Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?
1–10 of 28 posts
Re: Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?
#2I know the cool way to pitch a startup is "solving a problem", but ... is the Unused Gift Card Problem an actual thing?
I have never in my life had to deal with an unused gift card. I.. don't know anyone who has this problem, I've never heard anyone reference it.
Yet somehow, there are five funded companies in this space?!
Re: Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?
#3I know the cool way to pitch a startup is "solving a problem", but ... is the Unused Gift Card Problem an actual thing? I have never in my life had to deal with an unused gift card. I.. don't know anyone who has this problem, I've never heard anyone reference it. Yet somehow, there are five funded companies in this space?!
I received a gift card to Macy's for $25 over Christmas and we haven't used it. It was for my daughter and I don't like the clothes they have there and at that price they don't have much I want in any other department so it sits in my wife's purse. I wouldn't sell it because it came from my daughter's Great Aunt and she loves my daughter and intended it for her benefit. I'm just hoping Macy's gets something for girls that isn't covered in pink so I can buy it.
I think this is a pretty common story especially if kids are involved.
Re: Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?
#4I know the cool way to pitch a startup is "solving a problem", but ... is the Unused Gift Card Problem an actual thing? I have never in my life had to deal with an unused gift card. I.. don't know anyone who has this problem, I've never heard anyone reference it. Yet somehow, there are five funded companies in this space?!
I don't think it is. I always just re-gift (or simply give away) my unwanted gift cards. I think the bigger problem is people simply forget they even got them to begin with... and they become hidden in their wallet or drawer. The big box stores love this because the gift cards are already an interest-free loan...but this way they are just free money plain and simple. So the idea that these startups are going to work with these stores in someway to "solve" this problem seems unlikely.
Re: Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?
#5I know the cool way to pitch a startup is "solving a problem", but ... is the Unused Gift Card Problem an actual thing? I have never in my life had to deal with an unused gift card. I.. don't know anyone who has this problem, I've never heard anyone reference it. Yet somehow, there are five funded companies in this space?!
I don't have unused gift cards but I do have gift cards with remnants on them. I'll buy a larger item and have 1-3$ left on the card which typically isn't enough to buy anything. I'll forget how much is on it and then never end up using it again...
Re: Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?
#6I know the cool way to pitch a startup is "solving a problem", but ... is the Unused Gift Card Problem an actual thing? I have never in my life had to deal with an unused gift card. I.. don't know anyone who has this problem, I've never heard anyone reference it. Yet somehow, there are five funded companies in this space?!
Yes, it's an actual problem. One time for a birthday I got 3 Best Buy cards and 1 Circuit City card. It would have been nice to swap out the CC card for a BB card and do all the shopping at one place.
Also (and this is a bit more abstract), I buy myself iTunes gift cards in $20 chunks so that I don't just bleed away $0.99 at a time by buying music straight through my credit card. If I can get iTunes cards at a discount from a site like this, it's a win for me.
Re: Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?
#7I know the cool way to pitch a startup is "solving a problem", but ... is the Unused Gift Card Problem an actual thing? I have never in my life had to deal with an unused gift card. I.. don't know anyone who has this problem, I've never heard anyone reference it. Yet somehow, there are five funded companies in this space?!
I've had the problem. This past Christmas my extended family did a white elephant/yankee swap/nasty christmas thing. I wound up with a Starbucks gift card b/c it was the most valuable gift available compared to the other items like a mini deep fryer, portable CD player (gotta love older relatives for being with the times), or a set of decorated measuring spoons.
I, however, do not drink coffee. After being introduced to Cardpool through YC, my problem was solved. Money in my pocket. :-)
Re: Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?
#8I know the cool way to pitch a startup is "solving a problem", but ... is the Unused Gift Card Problem an actual thing? I have never in my life had to deal with an unused gift card. I.. don't know anyone who has this problem, I've never heard anyone reference it. Yet somehow, there are five funded companies in this space?!
You're lucky :). Not everyone will have unused gift cards, but you still benefit from being able to buy them at a discount. E.g. you get 30% off at 1-800-Flowers.com, 12% off Gap, 10% off iTunes, etc, stackable with any other coupons or promotions you can find. If supply meets demand, we're happy!
Re: Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?
#9I know the cool way to pitch a startup is "solving a problem", but ... is the Unused Gift Card Problem an actual thing? I have never in my life had to deal with an unused gift card. I.. don't know anyone who has this problem, I've never heard anyone reference it. Yet somehow, there are five funded companies in this space?!
I don't think it is. I always just re-gift (or simply give away) my unwanted gift cards. I think the bigger problem is people simply forget they even got them to begin with... and they become hidden in their wallet or drawer. The big box stores love this because the gift cards are already an interest-free loan...but this way they are just free money plain and simple. So the idea that these startups are going to work…
Wait, so you "give away" gift cards that you won't use while this site gives you the ability to sell those gift cards which means money in your pocket and you don't think they're solving a valid problem?
Re: Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?
#10The ultimate solution to this problem is getting rid of gift cards altogether. Just give cash. People complain that giving money is not thoughtful. Like going to the nearest CVS and paying $105.95 for $100 American Express card any more thoughtful.
Gift cards only give the illusion of being thoughtful. I'm not sure why people are offended when receiving cash. There's really no up side compared to cash. It's less convenient for both the giver and receiver.
I guess it's a cultural thing (I'm Asian). I've always received cash from my parents and relatives and love it. I can spend any where, any amount, or not at all if I want to save it.