4 ms·
It’s not the value of the gift, it’s the thoughtfulness. “I know you like X, and I thought about you” is a very different sentiment than “Let me gift you with
by mathattack 4y ago
It’s not the value of the gift, it’s the thoughtfulness. “I know you like X, and I thought about you” is a very different sentiment than “Let me gift you with my expertise.”
The economists I’ve talked to say if you’re maximizing Utility then give cash.
- andreareina 4y agoPart of thoughtfulness is, "is this going to just sit in a drawer and take up space?" I absolutely appreciate the thought, but a tool I won't use because it doesn't match my needs or is just unergonomic is a waste.
- quickthrower2 4y agoThe comedians say “cash: the gift card you can use anywhere!”
- computator 4y agoAnd the converse from The Simpsons: “gift card: just like cash but more limited”
- foobarbecue 4y agoIt's so bizarre to me that gift cards don't come at a discount. Buying a gift card is so clearly an unfair transaction to the benefit of the merchant.
- lmm 4y agoThey do on the secondary market.
- quickthrower2 4y agoThat is another reason to abolish gift cards. Money laundering and scams. Last time I tried to buy a (n > 1) gift cards I got the 3rd degree.
- computator 4y agoBut then many people would first buy the gift card to get the 5% or whatever discount, then buy the item they were going to buy anyway. Now that I think about it, I think a gift card has to be priced at exactly a 1:1 price. (You can't price it higher because people will find that to be outrageous.)
- foobarbecue 4y agoAh, good point. Maybe add a minimum delay? Then you're loaning money and getting interest...
- kubanczyk 4y ago> add a minimum delay Do not enter a commercial transaction that doesn't benefit you?
- astura 4y agoThere's sites where you can buy other people's unwanted gift cards at a discount. I've had plenty of luck with them - both as a buyer and a seller.