Ohio Company Closes, Gift Cards Questioned (CertifiChecks)

[OhioChick]

Source: AP

3:59 pm EST March 5, 2009

DAYTON, Ohio -- An Ohio company that sold gift certificates to businesses and individuals around the U.S. has shut down, leaving thousands to wonder if unredeemed certificates for restaurants and stores are worthless.

CertifiChecks hasn't made clear whether it will honor the gift certificates. The Dayton company, which operated in 47 states, says it is filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Many businesses and chambers of commerce around the U.S. promoted the company by offering employees gift certificates up to $100 that were redeemable at local businesses.

A Catholic hospital in Illinois says its employees have $30,000 worth of unredeemed gift certificates.

The military, which agreed to reimburse families and others who bought the certificates, could end up paying out $700,000 for gifts not yet used.

Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/money/18863744/detail.html

[Renew Deal]

1. Gift cards have been a big problem with all the bankruptcies

People are left with gift cards to companies that don't exist. My wife was given a card for Babystyle.com. They were gone by the time my wife tried to order.

Fortunoffs is a NY based retailer that is going under. They sell all kinds of stuff from housewares to luggage, jewelry, and on and on. They were a very popular spot for wedding registries. They have stopped accepting their own gift cards already. Everybody with a card is now screwed, and these cards were typically worth hundreds. It's a mess.

[Robb]

2. And another shell game bites the dust.

I still remember my grandfather telling me one birthday, "I got you a gift certificate."

"Cool! To where?"

As he handed me a $50 bill, he said "To anywhere." ;)

[Renew Deal]

3. Great story

:)

[Divine Discontent]

4. NEVER buy gift cards - if you dont know what to give, get a USPS money order or cashier check

for 50, 100, 500 - and just send that - there's nothing greater than cash. a gift card is easier to lose or have problems with.


PRESIDENT OBAMA INAUGURAL & FIRST PORTRAIT ITEMS www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable

[Love Bug]

5. I like to use VISA gift cards

I get them from my bank and they can be used anywhere, just like a VISA card.

[Divine Discontent]

8. good point. eom

[OhioChick]

7. I used to use gift cards in the past, but never do now.

Too much uncertainty.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

6. Cash is accepted most everywhere (so far).

[rpannier]

9. Everywhere except on the Garfield Show nt