B&N Dilemma: What to Do with a Superabundance of Gift Cards?

[Care]

That is a tough one. I might be tempted to do 1&2 so I wouldn't have to buy books/gifts for a while, but the temptation of the NC would be too much for me I think.

[Illinifan]

Does B&N sells iTunes gift cards? If so, exchange one for the other and load up that iTunes account!

[ProfCrash]

I burn through gift cards pretty fast so I would say use them for buying books. It takes me about a month to use the gift certificates I get for my birthday ($100 or so).

[issybird]

There was really good input here and I'm grateful to everyone who responded. In digesting the responses, I thought that the general sense was to go for a splurge, either in books or the Nook Color, rather than frittering my credit away slowly. This was in line with my own inclinations. Since $40 of my credit isn't coming live until December 26, I decided that I'd wait until after Christmas, go to B&N and play with the Nook Color and see just how beguiled I was, and let that be the determining factor.

First to return that redundant Nook! A search of my purse came up with the receipt for $300 in gift cards and I had the defunct cards themselves (I had bought two Nooks with them), so I figured nothing lost in asking if I could return one of the $100 gift cards, assuming they were willing to reload the cards as paid for. I had no expectations of the partial card as I can't imagine stores are in the business of cashing out partially used gift cards and in any case, I preferred to keep it and the $10 in gift credit I'll get December $26. I had no great expectations, however. Stay with me, my torturous disquisition is almost at an end!

I explained the transaction to the cashier, she called over a manager, who said, "Suppose I just give you $149 in cash?" Done and dusted! Kudos to B&N for going above and beyond. Totally unexpected.

So no Nook Color in my immediate future and those pricey Agency books will continue to languish on my wishlist for the time being. However, I'll keep both in mind once the dust settles from my Christmas bills, especially since I'm so very pleased with the service I got.

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

[screwballl]

Originally Posted by issybird

I bought my sister a Nook for Christmas, using gift cards I bought to get a freebie. I learned tonight that her best friend's family bought her a Kindle for Christmas. Therefore, the Nook has to go back, which will get me $149 in gift credit and not a chargeback to my credit card. Sigh. I also have an additional $62 in pending and realtime gift cards.

I see three options. One: I can squirrel away all the credit and be somewhat profligate in my ebook purchases for a while (Agency books, here I come!). Two: I can plan to burn them off in purchases of gifts over time. Or a combination of one and two, of course. It's Three that's teasing at me: Do I combine all $211 in gift credit and put it toward a Nook Color? I have no real need for a Nook Color, but I'm sure I would have fun with it. On the other hand, my iPod Touch answers my needs for web browsing on the go, I prefer e-ink for reading, and I have no interest in e-magazines.

Opinions? Or an option I haven't considered?

One thing I have heard many people complain about, is that if they already had a previous version of the Nook, they tend to stick with it, primarily because of the battery charge. B&N used the same batteries between the 2, yet the Nook Color drains it much faster. So I would say a combination of 1 and 2... grab a few books for yourself but also use the credit for gifts for others as time goes on.

[wvcherrybomb]

Originally Posted by issybird

I explained the transaction to the cashier, she called over a manager, who said, "Suppose I just give you $149 in cash?" Done and dusted! Kudos to B&N for going above and beyond. Totally unexpected.

Now that a part of the money has been converted to cash I guess a NookColor is looking less attractive? Even so, leaves you a nice little bit to go on an eBook spending spree.

You still never answered: Where are you getting all the gift cards? Am I missing some free points site on the web? I earn many Amazon gift cards from site in my signature line but I haven't seen B&N cards.

[GreenMonkey]

I gave my 8GB Touch 2G to my 4yr old daughter for christmas...apps are better than losing leapster carts! she loves watching Netflix on it. We don't let her use it too much, though.

The ONLY reason I miss my ipod touch is for use in the car / plugging into my car dock .

Otherwise, the rooted Nook color is a way better gadget.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by GreenMonkey

I gave my 8GB Touch 2G to my 4yr old daughter for christmas...apps are better than losing leapster carts! she loves watching Netflix on it. We don't let her use it too much, though.

Great idea. There are lots of kid apps available. It's not only a fun toy, but it's also a great learning tool.

[Lazaras]

Originally Posted by RW2112

I was thinking that when I made my post too...

I wouldn't mind a little book money. However selfishness to one side contact local libraries. See what they could use and either donate directly, or buy books and have said books shipped to them.

[MV64]

The gift cards never expire, so if there's nothing you really need at the moment, just sit on them. The nook color will probably go down in price come spring or summer, buy one then and use the leftover to buy books.

[LaurieGator]

I would go for the Nook Color, root that baby and that way you can read ePub and azw/tpz books :-)

I bought one for myself and LOVE IT!!! It won't replace my Kindle but it sure is a good supplement to my Kindle!

[issybird]

Originally Posted by wvcherrybomb

You still never answered: Where are you getting all the gift cards? Am I missing some free points site on the web? I earn many Amazon gift cards from site in my signature line but I haven't seen B&N cards.

Mostly the gift cards came because of a promotion early this month, where you earned a $10 gc for each $100 spent in gcs. I bought enough gcs to pay for two Nooks, plus more to give as gcs. As of December 26, the promotional gcs are active.

The other wrinkle with B&N is to order through Mr. Rebates (or Ebates, or what have you). It's the only way to get a (small) discount on Agency books. It also got me a discount on the Nooks, which otherwise don't discount.

[bminata]

Originally Posted by jasonkchapman

Need? What's need got to do with it. We're talkin' gadget here.

Ahh.. some wise words from someone who understands

[Steven Lake]

Originally Posted by khalleron

Whatever you do, don't wait too long. Gift cards are basically 'dead' money.

Spend it or lose it.

I agree. Most gift cards I've seen of late have a shelf life, and it's usually not all that big of a timeframe. Got burned a few times like that myself waiting too long to use them.

[jedifarfy]

I was going to suggest throwing some gift cards onto your B&N account and buying some books. But hey, cash = paid bills. So that wins. :P