Politics & Government

Don't Let a Gift Certificate Gather Dust

Got a gift certificate for the holidays? Use it, says the Bucks County Office of Consumer Protection.

Q. I received some wonderful gift certificates during the holiday season from my family. I noticed that none of them expire anytime soon so I am planning a day of pampering and shopping for myself on my birthday in July. Is there any reason that I should not wait and use them sooner?

C.C. Pipersville

 

Find out what's happening in Doylestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A. The staff at the Bucks County Consumer Protection office would encourage all of our consumers who received gift certificates, especially over the holiday season, to go out and enjoy them as soon as they are able.

Although they may not be nearing their expiration date, there could be an even bigger concern with those gift certificates.

Find out what's happening in Doylestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We have received calls from many consumers who held onto their certificates and, when they decided to use them, found that the business had closed.

What consumers need to know is that if a business does indeed end up going out of business and closing their doors or if they decide to claim bankruptcy, the gift certificate you received or may have purchased for someone will no longer be of use. 

Most times, there is no recourse for these consumers. Once a business is gone, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a refund for a gift certificate purchase.

So seize the day! Pamper yourself. Go shopping. Use those gift certificates while you know they are still of value.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here