We’ve been using a lot off the actions referenced in the post. They appear to be going relatively well. We are thinking about implementing several of the other tricks you have referenced and taking a look at how they work. We’re attempting this to increase employee morale, and as a result help strengthen their all round performance.

Why do you have an unwanted gift card?
Did someone gave it to you and you didn’t like it – not the kind of product you use/like?
Were they purchased and for whatever reason they are still sitting on a desk without being passed on to gift recipients?
Were they cards purchased without much thought and now you have to give them to people?

If you are the recipient and cannot change it to something else… make the most of it, use it or give it to someone that would enjoy it. What you don’t want is that it expires and the reward, present or thank you that meant to be literal has to be chucked into the bin. The good thing is that most cards are transferable.

If you purchased cards that for whatever reason are not desirable now, try to negotiate with your supplier to change to cards that would be appreciated if not a refund. I am sure the supplier would prefer the negotiation than to lose you as a customer, and if he prefers to lose you as a customer maybe it’s not the right supplier for you.

If they are cards you have to live with and need to pass them on to someone who may not like them. Give them with enough information on the options as to how and where they can be used. This way you can open possibilities and make it valuable… they may be accepted and positively perceived instead of unwanted.

One of my clients purchased Christmas gift cards for his employees. After he received them he realised the outlets to redeem them were non existent in some rural areas. Only metro employees could fully enjoy them… however the supplier advised they could be redeemed online and that delivery fees would come out of the gift card. To make the cards valuable, he attached information on how to redeem online, what kind of products were available, picking items he knew would grab his employee’s attention and communicated that postage and handling would be $15 per item. Those in rural areas were happy to see options and the variety of products they could purchase, were expecting a $15 fee (which didn’t bother them and to their surprise sometimes was only $7); they saw value on the ability to purchase online at their leisure and although not the best present he’s given it was a nice gift.

The point is, make your gift card as relevant to the recipient so that they can enjoy it. And that is, think of what the gift card you are about to purchase will be. Avoid purchasing unwanted gift cards and these nuisances to happen.

I was just wondering what phone skills you were using to get people to talk to you then purchase? These days people just don’t seem interested and want to hang up straight away if they know your trying to sell them something.