Gift cards
and gift certificates are wonderful ways
to remember that special someone on a birthday or
other special occasion.
To be sure that you and the
recipient get the most of out of your card or
certificate, be aware of the following.
In the 2005 legislature, there
was a new law passed that requires businesses to
provide consumers with additional information if the
business places an expiration date on gift
certificates.
Always look for:
1. The expiration date must be
printed plainly and conspicuously on the front or
back of the gift card in at least 10-point font. It
must be readily visible before you purchase that
gift card.
2. If the expiration date is
not printed on the card, a toll-free number must be
provided and accompanied by a statement advising you
that you may may call the number and obtain the
balance of the gift certificate and the expiration
date.
3. If the business imposes a
service fee on the card, that fee must also be
stated on the gift certificate in 10-point font and
visible prior to purchase.
The service fee information
must include:
 |
The amount of the service
fee. |
|
The event or events that
would cause the service fee to be imposed. |
|
The frequency of which the
service fee will be imposed. |
|
If the service fee will be
imposed on the basis of inactivity, the duration
of inactivity which must not be less than 3
continuous years of nonuse, that will cause the
service fees to be imposed.
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