6 month Expiry?

Jennie@ifish · 11-28-2006, 06:57 PM

I'm so bummed.

I don't do facials, etc, massages much.

They are what I consider real treats. Some women get them all the time. I get all excited about them, and save up and do it once a year... if that.

In fact, I've never had a facial.

So, my sisters bought me one at a real upscale place downtown. A gift certificate. I horded it... Planned it for a full year... I was going to stay downtown and shop, and get a facial and a massage. Just for me! I thought I'd do it before my surgery, just to make me feel good.

So... I go to plan it, and get the phone number off of the gift certificate that I got for my Birthday 10 months ago. I figured it would expire, so I better just DO IT rather than dream about it. It's a good time. I can't see to do much else, so???

IT is expired! I couldn't believe it!

Tiny print. I had Bill read it. "Expires 6 months after the date of purchase."

Is that normal?

Is that how things are? 6 months? I can't help but be disappointed. I'm so bummed!

It was 75 dollars and my two sisters went in together to get it for me.

My question: I am out of it, I guess... but is a 6 month expiry normal these days for services of this kind? If so, why?

Jen

Jettin' Fool · 11-28-2006, 07:00 PM

Call them...they may still honor it.

JF

Jennie@ifish · 11-28-2006, 07:02 PM

OK. But what do I say? Just honestly that I hadn't noticed that?

I didn't.

I'll just say that I went to schedule it and I noticed...

I just feel stupid.

Herring Impaired · 11-28-2006, 07:03 PM

Just one of the many reasons I have to HATE gift cards/certificates.

They should be as good as cash you would think....

If it were mine, I would call and ask if they would still honor it. I'm sure you had an extenuating circumstance that may help your case....

RvW · 11-28-2006, 07:10 PM

Ask your sisters if they were told it expired in 6 months, or if it was made clear at the time of purchase.

Then just call and explain the circumstances. They didnt know and neither did you. Maybe they'll honor it but if they drag their feet, ask if prices have changed and if you can offset the increase with a cash kicker.
Or if you've got $75 bucks to gamble, roll the dice, make an appointment and bring the gift cert with you.

Chrome Bumper · 11-28-2006, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennie@ifish

OK. But what do I say? Just honestly that I hadn't noticed that?

I didn't.

I'll just say that I went to schedule it and I noticed...

I just feel stupid.

Seems like telling them that you recently lost your eyesight and didn't notice the fine print should get the door open, sweeten the deal with gettng some more work done or suggesting that you are a good tipper should sway them. Good luck.

adiposessed · 11-28-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennie@ifish

OK. But what do I say? Just honestly that I hadn't noticed that?

I didn't.

I'll just say that I went to schedule it and I noticed...

I just feel stupid.

Tell them that exact thing

Mokai · 11-28-2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herring Impaired

Just one of the many reasons I have to HATE gift cards/certificates.

They should be as good as cash you would think....

If it were mine, I would call and ask if they would still honor it. I'm sure you had an extenuating circumstance that may help your case....

I agree with Herring Impaired..That is a load of poo when a gift certificate expires..That should never happen..Cash does not expire and neither should certificates...

Hare's Ear · 11-28-2006, 08:10 PM

Jennie, don't feel stupid. Remember, they have $75 from your sister for which they have not provided a service. If you ask nicely I can almost guarantee that they will honor it. If you don't get the answer you want from the first person you talk to, ask to talk to the manager. Turning you down is negative marketing and a smart business person wants to avoid that.

Dichrofisher · 11-28-2006, 08:12 PM

Any credible business should keep a ledger list. If they see a customer has unused credit(Gift Certificate) than they should call the customer and tell them they are about to expire unless they are a huge conglomerate that doesn't rely on refferal business. It makes you feel more cared about. I would go in in person(better) and be honest. If they turn you down, they lose not only you but probably anyone that you could refer, if they make you happy, than you might refer or come back. You deserve the pampering that your sis paid for darnit. I know it was hard to learn for me but I have learned to stand up for myself as a consumer and if I am not satisfied than they(the seller) will get an earful!

Chrome Bumper · 11-28-2006, 08:16 PM

Telling them that 10,000 of your devoted freinds are interested in thier response should perk them up some.

newbeebob · 11-28-2006, 08:17 PM

At least they are still in business, and you have a chance of them honoring it. I bought my wife a gift certifcate to a spa in hillsboro, like 2 days before Valentines day. There was a line of guys doing the same thing. The day after Valentines day I happened to drive by and they had shut the doors. They had $160 of my money plus all the other poor saps. They purposely stayed open to get that money knowing they would never have to give out the services. My second mistake was using a debit card instead of visa.

Live & learn I guess.

Hope you are able to redeem you certificate. If it doesn't go well, you could always mention that you run a very pupular local website and may mention there name good or bad.

wannacatchem · 11-28-2006, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrome Bumper

Telling them that 10,000 of your devoted freinds are interested in thier response should perk them up some.

Also, take some of the "front page" stories you have written in to have them read. For me, the adversity you have faced with the accompanying positive attitude is nothing short of inspirational.

It may help to have the URL at the top of every page and maybe a side comment that you are the owner(webmistress?) of the largest family oriented fishing website in the northwest. And that reviews of service business are often posted on said website.

Just a thought

troutski · 11-28-2006, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennie@ifish

OK. But what do I say? Just honestly that I hadn't noticed that?

I didn't.

I'll just say that I went to schedule it and I noticed...

I just feel stupid.

Ask to speak to the owner...sometimes you just have to get past the front desk...

wthr4d · 11-28-2006, 09:38 PM

I agree! Call and tell them that you just missed it. ask if they will still honor it, most respectable places will. If they dont then ask to talk to the manager/owner. let them know specifically your medical situation and how it would be so good for your "readers" to know how well you were treated and how respectable they were so close to CHRISTMAS TIME.

unfortunately many states do allow gift certificates to expire. I believe that California, Maine and New York have all legislated non expiring gift certificates.

Good luck and let us know how things turned out!!

paul

Seefood Man · 11-29-2006, 06:38 AM

If they are worth a salt they will honor it. When I donate a gift certificate for a charity I have to put a expiration, or everyone will be wanting to fish B-10 and I will end up working for free. But when client buys a gift certificate there is not an expiration date on it. My

is that big business like Hell Depot, Worst Buy ect consider a large portion of gift certificates to be FREE MONEY. They know a certain percentage of certificates will be lost, forgotten or expire so they keep your money and even with a sales receipt they won't re-issue a new one, nor will refund the cash. That's why they have them hanging all over the check out aisles

. But in your case, I think just a phone call will solve everything

JustCallMeDave · 11-29-2006, 06:52 AM

When in doubt, be honest.

Cool Texan · 11-29-2006, 07:26 AM

Jennie, just tell them you got busy and accidentally forgot about it, and ask them nicely if there is any way that you could still use it since you never get treats like this. I bet they'll let you.

I have passes on my desk for a fishing charter...bought 2-3 years ago, and I keep getting busy and forget to call to use them (they were only good for the year purchased). I call every year, and they tell me sure, I can still use it. Honesty is the best policy. If they tell you no, its just bad customer service.

Flying Roast Beef · 11-29-2006, 08:38 AM

I feel the same way about phone cards. I used to carry one in case I got stuck somewhere without cell service but then I noticed the one in my wallet had expired about a year back. I tried to get it renewed and was put down by somebody in India I guess that barely spoke English. Now if I have too I'll just make the call on my credit card.

fishboys · 11-29-2006, 08:40 AM

If they turn you down I got 20.00 to start a new get Jennie a spa day fund.

Abalone · 11-29-2006, 10:29 AM

Yeah ! I joined 24 hour fitness right before my heart attack. Now they telll me the $250.00 fee I paid for a personal trainer is expired. They want me to get a note from my doctor. Yeah Right, I can't even get an appointment for six weeks. That's OK though. It will be worth it not to get pestured by the Personal trainers any more..........

tnj8222 · 11-29-2006, 10:43 AM

get a email address and send them the link to this thread... you work so hard everyday, it would be sad if they didnt honor this for you. how about we all email them lol.. 10,000 emails just might make them honor it haha

HOGGEMIN · 11-30-2006, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnj8222

get a email address and send them the link to this thread... you work so hard everyday, it would be sad if they didnt honor this for you. how about we all email them lol.. 10,000 emails just might make them honor it haha

I like your thinking they would certainly honor it if we all emailed them daily.................