best way to sell an unwanted gift card?

[julirina]

I received a gift card for Christmas to a store I no longer shop in (nothing against the store, it's just a craft store and I've really gotten out of all kinds of crafting since we're remodeling and I don't have anywhere to do that kind of thing). Should I sell it? It's a $25 GC and I would be happy to have $15-20 cash instead. What's the best way to go about it? Ebay? Craigslist? I thought about posting it on Facebook (I have some friends who might be able to use it) but the person who gave it to me is on there, too -- I'd hate for her to see it!

Just wondering if anyone has done this -- am I a rotten person for trying to sell off my Christmas gift?!?

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Have you thought about donating it to your child's school? I'm a TA in an elementary school and my teachers are often having to get craft supplies. Your school can give you a receipt for tax purposes.

 

[akcire]

To me it sounds like a perfect opportunity for a re-gift.

I am not normally an advocate of the re-gift, but I make the rare exception for the unwanted gift card.

Depending on the gift card and the person I received it from, I may even be so bold as to gift it right back to them next year. Depending on the card and circumstances.

I can't tell you how many Starbuck's gift cards I have received over the years and have passed right back; personally I hate warm beverages. Also book stores gift cards, however as book store have evolved I am now able to use they to buy cards, calendars, kid birthday gifts, etc. I am an avid reader (read about 10 books a week), but I don't like to own books; where would I put them all.

 

[Pigeon]

If you are going to regift, make sure you look at the terms of the card. Many lose value over time.

 

[Hannathy]

I'm interested in what you find out also. We received a large gift card to a high priced gadget store and while grateful for the gift my DH is out of work so spending that much on a trinket when we need things is hard to do, The relative is married, both good jobs, with no kids so doesn't think of all the expenses with kids when you have no income coming in. Even if I could use it on a Wii it would be at least something the whole family could use at least. I don't even have any weddings this year that I could use part of it toward!

Please no lectures on not being appreciative, I thanked them very much but it is hard to have that much money sitting there when a new set of corelle dishes seems extravagant. I wish there was some sort of exchange board.

 

[JerseyGirl84]

Do any of these stores sell other gift cards? For instance Kohls and Staples sell gift cards for itunes and other places. Can you use this gc to buy another gc to a place you usually shop?

 

[akcire]

If you are going to regift, make sure you look at the terms of the card. Many lose value over time.

For me that is a non-issue. In Illinois a gift card cannot lose value in less than 5 years. I always rebound it right away. If I get one for Christmas I may pass it off at Easter, etc.

 

[Pigeon]

For me that is a non-issue. In Illinois a gift card cannot lose value in less than 5 years. I always rebound it right away. If I get one for Christmas I may pass it off at Easter, etc.

I wish this were the case in all states.

 

[meliss8599]

Oh my gosh, eBay it! People pay pennies under what the cards are worth. It boggles my mind but it happens with every card. Good luck!

 

[simonsmom]

plasticjungle.com

 

[Melrosgirl]

www.giftcardrescue.com

 

[lastminutemom]

Could you use it to buy gifts for the birthday parties your girls will be going to this year? Girls generally love to get craft kits etc for their birthday presents!

As to the other poster who has the large gift card to a gadget store -- do you know of any family or friends planning to make a big purchase in the next few months. Perhaps you could sell it to them.

 

[Bibbidi]

I just sold two giftcards at plasticjungle.com
One of mine was worth $25 and I got $17.50 for it. (Gift cards must be a minimum of $25 with them). They pay shipping to get the giftcards to them. I just received an email saying that they had processed my cards and sent my check to me.

As long as I'm paid as promised (I should get my check in a couple days) I will be very happy. Plus, it was very easy to do.

 

[daughtersrus]

For me that is a non-issue. In Illinois a gift card cannot lose value in less than 5 years. I always rebound it right away. If I get one for Christmas I may pass it off at Easter, etc.

Hey Neighbor!

Don't forget that after 5 years, the retailer has to transfer any balance left on the card to the Illinois Treasurer’s office as unclaimed property. Once it's there, the card holder can contact the state to claim the unused balance.

 

[daughtersrus]

I wish this were the case in all states.

Not all states have laws like this but the laws (or lack of laws) of the state where the gift card was purchased is what applies to the card.

 

[Whistle]

Hello there! If it happens to be for Michael's, I will buy it from you for $15.00- PM your information if you are interested. :0)

 

[christa112]

I would definately check the store to see if they allow that. I know CVS does not allow you to purchase a GC with a CVS GC I tried. LOL

Do any of these stores sell other gift cards? For instance Kohls and Staples sell gift cards for itunes and other places. Can you use this gc to buy another gc to a place you usually shop?

 

[julirina]

Thanks for all the great ideas! It's not for Michael's (sorry, Whistle) but a similar big chain store that doesn't sell other GC's, unfortunately. I have a friend I'm going to offer it to first, and if she's not interested I'll look into plasticjungle or keep it for a regift. Thanks again!

 

[pixie921]

OP, thanks for posting this question! I went to Plastic Jungle and am getting $18.50 for an unwanted Olive Garden gc. They're selling for slightly more on eBay, but after eBay and Paypal fees and postage, I think I'm coming out ahead just selling it outright.