Bulk gift cards are offered by many retailers as well as by Visa, American Express, banks and other credit card companies.http://www.americanexpress.com/gift/giftcardslandings.shtml These cards are used as employee incentives, for customer appreciation awards and to recognize special events. For large purchases, customization with a company logo or design is usually an option for credit card or bank gift cards. Gift cards can also be purchased in bulk as an individual if the consumer plans to distribute a large number of gift cards. Buying gift cards in bulk usually saves money.
Policies and Restrictions
Some bulk gift cards offer the ability to add a business logo or design. Competitive gift cards will feature no monthly usage fee, and no lost value. Buying bulk gift cards from a credit card company or bank will allow the gift recipient to use the gift at more businesses. However, bulk gift cards from a retailer may provide a greater discount.
Cards with a major credit card company logo on them, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express can be used at locations where debit cards of the same company are honored.
Some cards carry expiration dates, or hidden fees that can diminish the value of the cards greatly. Some are reloadable, and others are not. Some cards cannot be replaced if lost.http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/shopping/shopping-tips/gift-card-pitfalls-12-07/overview/gift-card-pitfalls-ov.htm http://www.forbes.com/2008/11/26/gift-cards-shopping-forbeslife-cx_jp_1128lifestyle.html http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=660468n More information on fees can be found at how to avoid gift card fees.
When buying the cards, there are options that can be considered, such as branding the cards to be used at only one merchant location.
Buying Bulk Gift Cards
In this short video put out by GiftCardRescue.com, the representative discusses an individual buying bulk gift cards and some of the reasons why he might want to do it. These include things like making a big purchase but wanting to save money. Since they offer gift cards in bulk at a discount, the shopper can purchase the cards, then go make the purchase using the cards, thereby saving more. He mentions that they offer payment options and shipping options to get the cards to the consumer faster. He also says if they don't have the cards the customer wants, he should email them and they can hold them for him.
References
Fast Facts
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Uses
Employee incentives, customer rewards, special events
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Types of Gift Cards
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, retail store
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Fact:
Some cards can be branded with a logo, or to be used only at one merchant
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Fact:
Each card has policies that go with it, which may include fees or expiration dates
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Fact:
Buying gift cards in bulk can save money
