About 3 million salaried workers (about 75% of salaried workers in the economy) are currently receiving a holiday gift from their workplace.
Employers have long understood that in a “character or gift” contest, a gift has no chance and most employees receive the holiday gift with notes.
The gift of gift cards pleases all parties – a lot of money goes into the hands of consumers, stores offer attractive promotions and compete for the consumer’s pocket, at gift fairs set up especially for Rosh Hashanah. The holiday becomes just another excuse, particularly compelling, for shopping trips.
Receiving gift cards is one thing, but using them is another story. There are those who use the gift cards wisely and there are those who are less. There are those for whom gift cards disappear without account, and there are those who relate more thoughtfully to the gift they received.
Here are some rules to help you get on the right side of the equation:
- Gift cards = income: Gift cards are not a lottery win meant for “luxury.” This is income for all intents and purposes intended to cover the family’s expenses.
- Small print – big trouble: The fine print has many restrictions on the use of gift cards. Avoid yourself “surprises” and double disappointments at the box office due to not honoring double promotions. Be sure to read the fine print before going shopping and check in advance which stores and chains honor the gift you received.
- That’s it! It is forbidden to add conditions to the purchase mark that do not appear on it or on the regulations accompanying it. If you encounter a business that does so or violates the terms of use of the characters, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Council.
- Surplus: If you paid in notes and received a change in the form of a credit, the business owner must allow the credit to be redeemed at any of its branches, but he may limit the use of the credit at a branch with a different trade name.
- Everything is expected and permission is given : the character or attached page should appear in clear and prominent letters: the name of the issuer of the character, the date of issue, the expiration date if any: A time-limited character will be valid for at least five years from the date of issue. But be aware! If a bankruptcy or liquidation order is issued against the issuer of the badge, the holder of the notes will no longer be able to use them.
- Split and earn: In cases where you arrive at the checkout and are informed that you will not be able to enjoy double promotions if you pay with gift cards or you will not be able to accumulate or use your loyalty points, it pays to split the payment for the purchase in two and pay part in the gift cards and part in other payment methods.
- Private purchase: The companies that issue gift cards also allow private individuals to purchase gift cards at a discount through various entities, such as credit card companies, trade unions and commercial organizations. You have decided to purchase gift cards, compare prices and benefits between the companies issuing the gift cards, and choose the deal that suits you.
- With regrets! Purchasing gift cards is a normal transaction and the seller must specify the possibility of replacing the product and his warranty for defective products. If you returned a product that you purchased with purchase vouchers and received a credit voucher, the merchant may limit the use of the credit under the same restrictive conditions that appear on the purchase mark/card.
- Don’t be tempted: often the very existence of gift cards causes us to purchase more than planned.
- If you don’t take how to use them: Remember to put the card(s) in your wallet so you don’t forget to use them.
