Gift Certificate Policy?

[Fatindivid]

So I don't know if this is an business ethics question, moreso just a business question.....What is your gift certificate policy?  Do you have expiration dates?  Are you strict about enforcing them?  Can someone who has recieved a GC give it away if they dont want it? - Do you let them get a new GC issued to replace theirs for the other person as a gift?It has always been my policy to put an exp. date of 1 yr. - but take any expired ones too - customer service you know!   But this month is booked with expired GCs from even two years ago!  UGH! I'd like to change my policy - let me know what you guys do.For this Vday I also thought about including a valentines themed reminder magnet (from Vistaprint) with each GC reminding them to call for their appointment......good idea?thanks much!

 

[Lola S]

Gift Certificate Policy?

I recently attended the AMTA conference in Nashville and took a short business class.  The teacher said that it is going to be or already is in effect nationwide that gift certificates will not be allowed to have expiration dates.  Or you can do what Aralia suggested.  I put 6 months expiration date on mine anyway (I live in a small town) and if it's not used in 6 months, then I contact the buyer and let them come in on it.  I also inform everyone who purchases the gc about my policy so there is no mis-understandings.  When the gc isn't used and I call the buyer to come in, they usually make an appointment right then and I don't have them hanging over me for years.I do accept gc's that are 'expired' because it might have taken the person a while to come in but once they do, they're usually hooked.I also allow someone to give their gc to another, if they don't want it.I keep very good track of them because I do have one client who purchases bulk, like 20 at a time, then will 'forget' to bring one in.  When she's used out, she'll suddenly have the one she forgot to bring in and want an extra massage.  So now, I have a strict policy that you have to bring in the gc to receive the massage.Isn't that sneaky!?Another thing you can do to prevent being financially hurt by gc's coming in all at once is to put the money away into another account and 'pay' yourself when they come in to use it.

 

[legenddael]

Gift Certificate Policy?

Ah! Very good idea about the extra account and the calling!Being somewhat aware of that policy -  the year exp. date I used has always been more of an incentive thing, which is why I have always accepted "expired" Gcs.  I understand someone  might have had a "bad year" or a "busy year" - but come on folks - its a free massage!  You just can't get around to it?! ???I always let people give them away to someone else - but I get kind of irked when they come in and ask me to issue them a new one in place of the old so they can pass it off as a gift. - am I the only one with a problem about that? I might be.  I always do it anyway - it still getting someone on my table and keeps everyone happy......it just kind of irks me.also - I have already been in contact with the states  attorney general office about consumer laws and have been given an informal OK on not accepting expired GCs if that is, as the business owner, my choice.   I know I have been turned away for expired GCs elsewhere in my state.   I am covering my bases though and am waiting for the "official" returned call when my gal has looked up whats really on the books.I usually space gc appointments out in my week so I still have some cash flow - but this month really hit me - so I guess I had to vent about it a little bit and see if anyone else feels the same way sometimes  Sorry so long......I do still want to hear other therapists policies....

 

[ButtersRules]

Gift Certificate Policy?

I am not sure where the AMTA seminar giver gets his information, but there is no, nor is there likely to ever be - any nationwide standard on Gift Certificate expiration dates.That is clearly the purview of state and local governments.Would the feds ever consider such action, you can count on BestBuy, all the department stores and every national retailer in the country blocking such a notion.

 

[Arimesis]

Gift Certificate Policy?

I do not put an exp on my G/C's.  I don't think anyone should.  You got the money, why not give the service that someone has paid for?  My one big piece of advice is DO NOT SPEND THE MONEY until the redeemer comes in.  You're "cheating" the client as far as I see it.  You always here, and can read in the reply's here, that you "spread out the appointments" or push them off to a time that's better for you in other words.  This person has received a gift that someone else has paid hard-earned money for.  If you already spent the money and you see it as that you're not getting paid, that's your own fault.  You did get paid, you spent the money.  I do let gift card recepients give it to someone else...although I would never give them another card...they've got to just give them the card they have.  I always make sure that I put that money away and I never touch it until someone comes in to redeem.  I don't even look at it like that money is mine.  It will sit there until those cards are redeemed.  

 

[blackshoes]

Gift Certificate Policy?

I agree. You've already received the money. It only seems right that you accept the GCs when they come in. Granted, it could be a pain in the glutes if they turn them in years and years later, but that is one of the issues you rightfully should have considered. However, I do like the idea of putting a 'reminder date' on the certificate (you'll call on/or near a date to remind them to use the GC).

 

[Gitane Demone]

I do put an expiration date on my gift certificates, but it's more as a motivator to get them to make the appointment, than it is a true expiration.  If someone calls after the date, then I will extend it.  The exception to this is donations.  I stick to those expirations pretty solidly.  I used to call the giver and remind them when the certificate was about to expire.  I don't do that anymore, as it takes so much time and effort.  I also began to wonder about privacy issues as well.  It's not ethical of us to tell people that "jane smith" is my client.  Is it proper to tell people that someone has NOT come to us for massage?  Perhaps the recipient didn't want the massage for whatever reason, but didn't want to tell the giver.  So, instead they lie and tell them that they did get the massage.  And then we call the giver and say Jane hasn't used the certificate yet.  If the giver called and said "Has Jane used the certificate?"....what would you say?  It's the same as someone calling and saying "Is Jane Smith a client of yours?"  Of course, we know what we'd say to that direct question.  It just all gets a little muddled as far as I'm concerned, so I've backed off and don't chase them anymore.  I don't like taking people's money and not giving anything in return, but like another business person told me.....it's not my responsibility to make sure the certificate is used!I wouldn't want to get in the middle of something either.  The giver may feel rejection if the recipient doesn't use the gift.  The recipient might not use the certificate because they have just been diagnosed with cancer and don't want to share that news.....then there's an awkward situation when the giver asks "Why didn't you use the certifcate yet?"  Gets too complicated!As far as transferability goes, I will allow someone else to use the certificate only with the express consent of the receiver.  What would happen if Jane doesn't use the gift certificate and you offer it to the giver who uses it.....then Jane comes along with the certificate?  Yikes!  I will NOT re-issue a gift certificate so that it looks as if the receiver was actually the giver.   It takes time and money to do that.  

 

[Hurdy]

Gift Certificate Policy?

for a few years, i had no expiration dates on GC's. and i will honor those that may eventually come in from this time period. i feel it was my word, as i informed the buyer at time of sale.now i give them 1 year to the end of the month... meaning that if they buy it on may 5th, it is valid until may 31st the following year. i am very clear on this to the purchaser. they are always transferable... for the very reasons that kneaded just spoke of. i don't want to be in the middle of a gift thing.i've not been asked to reissue. i don't think i would.

 

[Claire Bear!]

Gift Certificate Policy?

I put a 6-month expiration date on MOST of my gift certs. If I run a special for a really low price, I will put a 3-month expiration date on them. I also count the money that I receive as a bonus for that certain time of year, and don't mind spending the money on bills. When they call to redeem the gift cert, I don't mind, as I've already been paid for it. Those who don't redeem, I don't call, as it's their perogative whether or not they want to redeem it. I'm not going to call someone and pester them into getting the massage, just as I wouldn't call a client and say "This person didn't redeem their certificate, so I'm mailing you a check for the amount of the service."If someone is buying a gc for someone else, that gc is the gift, not the service. What the receiver of the gift decides to do with the gift cert is their own business. If you give someone a check for $100 to spend on themselves, would you get upset if they used it on bills? Somewhat the same principal, the gift was the money and the thought, not the fact that the receiver would spend it on things.

 

[Izzy r]

Mimi...........THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE LINK ABOUT THE GIFT CERTIFICATES!!!!!!!!!!  Effective as of the first of this year we have to have all info. printed on the gift certificate......YIKES!  I'm glad I read that.  I will definitely be more diligent about it in the future.  If I fail to notify someone of the terms, etc. I will definitely be honoring whatever request they have.  Don't want to get in a legal tangle with them.  THANKS AGAIN!  I will be forwarding this info to others that I know so they don't find themselves battling with anyone either.  thank you!  thank you!

 

[Pompal 09.]

I don't view it as pestering my potential clients. For many, they've never had a massage before.  Calling them at least brings my voice to the picture.  They sense my demeanor and professionalism and gain a further understanding of what massage is about and what to expect.Many are glad I called.  I usually wait 2-3 months.  Since 99 percent rebook, it's potential clientele twisting in the wind, if I don't.  

 

[Pompal 09.]

Gift Certificate Policy?

I will put a 3-month expiration date on mine. and i stamp them as non refundable

 

[Junkers565]

Only 3 months??  Why such a short amount of time?  Honestly, if I went to a place to purchase a gift card and they said it expired in 3 months, I'd turn around and walk out.  Do you tell people it expires that soon or do you let them figure it out when they get home?  Just curious...

 

[arslan_018]

Gift Certificate Policy?

i tell them . plus its stamped on the certificate and the recipt. i have a 10 year back ground in retail management b4 becomeine a therapist. i know how some customers operate. hold on to a gift certificate 2 years then turn around and want to use it. allot of things could happen in that time. i could get sick , no longer be working, could move or something. i stamp 3 months except when its bought as a christmas gift. then i stamp it 3 months from dec 25..

 

[been there done that]

When filling out a gif certificate, I enter the purchase price/dollar amt on the front of the cert with a listing of services & prices on the back side and a line that reads 'prices of services subject to change'  that way, if someone brings in a cert 2yrs from now and prices have increased, I simply require the difference to be paid.

 

[jerem]

Gift Certificate Policy?

here in the state of ga. theres no set laws regarding expiration date. on gift certificates or gift cards. most places here offer anything from 90 days to one year..

 

[Rusty Steele]

This just in

I found an alternative to "expiring" gift certificates that many may be interested in.

Chick fil A just sent out some coupons. They say: "Please use by ." in the lower right hand corner where there would usually be an expiration date.

Hope it helps someone.

 

[the chubbster]

hey texas gal, that's a great statement to make! i don't ever put a date on my gift cards but when i donate a gift card i do like to put a date on it. i would always let them use it whenever they wanted to but i'd put a date on it to urge them to come in and use it. this would be a great way to state it without having an expiration date!

thanks!

 

[Rebekah B]

I like T-G's idea, too

This's what I've done and it's worked so far, so maybe it can help someone...

I give ppl the choice between purchasing a GC for #1) a specific $ amount, or #2) a specific service or duration of session or whatever. In either case, my GCs never expire, period. (They're not refundable but they are transferrable.) To deal with the problem of a GC being purchased at one price and then being redeemed a long time later after several rate increases, I write "Date issued: " and explain that I honor that price for a year from that date. While GCs don't expire, if it is redeemed MORE than a year after purchase, then the redeemer is responsible for any price difference if I've raised my rates.

So for example...
If the GC was purchased for an hour massage for $60 and is redeemed 2 years later and my 1-hour rate is now $70, the redeemer pays an extra $10.
If the GC was purchased for an hour massage for $60 and is redeemed 9 months later and my 1-hour rate is now $70, the $60 price is honored and the redeemer pays no extra (because the GC has been outstanding for under a year.)

Hope that's not too confusing.
Hugs,
~Jyoti