They took my idea!

[MDZ]

Okay, not really. They beat me to it fair and square. This exact idea popped into my head on Thursday night, and I was kind of bummed to see it already existed.

But, if you want to save 10% on almost everything you are going to buy this Christmas season, check it out. I thought (in my own biased way) that it is a pretty good idea.

Gift Cards Again, - Welcome

[Kristy411]

Hey Mark,
Interesting concept, I didn't even know you can buy gift cards to different stores without paying the full face value. Do you know how they obtain these cards and are able to sell them at lower prices?
btw, if it's something you can put a twist on compared to that site link you put in your post, then go for it! Competition is good.



The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Anything the mind of man (or woman) can conceive and believe, it can achieve. - Napoleon Hill

[MDZ]

I am guessing how it works is this. I get a gift card to Mary's Hair Salon for $50. I check out their prices and see that I can get two hair cuts for $25 each. I check out my local hair cutter, who will cut it for $10. I then go to this site and sell my gift card for 80% of the value, or $40. They then turn around and sell the card to you (since you would rather pay more for a nicer hair cut) for $45. You win since you save money. I win since I get my hair cut and still am money ahead. They win because they charged 10% for the service.

So far, my idea was right on with what they do. If something comes to me, I might pursue it further. Thanks for the encouragement though

[WallStGolfer31]

Holidays are so ineffecient, it's crazy!

In 1992 there was something along the lines of a $8 billion dollar deadweight loss just from Christmas! (deadweight loss being basically the difference between the amount the gift was purchased for by the buyer and what the person who recieved it would have paid for it if they bought it for themselves.)

That was 1992, think of what it is today, I'd guess around $11 billion!


Does this mean gift giving is dead? Of course not, Cash baby, just like they say on 'On The Money' CNBC's at 7pm eastern "It's all about the money". With cash given as a gift, the person who recieves it can spend it as they wish. This means they will find the best possible use to maximize their own happiness with that cash, and isn't that what's it's all about? Making people happy? Why not make them as happy as you can by letting them decide where to spend that money at. Just think about the clothes you get that you wouldn't wear if someone paid you that you got from your aunt last year. Cash as a gift means there is NO deadweight loss.



The conclusion is simple. Give cash, waste less, be happier.......

[MDZ]

Dude, that is pretty amazing. I have never heard the term deadweight loss, but I believe it, I get some pretty random things.

I think cash is nice, but it is also kind of lame and weird at the same time (I my opinion of course.) I am all about giving experiences to people. For example, I have 4 sisters. I would be screwed if I had to think of something for all of them. Instead, I take them all out to a nice dinner and a movie/show. It is a really fun time, and I think that the positive emotions last a lot longer than the instant gratification of a present.

[Stocktrading101]

Dude, that is pretty amazing. I have never heard the term deadweight loss, but I believe it, I get some pretty random things.

I 2nd that. If only there was a "cool" way to give cash for christmas and not look selfish, lazy, or stupid.

Gift Cards Again, - Welcome

great concept for a site