Those who are still rushing around getting things together for Christmas tomorrow might not be feeling extremely jolly at the moment. So, here's an alternative idea that might cheer you up. If you haven't bought that "perfect" gift yet, or can't get a good price on it - just give your loved one an I.O.U., and get the item on sale AFTER Christmas.
In England, Canada, and Australia, the day after Christmas is called "Boxing Day," and it's almost as important as Christmas itself. There's a running joke that the reason it's called "Boxing Day," is because that's the day everyone boxes up all of the Christmas gifts and takes them back to the store. The real reason goes back to the day when wealthy people had servants who were very busy on Christmas. The servants would be allowed to prepare "boxed" meals for their employers' family for the day after Christmas, so they could finally spend some time at home to enjoy the holiday with their own families.
In the U.S., there's is also a lot of taking stuff back to the store for refunds and exchanges on the day after Christmas. But now, just as with online Christmas shopping, there is an increasing number of people who are handling their boxing day activities online as well. Just search Cyber Boxing Day, to join the fun. Hey, if your family won't take an I.O.U. for after Christmas sales, at least maybe you can find a little something for yourself...? Ho ho ho!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Jennifer Pointer (e-mail) is in Tulsa, OK. She promotes a simple, a low-tech approach to effective online profile management, search engine optimization and social networking.
Gift cards are becoming more and more popular as gifts, as people are now able to keep them longer without fees, and use many of them for online or in-store purchases. Still, it is almost inevitable that we're eventually going to receive one or more of these cards that we simply aren't going to use, because we don't shop that retailer, or there isn't even one in our area.
FoxNews (video above) is reporting this week that sites that allow shoppers to trade or cash-in their gift cards is a growing business. For example, Plastic Jungle, a site mentioned in the report (video above), allows shoppers to cash in their unwanted cars for up to 92% of the balance. This allows the site to keep 8% or more of the balance of the card (they DO need to clear a profit, after all), and still allows the customer to receive most of the value of the gift they were given on something they actually want (cash, or merchandise they actually need). Those wanting to purchase gift cards can do so for up to 30% off, saving money (and who doesn't like saving money?). So, win-win, right?
Of course, all of this can be avoided by purchasing Visa debit cards as gift cards from your bank - they work like cash, and can be used anywhere.
Jennifer Pointer (e-mail) is in Tulsa, OK. She promotes a simple, a low-tech approach to effective online profile management, search engine optimization and social networking.
