Gift Certificate Idea Directory
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Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble offers books, DVD, music, PC & video games, children's titles, toys & games and more.
Category:Books
Newegg
Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, digital cameras, electronics and more.
Category:Electronics
Wal-Mart
The world's largest retailer, offerin apparel, electronics, jewelry, toys and more.
Category:Virtual Malls
Amazon
Amazon.com gift certificate is redeemable for millions of items. It can be customizable with a personal message.
Category:Books
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Gift Certificate Idea - About Stored-Value CardsA stored-value card represents money on deposit with the issuer, and is similar to a debit card. One major difference between stored value cards and debit cards is that debit cards are usually issued in the name of individual account holders, while stored value cards are usually anonymous.The term stored-value card is usually a misnomer, as most indicia of the cards' value are maintained on computers affiliated with the card issuer. The value associated with the card can be accessed using a magnetic stripe embedded in the card, on which the card number is encoded; using radio-frequency identification (RFID); or by entering a code number, printed on the card, into a telephone or other numeric keypad. Typical applications of stored-value cards include transit system farecards, gift cards, and telephone prepaid calling cards. In addition, employers are beginning to issue payroll cards to pay employees. Closed system cards have emerged and replaced the traditional "gift certificate" and are commonly known as "gift cards". Purchasers buy a card for a fixed amount and can only use the card at the merchant that issues the card. Generally, few if any laws govern these types of cards. Card issuers or sellers are not required to obtain a license. Closed system cards are not subject the Patriot Act, as they generally cannot identify a customer. Traditionally, gift certificates have fallen under state abandoned property law (APL). However, the emergence of closed system cards has blurred the applicability of APL. North Carolina and Illinois have excluded these types of cards from APL provided the card has no expiration date or a service fee. Maine and Virginia require the issuer to pay the state when the cards are abandoned. In Connecticut an issuer is required to identify the residence of the card owner. Since most cards are anonymous, the residence of the card's owner is deemed to be the state's treasurer's office. Presently, no law exists that requires an issuer to provide refunds for lost or stolen cards. Whether a refund is possible is specified in an issuer's cardholder agreement. In addition, most closed system cards cannot be redeemed for cash. When a cardholder redeems all but an insignificant portion of the card on merchandise, that amount is generally lost and is absorbed by the issuer. |