| There are two schools of thought when it comes to | | | | clothing and accessories. |
| gift cards. On the one hand, there are those who think | | | | Now that you know the answer to the question - ie, |
| they are thoughtless gifts by those who don't want to | | | | that these cards are indeed a thoughtful gift - following |
| take the time to shop for just the right present. The | | | | is a tip for how to purchase them from a reputable |
| other school of thought is that gift cards are a | | | | seller. |
| thoughtful gift because they allow the recipient to | | | | How to Purchase Gift Cards from Reputable Sellers |
| choose exactly what they want. | | | | This is the most important thing to remember when |
| What does actual research say though? The truth is, | | | | buying these cards, for they are like cash. Only |
| the majority of these cards are received with joy by | | | | purchase from sellers who are the actual selling agent, |
| recipients. According to the National Retail Federation, | | | | not a listing agent or auction site. If you purchase from |
| gift cards are one of the the most desired gifts a | | | | sites like these, you run the risk of gift card fraud. |
| person can receive. A 2008 survey of more than | | | | How do you know if a seller of these cards is |
| 8,000 consumers conducted on behalf of the retail | | | | reputable? Ask specifically if they are a third-party |
| group by Ohio-based BIGresearch, almost 55% of | | | | seller. Check to see if they're a recognized member of |
| reported that they prefer to receive gift cards. The | | | | the Better Business Bureau. Check their customer |
| reason most gave is that they prefer the flexibility of | | | | service policy, ie, do they stand behind every |
| them. | | | | transaction? |
| According to this survey, these cards were preferred | | | | If you do all of this, it will be pretty easy to spot the |
| over electronics (ie, DVDs, CDs and video games); or | | | | third party sellers from reputable gift card sellers. Make |
| clothing and accessories. Half the respondents | | | | gift giving easy. Visit ABC Gift Cards, a reputable |
| preferred cards for gifts to purchase electronics; | | | | discounted gift card seller that stands behind every |
| almost the same amount (49.8%) preferred them to | | | | transaction it makes. |