What could be better than getting a gift card to spend as your heart desires – unless, of course, it’s a gift card you’ve scored on sale?
Major retailers who offer gift cards
Gift cards are an ideal way to celebrate a special occasion, from weddings and birthdays to housewarmings. They are the perfect way to show your appreciation to colleagues, friends or relatives. And when you can purchase a gift card on sale, you’ll secure a great value deal and a great gift for a friend.
Giving a gift card is often considered a safer and more tasteful way to celebrate a special occasion, rather than putting cash in a card that can be easily stolen and spent at a moment’s notice. When shopping around, be sure to only buy your gift cards from reputable and trusted sources and remember, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Current offers and deals
Show code & visit site15****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Show code & visit siteXM****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Show code & visit siteST****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Simply use the code to get 10% off when you spend $50 on Tech products at eBay. Includes Apple, Samsung and many more. Maximum discount of $100. This offer is only available to you if you have not previously shopped in the selected tech categories on eBay.com.au or the offer is visible to you on www.ebay.com.au when you login to your eBay account. Exclusions and T&Cs apply.
Show code & visit siteTR****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Show code & visit siteDR****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Show code & visit siteQW****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Show code & visit site40****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the codeShow code & visit sitePL****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Show code & visit siteGE****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
FREE Lauren Icon Cabernet 2014 bottle when you spend $250
Receive FREE Lauren Icon Cabernet 2014 when you spend over $250.
Show code & visit siteBO****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Show code & visit siteGC****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Show code & visit siteFI****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Show code & visit siteCI****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the codeShow code & visit siteBo****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the code
Show code & visit siteVA****
After the store tab opens, come back to copy the codeHow does a gift card work?
It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for the perfect gift for someone else, or a treat for yourself; either way, a gift card is the ideal way to handle the transaction. A gift card offers an efficient way to buy products, entertainment, and services, both online and in the real world.
While every business will have its own policies and procedures guiding the purchase and use of their gift cards, they generally always work in much the same way: the gift card recipient simply selects the item they wish to buy and presents the gift card as a payment.
If the purchase is for a lower value than the gift card, the remainder of the balance is usually credited to the card. This allows the customer the opportunity to spend it again at a later date. Not only is it the fairest system for the gift cardholder, but it also encourages gift card holder to visit the retailer again in the future.
On the other hand, if the value of the gift card is lower than the amount of the purchase, then the gift cardholder will need to fund the difference via any other accepted payment methods, such as cash or credit card.
Where to find gift cards on sale?
Finding gift cards on sale isn’t easy. Retailers don’t often advertise these types of sales to the public, and they prefer to offer them to loyal customers via direct communications. Of course, these days, the public will regularly share their spoils via the web. So if you know where to look, you can find great deals of gift cards on sale online.
For instance, Apple gift cards are often available on sale, with special deals such as 2 x $20 Apple gift cards for $30 – a total savings of 25%. These are retailer-specific and are usually only available for a limited time. For this, it is worth jumping on a deal immediately when you see one.
Another great option is the purchase of a Woolworths WISH gift card, which can be used at a retailer like Big W. These gift cards can be pre-purchased at a discount of 5%, allowing you to save potentially hundreds of dollars on your everyday expenses, from toiletries and clothing to homewares and electronics. The best part is, when you use your Everyday Rewards card together with your WISH card, you will also earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points – which can eventually be redeemed for free gift cards!
Pros and cons of gift cards on sale
Pros
- Gift cards are convenient. They are easy to buy, easy to give, and generally, they’re easy to spend.
- They are ideal gifts. It may be simple enough to know what your partner wants for Christmas, but how do you find that perfect present to thank your babysitter for house-sitting? Enter the gift card, the perfectly customised gift that will always be appreciated!
- Gifts cards cross international borders. If you have a loved one who lives far away, a gift card that can be redeemed in their local area will often be the best gift choice, as it’s convenient, thoughtful, and the postage fees are low. For instance, an Amazon gift card can be purchased in Geelong and redeemed in Germany. Distance and location really are no obstacle.
Cons
- Some gift cards carry an expiration date. This means the gift recipient must use the card within a certain timeframe, or the balance is wiped out.
- The can be easily lost or stolen. In many senses, gift cards are like currency: their value is easily compromised. Unfortunately, gift cards are usually not replaced or refunded by a retailer if they are lost or stolen. Gift cardholders should stow them safely and treat them as cash.
Things to consider when buying gift cards on sale
In most cases, when you purchase a gift card on sale you are getting a terrific deal. The main thing to keep in mind is that the gift card can usually be redeemed against any product or service in store, regardless of whether it is at full price or on sale.
When you purchase a gift card on sale, you have the opportunity to increase your discount.
For instance, let’s say you buy a WISH gift card to redeem at Big W, and you secure a 5% discount. You purchase a $300 gift card and save $15. You then buy a BBQ from Big W that is on sale for $300, reduced from $600.The end result is that you will pay just $285 for a product that retails for $600 at full price!
Another thing to consider is that when you purchase gift cards on sale, it’s important to make sure the company is not facing any financial hardship or at the risk of going under.
Frequently asked questions about gift cards on sale
Q. Can my sale price gift card be redeemed for cash?
A. There are very few retailers who will allow you to effectively ‘cash in’ your gift card for currency, particularly if you have purchased your gift card on sale, as they will end up losing money on the transaction. However, certain retailers may allow you to receive the balance of your gift card in cash after you have made a purchase, if that balance is under $5. For instance, if you use a $20 gift card to make an $18 purchase, you may be eligible to receive the $2 balance in cash.
Q. Can I use a gift card that I purchased on sale to purchase items that are on sale?
A. In most cases, this is perfectly fine, as gift cards can generally be used to purchase any product or service offered by a retailers.
Q. When will my gift card expire?
This depends on the retailer. Some gift cards expire within 12 months, while others have an indefinite validity. If you purchase your gift card on sale, it may be a condition of use that you redeem its value within a shorter timeframe. Hence, it’s a good idea to check with the card issuer to confirm your gift card’s expiry.
When it comes time to giving someone a present, a gift card is ideal. Not only does it leave the ultimate purchase decision up to the recipient - it also allows them to choose the exact products or services they need. When you find a gift card on sale, you achieve the ultimate win-win for all parties – with more money in your bank to boot!
