10 Things About Virtual Gift Cards This Christmas

The popularity of virtual gift cards has skyrocketed over the past couple of years. For reasons obvious to most, there just isn’t the same desire to brave the usual High Street crowds.

Particularly over the Christmas period when things are chaotic and congested, staying safe is the sensible option.

Our own virtual gift cards are perfect for anyone with a taste for quality coffee. Redeemable against our finest Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, Hawaiian Kona coffee, Geisha coffee (a.k.a. Gesha coffee) and more, there’s no better way to offer a taste of something exquisite.

But wherever you plan to buy virtual gift cards from, there are a few things to bear in mind beforehand. To ensure you get the most out of your virtual Christmas present, be mindful of the following 10 points:

1. Not all stores accept gift cards as payment for all of their goods and services. There will sometimes be exclusions (though not with us), so be sure to note for any before buying.
2. There’s a huge resale market for part-used virtual gift cards, but one that should be approached with caution. If you’re stung with a fake, invalid or expired gift card, you’re unlikely to get your money back.
3. Always check the terms and conditions of the virtual gift cards in full, rather than expecting the recipients to do so. If they are too restrictive or binding in any way, pick up a card from a different store.
4. Verify whether the gift card can be redeemed against sale items and be used in conjunction with other promotions taking place at the time. This should always be the case, but is sometimes unfairly restricted with some online retailers.
5. Expiry dates and time restrictions should also be queried, which generally apply to all virtual gift cards. But while some will give the recipient a full year to choose their gifts (our case), others have to be used within a matter of weeks.
6. There are also some gift cards that must be used all at once, rather than gradually. This can be problematic for the recipient - particularly where higher-denomination gift cards are concerned. The best virtual gift cards are always the most flexible gift cards.
7. After handing over the virtual gift cards, ensure you maintain proof of purchase. All information is stored digitally and while the likelihood of a processing issue is minimal, it’s best to hold onto your receipt, just in case.
8. Never buy virtual gift cards from stores that enforce transaction fees or processing charges. The value of the card should be the total price you pay - never a penny more.
9. It’s also worth asking whether there is the option of topping up the gift card at a later date, if you would like to give them a little more credit to play with.
10. Last up, double-check the processing and ‘delivery’ time for the virtual gift card, if time is a factor. There’s no reason why you should not get the virtual gift card code instantaneously, but some providers are prompter than others!

At Hayman's online store you can find outstanding coffees, such as Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, the best Jamaican coffee, as well as convenient virtual gift cards that can be printed or delivered by email, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger – click here to order now!