Gift cards are a bad tool. They are essentially a poor version of money. They are more restrictive than money. They incur fees not incurred when using money. The only redeeming value seems to be they are less socially unacceptable than just giving cash. We should change that attitude. If you are giving cash – just give actually cash not the less useful for of cash that is a gift card.
The Sharper Image Suspends Acceptance Of Gift Cards Due To Bankruptcy
After receiving several complaints that gift certificates were not being honored by the store the Consumerist was able to confirm via email with the Sharper Image’s corporate sales staff that the retailer is no longer selling or accepting the cards.
Related: Customer Hostility from Discover Card – Too Much Stuff – Sneaky Fees