has completed their booking. It is important to understand the pricing structure of these products and experiences so that you can be transparent with your customers.

It is also a good idea to consider using e-gift cards, rather than physical gift certificates, for large orders. This can reduce the amount of waste created by unused gift cards. You can also save on postage costs and the risk of losing a certificate in transit. In addition, it is easier to send a personalised email with an e-gift card than it is to print a physical gift card.