Buying a voucher as a gift may sometimes save us from the embarassing realisation that the receiver of our gift did not like our choice. However, opting for a gift voucher may also have its drawbacks and some risks.
Purchasing gift vouchers requires a buying decision as there are different types to choose from.
Vouchers may carry different terms and conditions, as these are usually imposed by the retailer issuing the gift voucher.
There are vouchers that can only be redeemed from a specific shop while others that can be used in different retail outlets. The latter obviously offer a wider variety of products which the recipient of the voucher can choose from.
Before purchasing a gift voucher, we should also verify with the seller what happens if the recipient spends less than the value of the voucher.
We should ask whether the gift voucher has to be used all on the same purchase or if it can be used in parts. The latter would mean that the receiver of the voucher may use part of the voucher and is then given a credit note or another voucher with the remaining amount.
Special attention should also be given to expiry dates. We should ask the seller whether an expiry date applies to the use of the voucher. If it does, then it should be clearly written or printed on the gift voucher.
Expiry dates vary widely from one shop to another. Some shops give only six months, while others may give us a year or two. There are also some shops that sell vouchers that do not expire.
Whether the gift voucher has an expiry date or not, it is still advisable to use the voucher as quickly as possible, as there is always the risk that the shop issuing it might close down or the owner of the business changes.
This could mean that unused vouchers become worthless. Another possible risk is that of losing the voucher. If this happens, the shop does not have to replace it, unless the lost voucher was personalised and is not transferable.
In these cases the trader is likely to have a record of the voucher and may be willing to cancel the original voucher and issue another one.
It is important that when we give a gift voucher to someone, we also inform them about the terms and conditions and how its should be used.
These not only bind the user of the voucher but also the seller who issued it.
In fact, the seller cannot change these conditions of use once the gift voucher is sold. If they try to do so, then as consumers, we have the right to seek redress.
odette.vella@mccaa.org.mt
Odette Vella is senior information officer, Office for Consumer Affairs, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.