Giftcard Zen

The first and only time I bought from GiftCardZen I got a $600 gift card, and when my husband went to the store an hour later to order carpet, he was told the card had no funds on it. I called GiftCardZen while my husband was in the store, and they said, we are sorry, but remember, you are buying used merchandise, so that is a risk you take, but we will give you a refund. Here is the problem: GiftCardZen immediately charges your credit or debit card -- no hold or authorization time -- they finalize the purchase. But when it is time for the refund, not so much. So if you get a bad card, which I have since learned happens regularly with them, you are out that cash until they decide to issue the refund. After three days of waiting I put the purchase in dispute with my bank card issuer, and that afternoon I got a call from Isabelle at Gift Card Zen, who told me that because I disputed the charge, I might lose the money. Here is another thing they do: The first time you buy from them, they immediately charge your credit/debit card, but you will get an email saying they will not send you the gift card until after they call and verify who you are. If on a weekend, holiday, or after hours, forget it. And again, they finalize the purchase before verifying who you are. They do not tell you until after they have taken your money that the card will be delayed. BUT if you buy a large enough card the first time, the will sell it to you without verification; chances are, however, the card will be worthless. My theory is that the worthless cards are a survival tactic; in other words, they have a cash shortage and are depending on float time between taking $$ and refunding $$. So, buyer beware.

Like many others before me, actually the last negative review just came a week before this review, it's another story of buying a bad gift card. I didn't have much of problem with giftcardzen before as I have been using them for the past 8 months. I've spent almost $2000 on Home Depot cards within 8 months with giftcardzen. I'm a consumer that would like to save a few bucks, but at the end of the day, I didn't save anymore with giftcardzen then if I were to just go to Home Depot and get the gift card myself.

If you are interested in the story, here it is: I've bought 13 home depot gift cards from giftcardzen in the last 8 months worth just under $2000. Some of those cards were "printable". I didn't have any problems with anyone of the gift card other than just 1 printable card with a balance of $124.36 or at least that was the balance I thought I had on it. It was only when I went to the store, the clerk told me that this particular card had $0 balance on it. Baffled, I had to call Home Depot to ask what happened with it. The Home Depot customer service could only provide me with when the card was used and at which store. It turned out it was used during the time I was on an airplane (going overseas) and on their online store. I checked my receipts and I have records of all my other gift cards, but just not this one. After confirming I did not use this card and getting off the phone with Home Depot, I decided to contact giftcardzen. Their customer representative filed my case and then said they would investigate and get back to me. Then 3 weeks went by and not a word. So I had to follow up with them to see if they had made any progress of my case. Their representative emailed me back to say that they have concluded that I have used the card. If I weren't able to provide them with more evidence then the case is closed. Well... Home Depot cannot give me anymore info than I already got from them, giftcardzen has no other evidence. I replied saying that I could provide evidence that I wasn't in the country when this card was used, but I am not able to get anymore details from Home Depot. The rep replied saying that then they cannot really do much about it. I then replied again to say that I have used their service in the past and all of cards I got were good except for this card. After a few hours the rep's manager called me up. I do applaud them for being fast about it and the manager was courteous, but the conclusion were still the same. I did learn that they can track when the "printable" card was sent to my via e-mail and when the pdf file was opened. Because the date the card was used was after the date I opened the pdf file, they concluded that I must have used it. Well, it's kind of at a stalemate, no new evidence and each side has a story of their own, but giftcardzen wasn't at loss here since they still got to charge my credit card, for a gift card I wasn't able to use.

Conclusion: While giftcardzen's customer service is decent, they weren't able to resolve issues such as bad gift cards. It seems like I am not the only one with this problem (google their review and you'll know). If they had just said "sorry, we can't find any evidence, but here, we'll give you half the balance back as store credit", I would have been satisfied and continue to do business with them. It's a shame, I'm not trying to scam them and I know they are just trying to do business. I'm sure they probably have to handle many bad gift card requests on a daily basis, but surely they can do better at verifying where/when/what the gift card was spent on instead of just telling me, I've spent it. Right now, I think I have bought my last gift card from giftcardzen. I'll take my business somewhere else unless they make contact with me and try to win back my business.

I recently ordered two gift cards from Giftcard Zen. I received the codes immediately! I had a slight problem with transposed numbers on one of the codes, so I emailed the support email and someone responded within the hour on a Saturday afternoon. They resolved the issue with no further input from me and I was able to get my Christmas gift ordered and on its way. A very positive experience all the way around. I will definitely be ordering again when my need for a gift card arises. Thank you so much!!

Easy purchase process, electronic printable gift cards were available within 5 minutes on both my purchases. I had a quick question, which was answered by a courteous, knowledgeable customer service rep. Will definately use Gift Card Zen again.. Thanks.

Review: On June 19th, I went to giftcardzen.com to purchase gift cards to pay for groceries. On the site, Giftcard Zen were offering both electronic and physical [redacted] gift cards. The site offered electronic gift cards which they stated were redeemable online and in stores. I placed 2 separate orders; the first ([redacted]) had an electronic gift card for $125 along with a physical gift card for $29.97, while the second order ([redacted]) had an electronic gift card for $60.97 along with 2 physical gift cards. After receiving an email that the electronic gift cards were ready, I printed out the electronic gift cards and went to the store to purchase some grocery items. At the store, I was treated as if I stole the gift cards and were told that [redacted] does not and has never accepted electronic gift cards. I was embarrassed and upset because according to Giftcard Zen, they accepted electronic gift cards in the store. When I visited albertsons.com, they do not even allow you to buy anything online so the electronic gift card cannot even be used on the site. The only thing they sell on their website is gift cards which cannot be paid for using a gift card. Essentially, the electronic gift cards were useless. I contacted Giftcard Zen, explained the issue and requested a refund, I was told I will receive a refund within 1 business day. On June 21st, I ordered some [redacted] electronic gift cards (order [redacted]), and to my disappointment, one of the electronic gift cards only had $1.34 instead of $16.34 (a $15 difference). Having just had an issue with them, I was frustrated; in addition, my funds were tied up with Giftcard Zen leaving me little money to pay for things I need. To make things worse, my refund was not processed on Monday, June 22nd as promised. Since the office was closed Sunday, I called on Monday to inform them of the issue with the electronic gift card I ordered as well as follow up with the 2 refunds I was due due to the [redacted] gift card debacle. To my disappointment, nobody answered all day so I eventually sent them an email of the problems. On Tuesday, I had not receive a response so I called again and this time left a message expressing my dissatisfaction with their service. I let them know I was not satisfied with their service. I receive a call back and was told that my first 2 refunds were not processed on Monday but will be addressed that day (Tuesday). I also made them aware that 1 gift card was short by $15.00. I clearly stated that it was the gift card with $16.34 which they said they will verify on their end as well. At this point, I was not very trusting of this company as they had violated my trust on numerous occasions. Today, I correctly received the first 2 refunds although I never received an email informing me it was resolved. I had to check my credit card account online. However on the third, they issued a refund on the wrong electronic gift card which was for a smaller amount. I am finally fed up and cannot believe a company is this dishonest and careless about their service. I have sent an excessive amount of time on these issues, wasted my gas, had my money tied up, was embarrassed, and still could not get these issues resolved. This is unacceptable and no consumer should have to face such an inconvenienceDesired Settlement: As I have been put through an unusual amount of stress and inconvenience, I want a full refund on my last order of $54.91 (Order [redacted]). In the future, Giftcard Zen should strive to run a more organized business. No consumer should have to deal with this many lies and inconveniences.

Business

Response:

Giftcard Zen apologizes for any inconveniences caused by the issues mentioned. Refunds have been filed for all mentioned issues and as a sign of good will we have refunded a total of 27.16 as opposed to only 13.88 for the trouble card from order [redacted]. Receipt refunds have been attached for reference and record keeping. We're sorry!

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

They sent the copies of the first 2 transactions which, per my complaint, I had acknowledged I received but it was not issued within one business day as the initial email they sent stated. I requested a full refund on the last order due to my inconveniences and the document sent only reflects a partial refund. Finally, not once have they apologized to me for the inconveniences and frustration they had caused me. I reject the business' response as it does not satisfy my requested resolution.

Regards,

Business

Response:

Giftcard Zen acknowledges the difficulties caused by the issue of the faulty cards and apologizes for the inconvenience and hassle. We have issued refunds for these non functional gift cards that had caused the issue and apologize for the intial issue.

this is a horrible company. you should not buy from them.

Review: I completed a sale of Best Buy Gift Cards to Gift Card Zen on October 1, 2015. I submitted my gift card info to them online, and was told that my sale was approved, and I would receive $176 by check in 2-3 weeks. After 3+ weeks passed, I had not received a check, and did not even receive confirmation from their accounting apartment that a check was sent out. I called their phone number literally a dozen times and left a few messages. They never picked up the phone and never returned my messages. I also sent them several emails on this issue after the 3 weeks had lapsed, and they claimed that they would resend the check out right away.

It is not a month since my sale, and I still do not have my payment. They are not responding to my most recent emails, and still do not answer the phone or return messages. I feel robbed and would never do business with these people again.Desired Settlement: Please send my check for $176.00 immediately.

Purchased a $50 BP gift card. Received it with a $0 balance. Company does not respond to any emails.

Review: Gift card zen is driving me crazy.

I received a macbook pro that I returned for a gift card. I called the company to make sure it was legit and the customer was like if you are so skeptical send us the half of the gift card value which is $700 first and if you are satisfied with the service you can go ahead with the second one. It was actually what I was hoping to hear so I sent him my Apple gift card and within 2 weeks as promised the transaction was done.

As a happy customer , I decided to send again the second gift card $718. The sale was approved right away and a week later the sale was completed after me mailing them the card.

12 days later I haven't received my check. The agent keep telling me the same story. " I just talked to the accounting department looks like your check will be mailed this afternoon or tomorrow" Last friday the agent even swore my check will be mailed the afternoon. Today is monday and without receiving any confirmation email I called them again. The agent has the guts to lie to me that my check was sent this morning. BS.

I have never received stating that so I urged him to handle the line to a supervisor.

The supervisor one arrogant man tells me that my check will be mailed again this afternoon or tomorrow.

I was like really I believed it has already been mailed mn. He adds we can mail you back your gift card if you want. Really it took your almost 2 weeks to figure out that option?

I told him mail me my check overnight delivery because thats good customer service which he answered we don t offer such service. Really? But what you offer is a SCAM SERVICE.

Here is my two cents. THOSE CRIMINALS ARE TRYING TO SELL MY GIFT CARD FIRST THUS THE DELAY.

I HAVE NOT SIGNED UP FOR THAT. THE DEAL IS YOU GET MY CARD SEND ME MY CHECK AND SELL MY CARD WHEN AND HOWEVEVER YOU WANT.

ANOTHER THING THEY WILL PROCESS YOUR FIRST TRANSACTION SMOOTHLY SO THAT YOU CAN BE HAPPY AND COME BACK AND THEY WILL SCREW YOU ON THE SECOND ONE. Luring customers to believe they have ethics what a shame.Desired Settlement: I told the supervisor if you dont send me my check today 06/08/15 you will have to please send my card back.

I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THIS COMPANY PHONY GAMES. I WONT DO BUSINESS WITH THEM IN THE FUTURE. ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE. CANT EVEN OFFER OVERNIGHT DELIVERY WHEN THEY ARE WRONG. BECAUSE THEY ARE TRYING TO SAVE$15 ON OVERNIGHT DELIVERY THEY WILL LOSE THOUSANDS IN THE FUTURE. CHEAP COMPANY.

I HAVE NEVER WRITTEN A BAD REVIEW ABOUT A COMPANY BEFORE BUT FOR 718$ I WILL SURELY DO MORE THAN THIS.

Business

Response:

June 9, 2015To Whom It May Concern,I would like to respond to complaint #[redacted].[redacted] initiated a gift card sale with us on May 20, 2015. Unfortunately due to an internal issue with oursystem the printing of her check for payment was delayed. We took action to get her check in the mail asquickly as we were able to, and the check was mailed on June 8th. We are truly sorry for the delay in paymentand have attempted to apologize rigorously to Miss [redacted]. At this time, her payment is already in the mailand on it’s way to her. We apologize again for this delay and will strive to prevent a similar situation from everoccurring again in the future.Sincerely,[redacted]Director of Customer HappinessGiftcard Zen, Inc.[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I did finally receive the check last weekend after all the drama. Thanks

Review: Two cards purchased had 0 balance. I placed two orders [redacted], [redacted] on 05/24/2015. First Gift card had 0 balance instead of $100 and second gift card had $6 balance instead of $100. I immediately contacted GiftCardZen support and after investigation that took several days I got my money back. Customer support representatives didnt offer any discount or store credit for future purposes for the inconvinience I went through because of it. I feel unsatisfied how GiftCardZen treated meDesired Settlement: Discount on future purchases or store credit

Business

Response:

We apologize for the errors with the cards and issued refunds for all issues. Unfortunately we do not have the desired promo codes or coupons desired by customer at this point so we are unable to offer them. Again, our apologies for the hassle!

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

I beleive business didnt make any steps to satisfy me with inconviniece that was caused

Regards,

My wife won an $ 1000 [redacted] store gift card while working for her previous employer. At first she was told she had to use the card to purchase raffle items for their office holiday party. But, then her supervisor had a change of heart and told her she could keep it. The change of heart we later learned was because she was to be laid off. This happened in the span of a week right before Thanksgiving. At first we were excited and began to discuss which [redacted] product we would purchase, then the layoff came and our focus shifted to being able to provide our children a Christmas. I had a lot of reservations about sending the gift card off to some website but desperation will trump reason if desperate enough. Their offer of $910 was better than any other offer by far. In fact, a local store offered me $720. So, I reluctantly sent the card via [redacted] priority flat rate. Three days later I received a call from them. I was asked to provide proof ( an email, etc. ) that the gift card was legitimately obtained. Since i'm not a criminal, nor think like one. I honestly never even thought about this before the call, but I truly understand their position. Unfortunately, she was laid off and accessing this proof isn't possible. After the hassle and the other low ball offers I realized it was better to just buy a [redacted]. I emailed them and said I was unable to provide the proof they needed and asked for the card to be returned at the earliest convenience. They quickly responded and said they would provide a tracking number in the next few days. I was troubled by the few days part and thankfully I was smart enough to write down all the barcodes from the card. I bought a mac within in minutes of their response. Im so glad I did because it has been 10 days since that email and I have yet to receive my card or tracking/shipment confirmation. There is still a balance on the card and I really do want it back. I deserve to have it back. I was telling this to my wife and her theory is that they probably accuse all sellers of cards with fraud. Then wait an extended period with the hope that the "criminals" will not attempt to retrieve their card. I'd say after 10 days waiting on a card that should have been here at least 5 days ago its an excellent theory. Sellers Beware!

I've sold them many gift cards I've only received some of the checks and is been 2 months already. I can't get in touch with then. And I've purchased a bunch of cards at once and 90% of them didn't work they did refund me for that but it was a hassle.

Review: I made a purchase on their site using [redacted]. Unlike virtually EVERY other merchant, I was not given a choice of funding options for my [redacted] payment on their site. The site states it pulls from the primary funding source. I chose, in my [redacted] account, to make my credit card the primary source. The transaction went through and debited my bank account anyway. Without my authorization. I tried to call the company to correct this and their phone does not ring or answerDesired Settlement: Either correct the payment method or refund the order

This company's customer service is outstanding, and I have never had a problem ordering gift cards from them. The owner personally thanks customers after each purchase, and the gift cards are shipped quickly. This is my favorite site for gift cards. I highly recommend it.

Easy purchase, no issues/complaints; overall good company to deal with

Wonderful service. Best of its type, in my opinion. Always INSTANT delivery with no errors.

On the Giftcard Zen website it says you will receive your gift card within 10-30 mins. Well it's been 3 hours and after 3 phone calls and 1 email I still have not gotten my gift card emailed to me yet. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY.

I bought 3 gift cards from this website. Was a little nervous at first but my order was less than $100 so figured it would not be a huge loss. I received all 3 gift cards quickly in the mail and immediately called the numbers on the back to make sure they contained the dollar amount I was promised. All 3 gift cards were good. I have used 2 of the 3 gift cards so far with no problem.

I ordered a $500 electronic gift card for $449. Got a phone call a few minutes later to verify address of CC. Two minutes later I got an e-mail with the gift card code and was exactly as advertised. I'm impressed with the speedy support and was able to make my purchase in a few minutes. Highly recommend.

Review: this merchant is trying to scam me I believe. they are giving false information, and are refusing to give me my stolen money back stating they do not have to give money back regardless if I authorized a purchase. my bank is trying to make me pay them $5,000 that I don't have because this merchant is doing everything to try, and keep my money. this has been a headache for me. all I want is my $4,900 and change back. they are making it very difficult for me to get it back, and thanks to my bank, they said I will probably have to pay the $4900 back all because they do not offer protection, and I stated several times I have never even received anything in the mail, and asked they force this merchant to supply a tracking number, and the merchant can not prove they even sent an item to my home, but unfortunately my bank does not work that way. I have nothing to show for the money stolen from me, and my case worked said these people are doing everything they can do cover there tracks, and they don't even need to prove they mailed me anything, and I may just be out of the money, and I refuse to let that happen. I am disabled, I don't even work, and I can't work. when I am able to find a little job it does not last long because my disability limits me, and they are threating to turn me into collections if I do not come up with this money, and this merchant does not even care. all they care about is keeping money they do not deserve. I cant afford to pay back $5,000 that I don't even have I don't even know how I can even pay it if I don't have that kind of money, and never do. all I want is for this merchant to drop everything, and be willing to tell my bank I can have my money back that was wrongfully taken from me. I am willing to drop this complaint, and move on if they are willing to give me my money back.

they were supposed to fix this, and they originally were giving me my money back, but they only gave me a small portion of it back, and refused to tell me why they did not give it all back so I reported this to my bank, and now I am being told they are manipulating things to do everything they can to keep the money they did not give me back.Desired Settlement: I Just want my $4,869 back, and I will drop any, and all complaints against this merchant. I can not afford to pay my bank back, and its not fair for me to have to be punished with bad credit for a charge I should not even be responsible for.

Business

Response:

We received a chargeback concerning this situation on Friday, April 17th, 2015. I have attached a receipt from the Braintree processor showing that an amount of $4,869.64 was debited from our account and returned to the cardholder.