Bad batches of Disney Gift cards from Target.com

[SUSIEQ]

I have had issues with the inactive cards too. One problem is that you are automatically routed to a call center in India. I don't want to sound insensitive, but even though they are speaking english there is still a language barrier. They just don't understand what the heck I'm talking about and it takes FOREVER for them to transfer me to the specialty GC dept.

Since July I have had 4 orders never make it past the Minnesota distribution center. It gets the initial scan then nothing.

Not insensitive at all. If Target.com is going to ship inactive Disney gift cards, they should have customer service representatives that are able to understand & handle the complaints!!!

 

[WDWChloe]

I always purchase Disney gift cards from target (in store) - to save 5% - for day/weekend trips or to save up for our cruise.

I purchased 2x $50 ones, one was a dud. I went back to my target store, told them the issue (luckily the card was not detached from the paper insert and target tracks redcard purchases without a receipt) a manager called Disney gift cards, who told him that this is a common issue as of late. He directed me to call them after I leave the store, and they will re-activate the card. 5 minutes later and everything was back to normal!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Has anyone tried Tweeting Target or posting on their FB page? Some companies are very responsive to social media complaints.

Just a quick update (I know there are several posts about this subject on both the cruising board and budget board so info might be overlapping). I mentioned I wasn't letting this issue go and I spoke to someone at Target today and he is aware of this issue (he reached out to me after I had my issue two weeks ago) and after my latest issue with my friend and reading all your posts, I made sure he was aware of it. I think they are finally seeing there is something going on. He gave me the impression the cards are scanned by another company but not sure that makes sense, but I don't think they are scanned at the warehouse where Target keeps the cards, but I'm not sure. I swear he said the "company that activates/scans the cards" so perhaps this explains there are too many hands in this process which is why it's getting overlooked, not sure. He said he was escalating it and making Corporate aware of it and providing feedback. I'm sure I/we can't prevent this from happening at all in the future but hopefully I/we can prevent some poor soul experience what some of us have. I explained this too - imagine the poor folks showing up at WDW or worse, on a cruise and he said he totally understood and was very apologetic.

I say - yes, put out there and I'm sure it's moderated but if we can draw more attention to this, then surely someone will connect the dots.

I do know in my company we take comments and issues seriously and things are actioned very quickly and most companies have a "complaints process" for this reason. It certainly doesn't mean all Fortune 100 companies act accordingly, but at least I can say mine does (which I can't disclose who it is - lol) (not Target)!

I always purchase Disney gift cards from target (in store) - to save 5% - for day/weekend trips or to save up for our cruise.

I purchased 2x $50 ones, one was a dud. I went back to my target store, told them the issue (luckily the card was not detached from the paper insert and target tracks redcard purchases without a receipt) a manager called Disney gift cards, who told him that this is a common issue as of late. He directed me to call them after I leave the store, and they will re-activate the card. 5 minutes later and everything was back to normal!

To make sure I'm clear - the one that you just had an issue with was bought at the store? One was active, one was not? If so (sorry just trying to make sure I follow ) did your receipt show it was activated? Who did you call when you got home, the Target gift people we've had issues with? Not sure why yours went so smoothly compared to the rest of us - lol - I don't mean that to be snarky but just curious how it varied. Also need to gather facts in case god forbid this happens from a store purchase in the future (praying it doesn't).

Heather

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

...how do you tell if they are not activated if you are not using them yet? I ordered 7 online and have one I purchased online earlier this year.

 

[Savikins]

I've purchased 11 Disney gift cards from Target.com this month. I've currently checked the balance on 6 of them, and they've all been activated. I'm hoping the remaining 5 are okay, too!

...how do you tell if they are not activated if you are not using them yet? I ordered 7 online and have one I purchased online earlier this year.

http://www.disneygiftcard.com/manage/

You can check the balances here!

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

I've purchased 11 Disney gift cards from Target.com this month. I've currently checked the balance on 6 of them, and they've all been activated. I'm hoping the remaining 5 are okay, too!



http://www.disneygiftcard.com/manage/

You can check the balances here!

Thank you!

 

[WDWChloe]

Just a quick update (I know there are several posts about this subject on both the cruising board and budget board so info might be overlapping). I mentioned I wasn't letting this issue go and I spoke to someone at Target today and he is aware of this issue (he reached out to me after I had my issue two weeks ago) and after my latest issue with my friend and reading all your posts, I made sure he was aware of it. I think they are finally seeing there is something going on. He gave me the impression the cards are scanned by another company but not sure that makes sense, but I don't think they are scanned at the warehouse where Target keeps the cards, but I'm not sure. I swear he said the "company that activates/scans the cards" so perhaps this explains there are too many hands in this process which is why it's getting overlooked, not sure. He said he was escalating it and making Corporate aware of it and providing feedback. I'm sure I/we can't prevent this from happening at all in the future but hopefully I/we can prevent some poor soul experience what some of us have. I explained this too - imagine the poor folks showing up at WDW or worse, on a cruise and he said he totally understood and was very apologetic. I say - yes, put out there and I'm sure it's moderated but if we can draw more attention to this, then surely someone will connect the dots. I do know in my company we take comments and issues seriously and things are actioned very quickly and most companies have a "complaints process" for this reason. It certainly doesn't mean all Fortune 100 companies act accordingly, but at least I can say mine does (which I can't disclose who it is - lol) (not Target)! To make sure I'm clear - the one that you just had an issue with was bought at the store? One was active, one was not? If so (sorry just trying to make sure I follow ) did your receipt show it was activated? Who did you call when you got home, the Target gift people we've had issues with? Not sure why yours went so smoothly compared to the rest of us - lol - I don't mean that to be snarky but just curious how it varied. Also need to gather facts in case god forbid this happens from a store purchase in the future (praying it doesn't). Heather

Yes, bought 2 at the store. Only one was valid. I went back to the store the next day, spoke with a manager who call disney for me. He explained the situation but they wanted me to call back with the information (I guess for security purposes?) it didn't seem smooths when it happened. Just the fact that I had to drive back to the store was a hassle lol
It hasn't happened since

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Yes, bought 2 at the store. Only one was valid. I went back to the store the next day, spoke with a manager who call disney for me. He explained the situation but they wanted me to call back with the information (I guess for security purposes?) it didn't seem smooths when it happened. Just the fact that I had to drive back to the store was a hassle lol
It hasn't happened since

Thank you and glad it was resolved for you even though it was a hassle!

Heather

 

[scrapshappen]

I guess I am feeling like the lucky one. I've ordered $750 worth in the last few months (including $300 with my Black Friday 10% off Target GC on 11/29) and all have arrived activated.

Do they ship regionally? Just wondering if it's one particular shipping center that is the problem? I'm sure there is a way to tell from all the codes on the envelope where they shipped from, but heck if I know how to tell. I'm assuming that all packages that arrive from Target.com have the corporate return address in Indianapolis regardless of where they ship from.

 

[su_A_ve]

So I don't have a Red card as I do not use debit cards. However, if I do apply for one and link to my existing bank account, can I select payment with Target GC but still get the 5% discount when purchasing Disney GC online?

Basically, I want to only pay with a Target GC and not touch my bank account.

Does this work in store as well?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bree]

I ordered my Disney GC on Black Friday. They were shipped via UPS Mail Innovations. UPS tracking shows that the package was handed off to USPS on 12/2 and reports "This shipment is progressing through the postal system to the final destination." I checked USPS's system and it says on 12/3 "The U.S. Postal Service was electronically notified by the shipper on December 3, 2014 to expect your package for mailing. This does not indicate receipt by the USPS or the actual mailing date. Delivery status information will be provided if/when available. Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day. Please check again later." There has not been any updates since then.

The UPS rep I talked to said they already handed the package to USPS, and that I should call Target to track it down. I then called Target, whose rep said since the order is not scheduled to arrive until 12/10 in Target's system (even though UPS' website says it should've been delivered on 12/5), she is unable to help me until after 12/10.

I've sent an email to USPS to see if they're able to track down the shipment for me.

In the meantime I guess I'll just twiddle my thumbs and continuing checking every day...

My shipment says the same exact thing. It says that it was handed off to West Palm Beach on Dec. 3rd then NOTHING. I tried to track it on USPS.com, but it has that same "we've been notified message". Very frustrating as I'm waiting on them so I can book a WDW room for Spring Break. Rooms are vanishing daily with the AP & FLR rates, and I'm getting very irritated!!!!!!

I guess I am feeling like the lucky one. I've ordered $750 worth in the last few months (including $300 with my Black Friday 10% off Target GC on 11/29) and all have arrived activated.

Do they ship regionally? Just wondering if it's one particular shipping center that is the problem? I'm sure there is a way to tell from all the codes on the envelope where they shipped from, but heck if I know how to tell. I'm assuming that all packages that arrive from Target.com have the corporate return address in Indianapolis regardless of where they ship from.

All my Disney Gift Cards ship from MN and I'm in FL. I looked back on my orders when I lived in MA and they shipped from MN as well.

 

[Bree]

I made a complaint on Target's FB page. I think I'm done with the online ordering to get the discount. Yes, the savings really add up when you are spending thousands, but I'm done. All these headaches to save $50 for every $1000 worth of cards I order isn't worth it anymore.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I made a complaint on Target's FB page. I think I'm done with the online ordering to get the discount. Yes, the savings really add up when you are spending thousands, but I'm done. All these headaches to save $50 for every $1000 worth of cards I order isn't worth it anymore.

I'm sorry and just know - I get exactly how you feel (for different reasons) but all the same nonetheless due to the headaches.

I hope your issue gets resolved soon and you get yours!

Heather

 

[cloud10]

My shipment says the same exact thing. It says that it was handed off to West Palm Beach on Dec. 3rd then NOTHING. I tried to track it on USPS.com, but it has that same "we've been notified message". Very frustrating as I'm waiting on them so I can book a WDW room for Spring Break. Rooms are vanishing daily with the AP & FLR rates, and I'm getting very irritated!!!!!!

All my Disney Gift Cards ship from MN and I'm in FL. I looked back on my orders when I lived in MA and they shipped from MN as well.

As a quick update, I noticed that overnight the USPS.com tracking page said they'll be delivering my Disney gift cards today! We'll see if they materialize. Will report back tonight.

But I agree with you, Bree. I think I'm not going to risk this any more, after I receive my still-yet-to-ship Black Friday Target gift cards and turn them into Disney gift cards.

 

[cloud10]

As a quick update, I noticed that overnight the USPS.com tracking page said they'll be delivering my Disney gift cards today! We'll see if they materialize. Will report back tonight.

Those Disney gift cards did arrive and they are all activated. Whew!

 

[Bree]

Those Disney gift cards did arrive and they are all activated. Whew!

I'm glad everything worked out! Mine still say they have been transferred to the West Palm Beach post office on 12/03. I got a response on my FB post and had to forward my info with a case number. Not sure they will do much, but maybe if enough complaints get made they will rethink their process.

 

[turkey1031]

I had three different orders totaling $950. It was delivered yesterday via usps. I crossed my fingers and checked the first one. It was activated. I've entered all of them into my disney vacation account. Big sigh of relief.

 

[pillow]

I received a bad batch today (Heather, I PM'd you). Waiting on hold now for Target's "gift card team" . . .

Jodie

 

[SUSIEQ]

I received a bad batch today (Heather, I PM'd you). Waiting on hold now for Target's "gift card team" . . .

Jodie

Good Luck!
You might want to have a bottle of aspirin(or something stronger) on hand!

 

[disneywonderfun]

I made a complaint on Target's FB page. I think I'm done with the online ordering to get the discount. Yes, the savings really add up when you are spending thousands, but I'm done. All these headaches to save $50 for every $1000 worth of cards I order isn't worth it anymore.

Not just for you, but for everybody seeking that extra $50 per $1K. Do not forget that you could use a generic credit card and get 1% back ($10 per $1K). Or, you could use the new Citibank card that gives 2% back if you pay off your balance or the Chase Sapphire Pref card that gives 2% back on travel including cruises. So, effectively, you might really only be saving $30 per $1K for all the headaches of keeping track of a huge pile of Disney gift cards.

I sometimes buy gift cards at Kroger when they have the 4X point promotion. My wife and I fill up our cars with around 35 gallons at the same time. So, if I buy $200 of Disney cards, use my credit card that gives me 3% rebate at grocery stores, I am saving $34 per $200 of Disney gift cards (17% off - much better deal than Target). Even if I only fill up one car with gas (20 gallons or so), my discount on the GC is around 11%.

DWF

DWF