Gift Card Exchanges
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,467
Gift Card Exchanges
I was looking to unload some of my gas station gift cards, and came across a few exchanges that buy and sell them. Cardcash.com and Cardpool seem to be the most prominent in this business. They buy gas gift cards for as much as 92% (Exxon Mobil).
However, I am really concerned that their ratings are atrocious. I realize that feedback would necessarily be skewed toward the negative, as customers with uneventful transactions would have nothing much to write about. But still, would you please post about your experiences and opinions about such businesses. Is there any relevance that these exchanges prefer to process payments through the devil (aka ScamPal)? Accounts in Federally chartered banks are also mentioned, but not as prominently.
What's my risk of a total loss from doing business with these guys?
However, I am really concerned that their ratings are atrocious. I realize that feedback would necessarily be skewed toward the negative, as customers with uneventful transactions would have nothing much to write about. But still, would you please post about your experiences and opinions about such businesses. Is there any relevance that these exchanges prefer to process payments through the devil (aka ScamPal)? Accounts in Federally chartered banks are also mentioned, but not as prominently.
What's my risk of a total loss from doing business with these guys?
#2
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
I've had reasonably good results buying and selling from GiftcardZen. I sold a lot of Walmart cards (from Citi TYP) and more recently bought Petco cards.
Two of the cards didn't work (had been reported stolen after the seller got the money from the Exchange), but they immediately refunded the money.
And they are currently showing $92.50 for ExxonMobil
Two of the cards didn't work (had been reported stolen after the seller got the money from the Exchange), but they immediately refunded the money.
And they are currently showing $92.50 for ExxonMobil
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,467
I've had reasonably good results buying and selling from GiftcardZen. I sold a lot of Walmart cards (from Citi TYP) and more recently bought Petco cards.
Two of the cards didn't work (had been reported stolen after the seller got the money from the Exchange), but they immediately refunded the money.
And they are currently showing $92.50 for ExxonMobil
Two of the cards didn't work (had been reported stolen after the seller got the money from the Exchange), but they immediately refunded the money.
And they are currently showing $92.50 for ExxonMobil
When you sold to them, how quickly did they process the shipment and pay you?
#4
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
Thanks for the reference! I just looked at GiftcardZen's website, and it already inspired more confidence than the other guys -- sensible FAQ's, business address, phone, email readily available, and even the staff identities.
When you sold to them, how quickly did they process the shipment and pay you?
When you sold to them, how quickly did they process the shipment and pay you?
As you are probably feeling, it feels a little bit dangerous to send in a bunch of gift cards (first time was about 15 $100 WM cards) in the mail to an unknown provider. I used insurance the first time (to a different vendor, can't remember which) but from them on didn't bother, Both GiftcardZen and the other vendor send email when they receive the cards, and inform you when they have finished processing and are sending funds.
Actually, GiftCardZen sent a separate email for EACH card, which was a little over the top but presumably that is how there systems work, and I guess one or more cards could be bad, so it makes sense.
#5
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: DTW
Programs: RR,UMP,IHG,UR
Posts: 39
I've used pretty much everycgc reseller out there. Abc/cashs website looks mickey mouse but they are legit. Be prepared for extra verification (phone call, send in copy of dl) if doing bulk ($1k+). Cardpool's site looks nice, but I was not impressed with their service or speed.
If you want your money faster use paypal. When i did they included a bonus to cover fees. Abc/cardcash required it for the large orders I was sending in, presumably so the could contest if there was any issue.
If you want your money faster use paypal. When i did they included a bonus to cover fees. Abc/cardcash required it for the large orders I was sending in, presumably so the could contest if there was any issue.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,467
I've used pretty much everycgc reseller out there. Abc/cashs website looks mickey mouse but they are legit. Be prepared for extra verification (phone call, send in copy of dl) if doing bulk ($1k+). Cardpool's site looks nice, but I was not impressed with their service or speed.
If you want your money faster use paypal. When i did they included a bonus to cover fees. Abc/cardcash required it for the large orders I was sending in, presumably so the could contest if there was any issue.
If you want your money faster use paypal. When i did they included a bonus to cover fees. Abc/cardcash required it for the large orders I was sending in, presumably so the could contest if there was any issue.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,467
Update: I ended up selling my extra gas gift cards to GiftcardZen. I'm pretty happy with the entire process. Both service & communications were prompt and friendly, and the check was delivered as expected.
Thanks again to @Silver6054 for recommending them.
Thanks again to @Silver6054 for recommending them.
#9
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1,153
I've used pretty much everycgc reseller out there. Abc/cashs website looks mickey mouse but they are legit. Be prepared for extra verification (phone call, send in copy of dl) if doing bulk ($1k+). Cardpool's site looks nice, but I was not impressed with their service or speed.
If you want your money faster use paypal. When i did they included a bonus to cover fees. Abc/cardcash required it for the large orders I was sending in, presumably so the could contest if there was any issue.
If you want your money faster use paypal. When i did they included a bonus to cover fees. Abc/cardcash required it for the large orders I was sending in, presumably so the could contest if there was any issue.
#11
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 46
Not that I know about taxes but I think that would be ridiculous because you could have bought that gift card from your own taxed income and it would suck if you have to pay tax again on that. That said, the other side of the argument could be that you may have received the GC as a gift and therefore have to pay tax on it but I didn't think about tax on selling GCs until I read your post. Has any company sent out 1099's for selling GCs?
#13
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 46
#14
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,467
I'm looking to sell a few gift cards again this year, and thought I should check this board
Does anyone have new data points about GC exchanges?
I checked GiftcardZen first, but noticed they're now offering less for gas cards than they did last year. Maybe it's just not a busy driving season yet.
Does anyone have new data points about GC exchanges?
I checked GiftcardZen first, but noticed they're now offering less for gas cards than they did last year. Maybe it's just not a busy driving season yet.