Great addition to options...how about one more?
This is a great addition to the various gift card options. Has the look and feel of a store bought gift card plus its value is customizable. Thanks Amazon!<br /><br />I don't know why more companies don't do this.  I was first introduced to this concept by "Talbots" so many years ago.  Worked out great for last minute and spontaneous gifts.  In a pinch for time, I would write the amount on the card, take a photo of the back of the card to capture data, mail it out, then go online that evening to load the card with funds. On one occasion, I sent my elderly Mother a gift card with a marked value of several hundred dollars.  I didn't want to worry about it getting lost or misplaced, so I wrote instructions to call me the day prior to use.  Worked out perfectly, she actually called me from the store minutes before making her purchases. I went online, loaded the card with funds and Mom was able to use the card minutes later.<br /><br />This is vastly more convenient and secure than buying a gift card at your local store.  So safe that you could freely carry these around in your wallet or purse or vehicle for that matter, even with a preselected amount already written on the card (the key is to write the amount on the back of the card as well and take a photo of the back, then use your smartphone to add funds and activate AFTER you've given it out).<br />If you've ever hesitated on sending a gift card to someone because you were concerned that the card may not arrive or be delivered to the wrong address or recipient, this flex card would place your worries aside. If you're sending one of these cards and want to make sure it's received by the intended individual, you could enclose a note instructing the recipient to "call, text or email (your contact information here) to activate this card" OR upon removal of the Amazon activation sticker (on the front of card), you could replace it with your own custom label, instructing recipient on who they need to contact to activate card.  You could even add a field on the label for your own security question to recipient, how's that for multiple layers of security.<br /><br />And NOW, my personal wish.  When will Amazon be offering gift cards that are charged to the senders credit card at the time of REDEMPTION. (I wonder how many gift card purchases are wasting away in drawers or misplaced across the globe).  Of course this would have to come with some notification function (similiar to auto renewal charge of subscriptions) but that would be kind of nice, knowing that your gift had just been used (no other details necessary other than possibly name of recipient)<br />Amazon could be the leader in this "Pay when they Redeem" concept.
Rating: 5 stars