MilesBuzz! - Giftcertificates.com now charges $2 per for digital delivery

Been shopping through AAshopping>to Giftcertificates.com to get their holiday shopping bonus. Made a purchase on Tuesday for $150 in Vitamin Shoppe GCs, checkout was $150 total, no fees, email delivery, etc.

Tried to get $150 today and the website is different, has a slightly more modern look and the checkout process adds a new wrinkle:

$2 PER CERTIFICATE "digital" delivery fee. :td:

Since Vitamin Shoppe only offers GCs in $25 or $50 increments, that puts the $6 cost on $150 at 4% which with the double miles promo only gets you to break even (before and threshold bonuses). Been using GC.com for years to get a few bonus miles here and there, but looks like barring any "free delivery" offers that we won't be shopping them anymore. Looks like one more mileage earning "dip" has now closed.

There are lots of new fees. There is a product fee per physical GC in addition to the shipping and handling fee. Also a "mailing" fee for a digital GC is rather stupid. :td: :td: :td: :mad: :mad: :mad:

It seem that they must have learned something from the airlines. :p

My orders would not go through last nite. Tried twice, called, and the agent confirmed the new system was not accepting most orders and they were doing them manually.

So much for there new fees and enhancements.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

I'd suggest that if you don't like the fee then don't pay it, encourage others to not pay it and let them know how much business they are not getting. In the case where you feel that you still need to pay it and the coupons are worth it, then you can see why they are charging the $2.

Maybe the message is already sinking in: I'm seeing $1 fees for email.

But: a few instances of ..umm.. sloppy syntax :D
and, "please install Flashplayer" ~ I don't think so.

/.

the redemption of SuperCertificate into merchant GCs is still fee and shipping free if using standard USPS - did one this morning for a BB&B GC.

Sounds like if they persist with the higher fees, in order to minimize the fees buy one $500 SuperCertificate ($1 fee plus $1 email fee :rolleyes:) and then slowly redeem for merhcant GCs in whatever denomination you need at a time.

There are lots of new fees. There is a product fee per physical GC in addition to the shipping and handling fee. Also a "mailing" fee for a digital GC is rather stupid. :td: :td: :td: :mad: :mad: :mad:

It seem that they must have learned something from the airlines. :p

Or the banks. Only the most arrogant or monopolistic industries would prod consumers to do things that save the entity money and then turn around and charge the consumer a premium for that.

I think in this case they're betting the domain name is so "strong" that consumers won't Google around for other options.

the redemption of SuperCertificate into merchant GCs is still fee and shipping free if using standard USPS - did one this morning for a BB&B GC.

Sounds like if they persist with the higher fees, in order to minimize the fees buy one $500 SuperCertificate ($1 fee plus $1 email fee :rolleyes:) and then slowly redeem for merhcant GCs in whatever denomination you need at a time.

Are you sure that shipping is free for physical GC's when purchasing with a supercertificate?

Are you sure that shipping is free for physical GC's when purchasing with a supercertificate?

Well it was for me yesterday when I bought another BB&B GC using the balance of a SuperCertificate - shipped USPS standard, cost=0.00

Well it was for me yesterday when I bought another BB&B GC using the balance of a SuperCertificate - shipped USPS standard, cost=0.00

Did they charge a "product" fee i.e. $1 per physical GC?

Did they charge a "product" fee i.e. $1 per physical GC?

No - no other charges other than the $100 from SuperCertificate for the $100 for the GC.

No - no other charges other than the $100 from SuperCertificate for the $100 for the GC.

Seems that supercertificates are the way to go...

Alect you were using an old Super Certificate, right?

I wonder if GC.com is not charging the fees on old Supers, but maybe the new T&C's/website will charge for future Supers and their redemptions.

Anyone on a GC.com "mileage run" buying a new supercertificate/redeeming a new supercertificate please post any info.

Alect you were using an old Super Certificate, right?

I wonder if GC.com is not charging the fees on old Supers, but maybe the new T&C's/website will charge for future Supers and their redemptions.

Anyone on a GC.com "mileage run" buying a new supercertificate/redeeming a new supercertificate please post any info.

Well yes if old=a couple of weeks (ie pre the new site)

I don't know the same language as was there a couple of weeks back when I bought mine is still there:


What Service Fees are Charged?
The purchase a merchant gift card or a SuperCertificate includes a service fee, which covers the cost of U.S. Mail shipping, packaging, customer service, etc.

* Service fees are not assigned to merchant gift cards when a SuperCertificate is being redeemed
* Emailable merchant gift certificates are not charged a service fee.
* Emailable SuperCertificates are charged a $0.95 service fee.
* Physical SuperCertificates are charged a $1.95 service fees.
* Physical merchant gift cards are not charged a service fee.
* American Express® Gift Cheques are charged a total service fee of $12.95 and $2.75 per cheque plus applicable shipping charges for orders up to $100.
* American Express® Gift Cheques are charged a service fee of 12% and $2.75 per cheque plus applicable shipping charges for orders exceeding $100.

Shipping fees are calculated based on a maximum of 400 gift certificates and a value of $10,000 per package. Orders exceeding either amount will ship in multiple packages and will be charged accordingly. Your credit card will not be charged until your order ships from our facility

The GiftCertificates.com MasterCard® Gift Card
The GiftCertificates.com MasterCard Gift Card must be shipped via standard US Mail. A shipping fee of $1.00 will be applied to orders.
No service fees are charged until the thirteenth month from the day of purchase, whereupon a Monthly Maintenance Fee of $2.00 per month will be applied to any remaining balance, except where prohibited by law.


(my bolding)

Some of this seems inconsistent with their shipping fees - if the servcie fees cover shipping then why charge shipping fees also?

it seems pretty clear that redeeming SuperCerts into merchant gift cards does not incur a fee.

Maybe their site is just not functioning as per their own T&Cs?

Copied from a thread I just started in S.P.A.M.:


For a limited time get 10% off online orders.

Offer code: HOLIDAY2

*Offer ends December 9, 2007. Limited to one per customer on an order of $100 or more. Offer not valid on previous
purchases, American Express® Gift Cheques, MasterCard® Products or corporate pricing. Offer is not combinable
with any other promotion or offer.


Looks like one chance to still cash in and get that GC.com dip even with the new service/delivery fees.

Be careful with AA shopping and make sure that you check the T&Cs of which ever site you use so that you get both the promotion code to work and the mall miles...

Copied from a thread I just started in S.P.A.M...Then you won't be surprised when somebody jumps in & points out that cross-posting is frowned on, eh ? ;)

Then you won't be surprised when somebody jumps in & points out that cross-posting is frowned on, eh ? ;)

Well, I was going to start a thread on EVERY airline board that has a mileage mall...but I thought that might be overkill. :D

FWIW, e-supercertificate orders are broken on the gc.com website... When you go to personalize the e-supercertificate, you get tons of errors as if the form is blank...

They need to hire a new IT staff there...

I'd suggest that if you don't like the fee then don't pay it, encourage others to not pay it and let them know how much business they are not getting. In the case where you feel that you still need to pay it and the coupons are worth it, then you can see why they are charging the $2.

Which is exactly what I did today when I saw all the fees. Forget giftcertificates.com---my local Walgreen's (et al) has giftcards and it's certainly less than $2 to mail one.

Took

Which is exactly what I did today when I saw all the fees. Forget giftcertificates.com---my local Walgreen's (et al) has giftcards and it's certainly less than $2 to mail one.

Took

But no portal miles at local walgreens :(

Wirelessly posted (LGE-VX8550/1.0 UP.Browser/6.2.3.2 (GUI) MMP/2.0)

Depending on the credit case, you could get bonus miles for a drugstore purchase.

Wirelessly posted (LGE-VX8550/1.0 UP.Browser/6.2.3.2 (GUI) MMP/2.0)

Depending on the credit case, you could get bonus miles for a drugstore purchase.

huh?

But no portal miles at local walgreens :(

certainly, but portal miles are no real bargain if they cost you money to earn.
Miles/points ARE worth a bit of trouble but not dollars/cents for the most part.

But no portal miles at local walgreens :(

huh?

Some CCs (such as the DL SkyMiles AX) give double miles for purchases at drugstores (such as Walgreens)!

Copied from a thread I just started in S.P.A.M.:



Be careful with AA shopping and make sure that you check the T&Cs of which ever site you use so that you get both the promotion code to work and the mall miles...

Can both aa eshopping link and 10% off be combined?

Some CCs (such as the DL SkyMiles AX) give double miles for purchases at drugstores (such as Walgreens)!

Ah, ok... Thanks :)

Can both aa eshopping link and 10% off be combined?

No

No
Thanks :(

Well, for the past few days, the e-delivery/service charge for $500 and $1000 e-supercertificates has been $4.45 and $4.95 respectively... ... is going on? It used to be $0.95... Then $2.00, now almost $5?!?!?

the redemption of SuperCertificate into merchant GCs is still fee and shipping free if using standard USPS - did one this morning for a BB&B GC.

Sounds like if they persist with the higher fees, in order to minimize the fees buy one $500 SuperCertificate ($1 fee plus $1 email fee :rolleyes:) and then slowly redeem for merhcant GCs in whatever denomination you need at a time.

It's a pity that I didn't know about gc.com. I was thinking of the following, but given that it sounds too good, I guess something wrong with my logic. Please point out.

I have about 10K tuition payments for my kids.

1. buy 10 e-supercertificates totalling 10K and pay the digital delivery fee (49.5 dollars) through AA e-shopping with mastercard and get 40K AA miles. (2 miles per dollar, but double with mastercard)

2. Order 100 cards of $100 mastercard giftcard. No fee here.

3. Use the 100 mastercards to pay for the 10K tuition.

At the end? 40K miles for 49.5 dollars!
what's wrong here?
thanks for pointing out weak mind.

It's a pity that I didn't know about gc.com. I was thinking of the following, but given that it sounds too good, I guess something wrong with my logic. Please point out.

I have about 10K tuition payments for my kids.

1. buy 10 e-supercertificates totalling 10K and pay the digital delivery fee (49.5 dollars) through AA e-shopping with mastercard and get 40K AA miles. (2 miles per dollar, but double with mastercard)

2. Order 100 cards of $100 mastercard giftcard. No fee here.

3. Use the 100 mastercards to pay for the 10K tuition.

At the end? 40K miles for 49.5 dollars!
what's wrong here?
thanks for pointing out weak mind.

I know there are some restrictions on the mastercard giftcards... Hopefully some more experienced FT'ers will chime in, but I did find this:

# GiftCertificates.com MasterCard Gift Card Order Limits:
10 Cards or $750 per week
40 Cards or $3,000 per month

So you can only get $3000 in Mastercard's per month at the very most...

I know there are some restrictions on the mastercard giftcards... Hopefully some more experienced FT'ers will chime in, but I did find this:

# GiftCertificates.com MasterCard Gift Card Order Limits:
10 Cards or $750 per week
40 Cards or $3,000 per month

So you can only get $3000 in Mastercard's per month at the very most...

thanks for the info.
3K per month is 36K per year. With my wife, it's 72K a year. More than what we spend a year on a credit card. Not a heavy restriction on me.

It's a pity that I didn't know about gc.com. I was thinking of the following, but given that it sounds too good, I guess something wrong with my logic. Please point out.

I have about 10K tuition payments for my kids.

1. buy 10 e-supercertificates totalling 10K and pay the digital delivery fee (49.5 dollars) through AA e-shopping with mastercard and get 40K AA miles. (2 miles per dollar, but double with mastercard)

2. Order 100 cards of $100 mastercard giftcard. No fee here.

3. Use the 100 mastercards to pay for the 10K tuition.

At the end? 40K miles for 49.5 dollars!
what's wrong here?
thanks for pointing out weak mind.

My understanding is that supercertifcates cannot be redeemed for MC giftcards - I was headed down the same path as you ;)

My understanding is that supercertifcates cannot be redeemed for MC giftcards - I was headed down the same path as you ;)

Thank you for letting me forget all about giftcertificates.com.
Then, giftcertificates.com is useless to me, I can buy the same giftcards much cheaper elsewhere such as ebay.

Site is fixed!!! No longer does it charge $4.95, back to the correct charge of $1.00 for e-supercertificates...

Site is fixed!!! No longer does it charge $4.95, back to the correct charge of $1.00 for e-supercertificates...

tried buying 200 worth of mastercard giftcards. Shipping was only 1.95, fine, but the product fee was 11.90 dollars, 6%. Tried code holiday2 to see if 10% off is eligible, but no go.

AA shopping runs a promotion of 4 miles per dollar if paying by mastercard. 4 miles / 7 cents, a little bit less than 2 cents per mile, let aside the hassle of using mastercard giftcards.

Not attractive for me, but this might be good to use 5% citi cash returns card for the first 3 months.

I read in a previous post that e-certificate cannot redeem a matercard giftcard, but anyone confirm this independently?

Trying to buy a $400 e-supercertificate. Shipping is $1 but Product Fee is $3.45. What is a product fee? Been trying to get thru to cust svc for an explanation but been on hold and then disconnected.

Trying to buy a $400 e-supercertificate. Shipping is $1 but Product Fee is $3.45. What is a product fee? Been trying to get thru to cust svc for an explanation but been on hold and then disconnected.

If/when you do get through, please quote them their own site:

http://giftcards.giftcertificates.com/category/customer+service/faq.do#shipping

See my post #14 in this thread - their charging does not reflect their own T&Cs/FAQs - the e-supercertificate should only be $0.95 - all in. No further fees, not even for redemption.

I would love to hear their explanation....:confused:

If/when you do get through, please quote them their own site:

http://giftcards.giftcertificates.com/category/customer+service/faq.do#shipping

See my post #14 in this thread - their charging does not reflect their own T&Cs/FAQs - the e-supercertificate should only be $0.95 - all in. No further fees, not even for redemption.

I would love to hear their explanation....:confused:

I finally got some woman whose explanation was that with the new website there were new fees. I told her their facts said $1 for an e-supercertificate but she had no clue. She read me her new fee sheet - up to $250 - $1 + $2.95, $250-$500 - $1 + $3.45 and over $500 - $1.50 + $3.95 (not absolutely sure of this last one). I asked her why should I spend that much from GC.com when I could get them for free from the merchant. Wondering if it's even worth it for thr miles??

I talked to a CS rep at giftcertificates.com... So, here's the official word:

e-supercertificates are now charged the SAME PRICE as the physical supercertificates:

___________
What product fees are associated with a SuperCertificate purchase?
$2.95 product fee for orders up to $200
$3.45 product fee for orders between $200 and $500
$3.95 product fee for orders over $500
___________

So, these product fees are now applied to the electronic supercertificates as well... So, you have the $1.00 "shipping" fee for the e-supercertificate, as well as the product fee... :td:

Thanks :(


Not necessarily accurate that you won't earn AA miles via the AA e-shopping portal when using an external discount code -- the answer as of this writing is we just do not know.

See my posts in the AA forum and the SPAM forum.

We do not know this for sure. It says no, but in practice, it is anybody's guess.

I would not count on it, but you never know.

After all, you are not allowed to earn IDINE miles when you use an Entertainment.com discount coupon or a Restaurant.com discount coupon, but in almost every instance I have tried -- but one -- the miles nevertheless have posted, less the coupon discount.

I talked to a CS rep at giftcertificates.com... So, here's the official word:

e-supercertificates are now charged the SAME PRICE as the physical supercertificates:

___________
What product fees are associated with a SuperCertificate purchase?
$2.95 product fee for orders up to $200
$3.45 product fee for orders between $200 and $500
$3.95 product fee for orders over $500
___________

So, these product fees are now applied to the electronic supercertificates as well... So, you have the $1.00 "shipping" fee for the e-supercertificate, as well as the product fee... :td:

Thank you for the heads up. You saved our time.

Not necessarily accurate that you won't earn AA miles via the AA e-shopping portal when using an external discount code -- the answer as of this writing is we just do not know.

See my posts in the AA forum and the SPAM forum.

We do not know this for sure. It says no, but in practice, it is anybody's guess.

I would not count on it, but you never know.

After all, you are not allowed to earn IDINE miles when you use an Entertainment.com discount coupon or a Restaurant.com discount coupon, but in almost every instance I have tried -- but one -- the miles nevertheless have posted, less the coupon discount.

Interestingly enough, I tried this yesterday... We'll see what happens :)

BTW, it appears that the 10% off coupon is 1-time use per account... I tried another order and it accepted the code but showed no discount at checkout... I logged out of my account and used different contact information and it worked...

I just got an email stating the offer of FREE SHIPPING :D on orders of $50 or more! Enter code CYBER2007! *

*Offer ends December 9, 2007. Limited to one per customer on an online order between $50 - $300. USPS regular shipping only. Offer not valid for FEDEX or shipping to P.O. Boxes. Not valid on previous purchases or corporate pricing. Offer is not combinable with any other promotion or offer.

I talked to a CS rep at giftcertificates.com... So, here's the official word:

e-supercertificates are now charged the SAME PRICE as the physical supercertificates:

___________
What product fees are associated with a SuperCertificate purchase?
$2.95 product fee for orders up to $200
$3.45 product fee for orders between $200 and $500
$3.95 product fee for orders over $500
___________

So, these product fees are now applied to the electronic supercertificates as well... So, you have the $1.00 "shipping" fee for the e-supercertificate, as well as the product fee... :td:

Someone has to tell these people that they're completely uncompetitive, don't provide value and are on their way out of business :rolleyes:

there's also this new winter free shipping promotion (http://travelvip.wordpress.com/2007/12/01/giftcertificatescom-free-shipping-promotion/)on supercertificates. the promotional link activates the promotion and I think it has been successfully used with the coupon code for 5%... although that might have expired.

Not necessarily accurate that you won't earn AA miles via the AA e-shopping portal when using an external discount code -- the answer as of this writing is we just do not know.

See my posts in the AA forum and the SPAM forum.

We do not know this for sure. It says no, but in practice, it is anybody's guess.

I would not count on it, but you never know.

After all, you are not allowed to earn IDINE miles when you use an Entertainment.com discount coupon or a Restaurant.com discount coupon, but in almost every instance I have tried -- but one -- the miles nevertheless have posted, less the coupon discount.
Your kind helpful post led me to ask a few more questions regarding e shopping and the Gift certs.com promo codes usage………

I received what sounds like very promising news from the good folks at Advantage Customer Service in Dallas.
First according to a long time associate E Shopping only tracks your final spend through these links. They have nothing to do with the decision of a given merchant & site to accept or decline a promotion. In other words if a merchant approves the transaction on their site and it goes through you get both the miles for the spend and whatever promotion you have qualified for through the code at the point of transaction.

The merchant can not say the customer received free shipping and 5% off so he now can’t qualify for the miles.
It’s apparently not set up that way at all.

If the merchant approves the transaction online and the customer receives confirmation the order has been fully consummated and approved.
My thanks to American for having well trained friendly customer service agents ^
I was even congratulated for hitting 3 million miles in the program

I just hope they are right!And it certainly all makes perfect sense to me
Now will see if we get the miles after that symposium!!:D

LIMITED TIME OFFER

GET $10 OFF* ORDERS OF $100 OR MORE!

OFFER CODE: PERFECT07

*Offer ends 11:59 p.m., December 9, 2007. Valid for one use per order. Offer not valid on previous purchases, American Express® Gift Cheques, GiftCertificates™ MasterCard® Gift Cards or corporate pricing. Offer is not combinable with any other promotion or offer.

there's also this new winter free shipping promotion (http://travelvip.wordpress.com/2007/12/01/giftcertificatescom-free-shipping-promotion/)on supercertificates. the promotional link activates the promotion and I think it has been successfully used with the coupon code for 5%... although that might have expired.

But if you use that link, you don't get AA miles. So what's the point?

FOR A LIMITED TIME

GET 10% OFF* ON AN ORDER OVER $1OO

OFFER CODE: GIFT2007


*Offer ends December 31, 2007. Limited to one use per customer on an order between $100 and $1000. Offer not valid on previous purchases, American Express® Gift Cheques, GiftCertificates™ MasterCard® Gift Cards, Amazon®, Best Buy, Bahama Breeze, Chevron, Chili's, Circut City®, EBGames, GameStop, The Home Depot®, iTunes, JCPenney, Lowe's, Maggiano's Little Italy, Olive Garden, On The Border Mexican Grill, Red Lobster, Romano's Maccaroni Grill, Starbucks, Sears, Target or Wal-Mart. Not valid for corporate pricing. Offer is not combinable with any other promotion or offer.


Seems to have more "not including" restrictions? :confused: :rolleyes:

Interesting, the product fee shows $10 per card, when I use Gift2007....

Their site really sucks.

Interesting, the product fee shows $10 per card, when I use Gift2007....

Their site really sucks.

Wow, ...??? lol

777 global mile hound --

Sorry I did not see your response sooner.

I just used the new 10% off code on a Sportsauthority giftcert.

The interesting thing is that on the AA.com portal, I now do not see any language stating that you cannot use an "outside" code for a giftcertificates.com transaction when using the AA potal to that site.

So, perhaps, since giftcerts is e-mailing these codes to its users -- that has been occuring with me, even though the codes are appearing on coupon sites -- they have advised AA.com to remove the "usual" language that the AA.com portals have with respect to "non-authorized" by AA.com, coupon codes.

In the end, only time will tell, but one now has a very good argument why they should receive AA miles when using the AA portal to giftcerts, even when using a coupon code not found on AA.com

Hello, 4 AA points/$ when using a MC to purchase a discounted gift cert -- Perhaps yes!?

777 global mile hound --

Sorry I did not see your response sooner.

I just used the new 10% off code on a Sportsauthority giftcert.

The interesting thing is that on the AA.com portal, I now do not see any language stating that you cannot use an "outside" code for a giftcertificates.com transaction when using the AA potal to that site.

So, perhaps, since giftcerts is e-mailing these codes to its users -- that has been occuring with me, even though the codes are appearing on coupon sites -- they have advised AA.com to remove the "usual" language that the AA.com portals have with respect to "non-authorized" by AA.com, coupon codes.

In the end, only time will tell, but one now has a very good argument why they should receive AA miles when using the AA portal to giftcerts, even when using a coupon code not found on AA.com

Hello, 4 AA points/$ when using a MC to purchase a discounted gift cert -- Perhaps yes!?

I am not to concerned now after speaking to American as I feel they will stand behind me as they have in the past. Another reason why I am a big AA fan.^
Incidentally one of the great aspects with AA E Shopping is if E Shopping doesn't come through after the required time AA customer service has the empowerment to post the miles to your account and charge the cost of those miles back to the source.And to back that up with first hand experience I had them step in about a year ago and was impressed.
It posted either while I waited or within 24 hours

It was also pointed out to me by the folks at AA that you can see your transactions on the e shopping site by clicking on customer service.
Once you do go in and select merchant where it says "see my order"you can see your transaction(s) pending after you have put in any information they have asked you for.

It will probably give you more peace of mind for now. You can also print that out for later should a problem arise. By all means save all print outs of all transactions (though I know you probably do)
I am seeing those miles now in my future how about you? :)

777 GH --

Thanks for the tip. Mine still has not shown up but I will check that from time to time.

NJ