Maureen Wallenfang
Appleton Post-Crescent
Published 1:54 PM EDT Mar 23, 2020
Many organizations, including my own, are encouraging people to buy gift cards now for future use at local businesses.
My personal opinion is that consumers must proceed carefully.
If you know the business and its owner, and feel confident that the business will weather the coronavirus outbreak crisis, a gift card purchase can help that business pay its current bills.
But depending on the duration of the outbreak, some businesses may go out of business.
If a business folds, the gift card you purchased now for future use may be worthless.
Even in good times, I’ve seen it happen to numerous consumers.
You may be able to recoup the funds if you purchase the gift card by credit card and if your credit card company allows you to request a refund. It’s typically within a limited period of time, often 60 days from the date you purchased the card. Check your credit card’s individual policy.
But another way to help local businesses is to buy goods right now.
Order food and beverages for pick-up or delivery.
Or buy products online or by phone.
Lillians of Appleton, for example, is a locally owned, independent women’s clothing store downtown that set up ordering through its website and Facebook page.
“They can buy gift cards and that’s a wonderful thing. But I would rather that people buy merchandise than gift cards,” said co-owner Kara Manuel. “We have spring merchandise ready to go now and we can deliver it to them. We’re not charging for shipping or delivery in the immediate Fox Cities.”
The Pawffee Shop Cat Café in Grand Chute has T-shirts, sweatshirts and mugs that can be purchased now to help it generate income and stay in business. It also has coffee and pastry to-go Tuesday through Friday.
“These sales will help us to cover our expenses and ensure we are still here for you when this is all over,” co-owner Leah Enking said on her Facebook page.
Contact reporter Maureen Wallenfang at 920-993-7116 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @wallenfang.
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