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Comment by mathattack | Hacker News Reader

It’s not the value of the gift, it’s the thoughtfulness. “I know you like X, and I thought about you” is a very different sentiment than “Let me gift you with my expertise.”

The economists I’ve talked to say if you’re maximizing Utility then give cash.

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Part of thoughtfulness is, "is this going to just sit in a drawer and take up space?"

I absolutely appreciate the thought, but a tool I won't use because it doesn't match my needs or is just unergonomic is a waste.

The comedians say “cash: the gift card you can use anywhere!”

And the converse from The Simpsons: “gift card: just like cash but more limited”

It's so bizarre to me that gift cards don't come at a discount. Buying a gift card is so clearly an unfair transaction to the benefit of the merchant.

But then many people would first buy the gift card to get the 5% or whatever discount, then buy the item they were going to buy anyway.

Now that I think about it, I think a gift card has to be priced at exactly a 1:1 price. (You can't price it higher because people will find that to be outrageous.)

Ah, good point. Maybe add a minimum delay? Then you're loaning money and getting interest...

> add a minimum delay

Do not enter a commercial transaction that doesn't benefit you?

They do on the secondary market.

That is another reason to abolish gift cards. Money laundering and scams. Last time I tried to buy a (n > 1) gift cards I got the 3rd degree.

There's sites where you can buy other people's unwanted gift cards at a discount. I've had plenty of luck with them - both as a buyer and a seller.

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