The State of e-Commerce: Part 2
On the heels of one rant, here’s another about the same company.
I have quite a bit of money tied up in gift cards for a specific retailer. All along I’ve assumed I could use them when I went to make an online purchase, since it’s as good as cash or credit card. I assumed incorrectly.
As the Gift Cards page states:
“Only valid for retail purchases of products and services at any CompUSA retail store. Not valid for corporate, government, education, mail order, direct or Internet purchases.”
Huh? Why would I be unable to use gift cards to make a purchase online?
I think gift cards are a huge joke…right next to rebates. If someone gives me a gift card, it should be treated no differently than if someone gave me a $50 bill. Additionally, if I want to return my gift card, I should get cash back for it just as if I was returning an unopened item. Instead, you’re forced to buy something from the retailer. So if everyone gets non-refundable gift cards, what incentive is there for retailers to come out with innovative new products?