The Empire State Strikes Back... Against Expiring Gift Certificates!
Ah, gift certificates. The ever-reliable present for that friend who has everything (or the picky one you just can't figure out). But let's be honest, sometimes they get shoved in a drawer and become relics of birthdays past. Fear not, New Yorkers! Because unlike your distant cousin's fruitcake, gift certificates purchased in the Empire State after December 10th, 2022, are basically immortal.
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| Can Gift Certificates Expire In New York |
That's Right, Folks, Nine. Glorious. Years.
No more scrambling to use that gift certificate before it mysteriously turns into a pumpkin (or, you know, a deactivated piece of plastic). You've got nearly a decade to find the perfect purchase, whether it's that fancy new yoga mat or a lifetime supply of artisanal cheese puffs (hey, no judgement!).
This new law is basically a giant middle finger to those sneaky retailers who tried to nickel and dime you with expiration dates. You can thank Governor Hochul and her band of merry consumer protectors for this gift that keeps on giving (literally).
But Wait, There's More!
Not only can you relax knowing your gift certificate won't spontaneously combust, but inactivity fees are also a thing of the past. So you can leave that gift certificate nestled in your sock drawer for a few years without the fear of some phantom service charge eating away at its value.
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This is basically the best news since sliced bread (which you can totally buy with your non-expiring gift certificate, by the way).
Important Side Note: This law only applies to gift certificates purchased in New York State. So, if your aunt Mildred from Florida sends you a gift certificate from a Sunshine State store, you'll need to check the expiration date on that bad boy.
FAQ: Gift Certificate Guru at Your Service!
How to check the expiration date on a gift certificate?
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Easy! Flip that plastic over and look for an expiration date listed on the back. If you can't find one and the certificate was purchased in New York after December 10th, 2022, then congratulations, you've got a near-immortal gift on your hands!
How to find out if a gift certificate has inactivity fees?
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Again, check the fine print on the back of the certificate. If it was purchased in New York after December 10th, 2022, then you can rest easy knowing there are no sneaky fees lurking in the shadows.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
How to use a gift certificate online?
Many stores allow you to use gift certificates online during checkout. Just enter the gift certificate number and PIN (if there is one) at the designated prompt.
How to replace a lost or stolen gift certificate?
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
Contact the store where the gift certificate was purchased. Their policy for lost or stolen certificates may vary.
How to avoid gift certificate meltdowns altogether?
Buy your gift certificates in New York State, people! Seriously though, consider giving experiences instead of material items. A rock climbing session or a cooking class might be a more memorable gift (and way less likely to get lost in the abyss of your sock drawer).
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