| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: [1] 2 |
MissJones
I need a nap!
Member since 5/05 22136 total posts
Name:
|
Using gift cards
Just Prior to COVID, I got a substantial gift certificate to my nail place.
I have not used it but would like to go this week to get them done.
I feel so bad using the gift card.
Have you used gift cards done COVID
Message edited 12/11/2020 3:12:18 AM.
|
Posted 12/11/20 3:11 AM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Katareen
5,000 Posts!
Member since 4/10 7180 total posts
Name:
Katherine
|
Using gift cards
Yes definitely. Just tip well!
|
| Posted 12/11/20 10:49 AM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Using gift cards
Why? Hadn’t the nail place been open for 6 or 7 months?
|
| Posted 12/11/20 11:13 AM |
| |
|
NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
|
Re: Using gift cards
Yes I have. I always overtip though
|
| Posted 12/11/20 11:25 AM |
| |
|
Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Using gift cards
I am using any gift cards that I have, I see no reason not to. If it's at a place where you receive a service (nail salon, hair salon, etc) just give a good tip. 
|
| Posted 12/11/20 11:46 AM |
| |
|
MissJones
I need a nap!
Member since 5/05 22136 total posts
Name:
|
Using gift cards
I definitely over tip lol so that’s not a problem
Thanks for reassuring me!
|
| Posted 12/11/20 12:48 PM |
| |
|
ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
Name:
|
Using gift cards
We went out to dinner last week to use a large giftcard we had - I felt bad but we tipped well to make up for it.
|
| Posted 12/11/20 3:08 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Using gift cards
I would use them now as places are going out of business. Depending on how much the gift card is for I might spend a bit more on the meal than the gc is worth and also give a large tip.
|
| Posted 12/11/20 5:39 PM |
| |
|
Sparrow
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 6826 total posts
Name:
|
Using gift cards
Maybe do half gift card and half cash to make it not as bad for the business. Yes, tipping well is nice for the technician or server but it doesn't help the restaurant or salon, etc pay their bills.
I'd feel bad using them personally but I'm also a small business owner so I know firsthand how hard it is.
|
| Posted 12/11/20 6:30 PM |
| |
|
MissJones
I need a nap!
Member since 5/05 22136 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by Sparrow
Maybe do half gift card and half cash to make it not as bad for the business. Yes, tipping well is nice for the technician or server but it doesn't help the restaurant or salon, etc pay their bills.
I'd feel bad using them personally but I'm also a small business owner so I know firsthand how hard it is.
That’s a good point!
|
| Posted 12/11/20 9:08 PM |
| |
|
M514
Hi
Member since 8/10 6011 total posts
Name:
|
Using gift cards
I’m confused as to why someone wouldn’t want to use a gift card? The business already made money when the gift card was purchased. And all these businesses are still selling gift cards. I’m just curious as to the rationale behind feeling bad about using a gift card?
|
| Posted 12/11/20 10:10 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by M514
I’m confused as to why someone wouldn’t want to use a gift card? The business already made money when the gift card was purchased. And all these businesses are still selling gift cards. I’m just curious as to the rationale behind feeling bad about using a gift card?
On top of that, this one is for a nail salon which have been opened for over a half of a year. IME every time I go the place is packed so they are not hurting for money like some places like restaurants might be.
|
| Posted 12/11/20 10:12 PM |
| |
|
NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by M514
I’m confused as to why someone wouldn’t want to use a gift card? The business already made money when the gift card was purchased. And all these businesses are still selling gift cards. I’m just curious as to the rationale behind feeling bad about using a gift card?
I agree with this. It's not like you are using a coupon for a free meal. The gift card was purchased and the place recognized the revenue without incurring any costs at the time. Accounting standards work dictate they need to incur that cost/provide the service to square it up
|
| Posted 12/11/20 10:16 PM |
| |
|
Sparrow
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 6826 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by M514
I’m confused as to why someone wouldn’t want to use a gift card? The business already made money when the gift card was purchased. And all these businesses are still selling gift cards. I’m just curious as to the rationale behind feeling bad about using a gift card?
I agree with this. It's not like you are using a coupon for a free meal. The gift card was purchased and the place recognized the revenue without incurring any costs at the time. Accounting standards work dictate they need to incur that cost/provide the service to square it up
Yes, in an ideal world, this would all work out. I can speak to mom and pop restaurants having worked in them all my life, they are not holding onto the gift certificate money when they're purchased, they're using them towards current bills, which is why many gift certificates expire after a year.
A hardship like Covid was completely unexpected and they're hurting bad, many have already closed. Now people show up, take up a table while they're already at reduced capaity, eat, drink and pay nothing except a generous tip to the server. Certainly isn't going to help them and will actually cost them more money right now.
Everyone is entitled to use their gift cards, I just personally don't feel right about it. I'd rather lose my $100 gift then kick a small business while they're down but I am aware that most people don't see it that way. I don't think this occurs to people who aren't business owners.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 12:52 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by Sparrow
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by M514
I’m confused as to why someone wouldn’t want to use a gift card? The business already made money when the gift card was purchased. And all these businesses are still selling gift cards. I’m just curious as to the rationale behind feeling bad about using a gift card?
I agree with this. It's not like you are using a coupon for a free meal. The gift card was purchased and the place recognized the revenue without incurring any costs at the time. Accounting standards work dictate they need to incur that cost/provide the service to square it up
Yes, in an ideal world, this would all work out. I can speak to mom and pop restaurants having worked in them all my life, they are not holding onto the gift certificate money when they're purchased, they're using them towards current bills, which is why many gift certificates expire after a year.
A hardship like Covid was completely unexpected and they're hurting bad, many have already closed. Now people show up, take up a table while they're already at reduced capaity, eat, drink and pay nothing except a generous tip to the server. Certainly isn't going to help them and will actually cost them more money right now.
Everyone is entitled to use their gift cards, I just personally don't feel right about it. I'd rather lose my $100 gift then kick a small business while they're down but I am aware that most people don't see it that way. I don't think this occurs to people who aren't business owners.
Totally understand this but she is speaking of a nail salon. These places, IME still doing well.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 1:41 AM |
| |
|
GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
|
Re: Using gift cards
I can see both sides. Right now, since I'm doing fine financially, I wouldn't use a gift card. However, lots of people have lost their jobs, and/or aren't doing well financially, so they can't afford to "give up" that $100 that they paid for months ago.
It's rough on everyone.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 1:45 AM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by GoldenRod
I can see both sides. Right now, since I'm doing fine financially, I wouldn't use a gift card. However, lots of people have lost their jobs, and/or aren't doing well financially, so they can't afford to "give up" that $100 that they paid for months ago.
It's rough on everyone.
So if you were gifted you wouldn’t use it? We are blessed that we have both kept our jobs and gotten raises but if I was gifted a card, which I know I will be for Christmas, I will use it. I also bought my kids a ton of gift cards as they are older and harder to buy for.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 1:49 AM |
| |
|
GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by valentinesbaby48
Posted by GoldenRod
I can see both sides. Right now, since I'm doing fine financially, I wouldn't use a gift card. However, lots of people have lost their jobs, and/or aren't doing well financially, so they can't afford to "give up" that $100 that they paid for months ago.
It's rough on everyone.
So if you were gifted you wouldn’t use it? We are blessed that we have both kept our jobs and gotten raises but if I was gifted a card, which I know I will be for Christmas, I will use it. I also bought my kids a ton of gift cards as they are older and harder to buy for.
Me, personally, no. I've been donating a lot more than usual, and doing what I can to help small businesses, but I don't consider myself the norm, nor do I expect anyone to be able to do what I do.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 1:55 AM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by GoldenRod
Posted by valentinesbaby48
Posted by GoldenRod
I can see both sides. Right now, since I'm doing fine financially, I wouldn't use a gift card. However, lots of people have lost their jobs, and/or aren't doing well financially, so they can't afford to "give up" that $100 that they paid for months ago.
It's rough on everyone.
So if you were gifted you wouldn’t use it? We are blessed that we have both kept our jobs and gotten raises but if I was gifted a card, which I know I will be for Christmas, I will use it. I also bought my kids a ton of gift cards as they are older and harder to buy for.
Me, personally, no. I've been donating a lot more than usual, and doing what I can to help small businesses, but I don't consider myself the norm, nor do I expect anyone to be able to do what I do.
That’s nice. We help small businesses too. I know the gc I get will help one of the small businesses in my town when I use it.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 1:58 AM |
| |
|
RainyDay
LIF Adult
Member since 6/15 3990 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by valentinesbaby48
Posted by GoldenRod
Posted by valentinesbaby48
Posted by GoldenRod
I can see both sides. Right now, since I'm doing fine financially, I wouldn't use a gift card. However, lots of people have lost their jobs, and/or aren't doing well financially, so they can't afford to "give up" that $100 that they paid for months ago.
It's rough on everyone.
So if you were gifted you wouldn’t use it? We are blessed that we have both kept our jobs and gotten raises but if I was gifted a card, which I know I will be for Christmas, I will use it. I also bought my kids a ton of gift cards as they are older and harder to buy for.
Me, personally, no. I've been donating a lot more than usual, and doing what I can to help small businesses, but I don't consider myself the norm, nor do I expect anyone to be able to do what I do.
That’s nice. We help small businesses too. I know the gc I get will help one of the small businesses in my town when I use it.
It will at time of purchase but not at the time you use it.
The wait staff would benefit as long as you tip.
I just found a gift card to a restaurant from last christmas we never used and I would feel funny using it now. I find when we eat out we have been doing more so at the locally owned restaurants instead of chains.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 11:27 AM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by RainyDay
Posted by valentinesbaby48
Posted by GoldenRod
Posted by valentinesbaby48
Posted by GoldenRod
I can see both sides. Right now, since I'm doing fine financially, I wouldn't use a gift card. However, lots of people have lost their jobs, and/or aren't doing well financially, so they can't afford to "give up" that $100 that they paid for months ago.
It's rough on everyone.
So if you were gifted you wouldn’t use it? We are blessed that we have both kept our jobs and gotten raises but if I was gifted a card, which I know I will be for Christmas, I will use it. I also bought my kids a ton of gift cards as they are older and harder to buy for.
Me, personally, no. I've been donating a lot more than usual, and doing what I can to help small businesses, but I don't consider myself the norm, nor do I expect anyone to be able to do what I do.
That’s nice. We help small businesses too. I know the gc I get will help one of the small businesses in my town when I use it.
It will at time of purchase but not at the time you use it.
The wait staff would benefit as long as you tip.
I just found a gift card to a restaurant from last christmas we never used and I would feel funny using it now. I find when we eat out we have been doing more so at the locally owned restaurants instead of chains.
Why would you feel funny? I understand helping small businesses but someone got you that card to use and paid for it.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 11:40 AM |
| |
|
NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
|
Re: Using gift cards
I'm just confused because if you are buying someone a gift card this year do you not expect them to use it? Or is it a donation to the restaurant in their name?
When we go we usually spend more than the gift card. It also gets us to try a place we may have not tried and become customers in the future to that place.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 12:27 PM |
| |
|
PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7619 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
|
Using gift cards
We’ve used gift cards since things have reopened.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 12:50 PM |
| |
|
Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by NervousNell
I'm just confused because if you are buying someone a gift card this year do you not expect them to use it? Or is it a donation to the restaurant in their name?
When we go we usually spend more than the gift card. It also gets us to try a place we may have not tried and become customers in the future to that place.
Me too.. if you want to help small businesses then actually patronize them regularly. Obviously only if you can afford it and it was part of your normal routine. Whether you use a gift card once or not is not really the problem here. Hiding out and not patronizing these businesses is what is killing them. Losing their regular customer base because of the pandemic and these shutdowns is the real issue. The government and their stupid hypocritical / illogical rules is what’s ruining these businesses.
Our Government: Target good / small shops bad - then releases messages/commercials to the people for us to please help patronize these small shops. After the government shuts them down with no funding and scares the crap out people to even enter these places. Now it’s the people’s problem to help.  
I say use the GC, tip the technician. If you feel bad, buy another GC and give it as a gift. Or you can add more services to your visit or go again in two weeks since you didn’t spend on this trip.
Message edited 12/12/2020 2:11:31 PM.
|
| Posted 12/12/20 1:51 PM |
| |
|
Sparrow
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 6826 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Using gift cards
Posted by NervousNell
I'm just confused because if you are buying someone a gift card this year do you not expect them to use it? Or is it a donation to the restaurant in their name?
When we go we usually spend more than the gift card. It also gets us to try a place we may have not tried and become customers in the future to that place.
I don't think it's a big deal if it's bought now as a holiday gift then used in the somewhat near future. I was refering to gift certificates bought before Covid and being used now. Especially the "They might go out of business soon, better use my gift" I find sad. Just put the final nail in the coffin?
|
| Posted 12/12/20 2:55 PM |
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 |
