The facts on InstaGC Gift Cards!
Hey Hovel Homers!
Today I want to revisit InstaGC (original link here) and talk about some of the new things I’ve discovered while using more of the services this wonderful site offers. InstaGC is one of my favorite GPT websites (I’ve made nearly $700 since starting my membership in late January 2014) but recently I’ve discovered that using some of the in-store gift cards can be a bit of a hassle. In fact, it can be more than a hassle, it can be down-right horrible. The problem is that GPT websites, and the rewards they reap, aren’t well known to most people, or industries for that matter. Employees aren’t prepared to handle the trials and tribulations that apparently come along with entering such codes and validating such vouchers. (Note: All the sarcasm right here.) Nonetheless, InstaGC’s gift cards are as authentic and use-able as any other gift card, debit card, or cash is. The trick’s just getting the other party to understand that.
So, we here at Adventures of Alice have decided to make your life easier, hopefully, by preparing you beforehand for the, excuse my french, bullshit that you may deal with when using in-store InstaGC gift cards.
**I also want to add a small personal note, to apologize for my lack of updates as of late despite promising otherwise. Things have been very busy in the hovel home, as we prepare to embark on our newest adventure: HOW TO-Camping with Alice and Wyatt. This will be starting within the next week, so by then posts should become more regulated along with more interesting and original content on how to survive when you have nothing but a tent, some basic camp supplies, and a car. Should be a crazy trip, so we hope you’re looking forward to it as much as we are!**
So, without further ado, on with the list of what to expect!
Click to be re-directed to the site!
1. Be prepared for employees to look at you as if you’ve grown another head when you present the gift card.
“What are you looking at?”
As I mentioned before, most people don’t know how a GPT website works(or even what it is, for that matter). That being said when using the vouchers, most employees won’t know how to key in the code. Do not let this deter you, and simply state that it is a gift card, and they should apply it to your check-out balance, as one normally would with a “regular” gift card.
2. The employee may still be unable to apply the code, in which case ask for a manager.
“Attitude adjustment needed in aisle 12!”
Most employees are use to just taking the form of payment, everything working smoothly, and moving on to the next customer. Be prepared to get a somewhat disgruntled employee, if they struggle with your gift card, but don’t let it dissuade you. You have to stand your ground. Your money, or credit in this matter, is as good as anyone’s! So, if it comes to that, ask for a manager who should be able to figure out the correct method in order to complete your transaction.
3. If aggravated enough with repeated failure, the employee may attempt to deny your gift card entirely. (Essentially, give up.)
“How dare you deny me service!”
When in doubt, make a scene. Making a scene, while possibly embarrassing, can achieve all sorts of things. (A whole separate article on that, coming soon!) This is money you earned, so don’t be afraid to act as if the employee is turning down cash! Granted, on an individual level, I have a bit of a temper so for my more timid readers this could be a challenge. But you must realize, when you’re swimming against the current, and doing things “out of the norm”, so to speak, you will face resistance. Steel yourself for the challenge as much as you can and fight! for your right! to use InstaGC gift cards! 😛
4. Last but not least, be prepared for a few annoyed customers.
Tick-Tock, Tick Tock!
Unfortunately, due to the possible complications involved when using the gift card, and depending on how many registers are open you may have a bit of line building up behind you. This could include angry toe-tappers, impatient watch-checkers, or even the gutsy guy who voices his ill of you aloud. Again, don’t be discouraged. It’s not your fault the employee working this shift doesn’t know how to properly use that cash register-it’s the training of the companies fault! Everyone is in a rush, all the time, always thinking their problems are more important: so don’t let any negative criticism effect you when using your hard-earned InstaGC gift card! Whether it be from the antsy people in line, or from the aggravated employees–keep your cool, you’re doing nothing wrong. 🙂
-I decided to write this article after attempting to use many different gift cards (such as for Walmart, CVS, and Dunkin’ Donuts) and encountering the same problems no matter where I was or who I was dealing with. Perhaps not all the gift cards on InstaGC are as difficult to use as these three–I know that online codes such as Amazon’s gift cards work swimmingly, but the real difficulty seems to lie in vouchers one must present in store/face-to-face. But I haven’t used/tried them all, so maybe this is not always the case. Regardless, if you do come across any issues when attempting to redeem your credit-just remember the list, keep your cool (or lose it-if you have to), and make sure you leave that store with what you came for!-
Hopefully this information, if need be, helps you on your own hovel home adventure!
If you’ve had any experiences with these gift cards, or with InstaGC in general that you’d like to share, please don’t feel shy and leave us a comment down below! We love to hear how this is or isn’t working for you!
And, as always-Happy Earnings! 🙂
Hovel Home Adventures 