Daily Challenge - Buying gift cards

PennyPincher · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2005, 08:23 AM

I have to reiterate what was expressed in today's challenge. Buying giftcards below value is WONDERFUL. I just started this about a month ago, and the savings add up.

Most recently, I decided I want to treat my fiancee to an iPod for his birthday. Well, with as hot and new as these are, they do not go 'on sale'. Prices range from $100-$350+ depending upon how many songs they can hold.

Anyhow, I have accumulated $120 worth of gift cards at Circuit City so far for the purchase.

Cost to me: $106.92
Savings: $13.08 ~ almost 11%!

I've gotten mine through ebay, and quite often there is free shipping on gift cards. Just another supporter here...

mjrube94 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2005, 10:02 AM

I'm another big supporter of getting gift cards through EBAY. My two favorites are any gas card (exxon, shell, etc.). I can usually get them for 10% off, and with the price of gas skyrocketing, it really helps. My other favorite is for the Discovery Store. They are affiliated with Discovery Channel, have good educational toys for kids, and you can usually get the gift cards on EBAY for 20-30% off! I use these for any of the birthday parties my kids get invited to!

Joanne

jacquelynrose · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2005, 08:03 PM

You know I have never really heard of this idea until I had recieved my challenge. Personally I think that is the best idea I have ever heard.

Jacquelyn

jeffrey · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2005, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacquelynrose

You know I have never really heard of this idea until I had recieved my challenge. Personally I think that is the best idea I have ever heard. Jacquelyn

It's always a good day when a new idea comes along that you think you can use to help yourself save money. That's one of the great assets about this site - there are new and inovated money saving ideas being tossed around all over. I know I learn just as much from all the members as I try and pass along to all of you. I'm glad to hear that it's something you think will be useful for you.

mjrube94 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-11-2005, 07:45 AM

The other thing I do with these gift cards: I put the difference in my ING savings account. If I get a $50 Exxon card for $45, I transfer the $5 right away. I figure I would have spent the $50 on gas anyway, so the extra $5 belongs in savings. Between gas cards, discovery store, and other gift cards for stuff that I would have bought anyway (this is key), I can save between 40-50 dollars a month...

terry1156 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-11-2005, 08:25 AM

In my area, the cheapest gas that can be found is at Cosco (it's about $.05 cheaper than the next lowest gas station and $.30 cheaper than most of the gas stations in my area). I belong to Cosco, but I have friends that don't that still are able to buy their gas because they buy Cosco gift cards which can be swiped and used at the gas pumps. Getting those gift cards at 5% off means they save 10% - 40% off of what they would have had to pay anywhere else.