Let me tell you that when I received the voucher I was thrilled and then life and reality set in. Studies have shown that I am not alone in this unclaimed voucher phenomenon. Apparently there are billions of dollars worth of unclaimed vouchers sitting in drawers all around the world. This is great for the retailer, they get to keep the funds and the products.
What if you have given a gift voucher for a business that goes into receivership, like borders. This is happening time and time again. Big companies are not always exempt and 'safe'. Can you ever really be sure that the voucher you give is going to be claimable.
Personally I find giving vouchers awkward as it puts a dollar value on the gift. People may feel they are worth more or less than what you have spent on them.
While I can't speak for why others don't claim their vouchers I have been thinking about why I haven't. I have come up with the following reasons (the Janelle excuses):
- I stay away from major shopping centres as much as possible, they are a last minute alternative
- I have to try and come up with a few free hours to enjoy a pamper. While the idea delights me, finding the time frustrates me
- The store is nowhere near my travels and too hard to find time to get too
- A 'free' photo session won't really be free when I am emotionally attached to the beautiful family photos. Feeling an "ouch" moment coming on so I stay away from this gift voucher
There are other easy ways to give and impress. Wrapped To You makes gift giving easy. The range is endless and everything can be designed to suit the receiver.