The ethical (ethics?) question thread

[michigancat]

So for Christmas, I know what I'm getting for someone. However, the seller offers gift certificates at a 15% discount. Is it ethical to purchase a gift card for myself and then use said gift card to purchase a gift for someone else?

 

[TownieCat]

There is nothing unethical about that idea.

[star seed 7]

My friend(s wife) does this with restaurant gift cards somehow. She gets them at discount somewhere

[michigancat]

My friend(s wife) does this with restaurant gift cards somehow. She gets them at discount somewhere

yeah, I've noticed a restaurant that I go to sells them at like a 10% discount and always think about buying myself some.

[wetwillie]

There are gift card resellers like Cardcash.com that allow you to be even more unethical in the amount of discount you get.

[mocat]

this thread's location is unethical

[michigancat]

this thread's location is unethical

Yeah, I'm bad at starting threads. @Mods?

[Trim]

So for Christmas, I know what I'm getting for someone. However, the seller offers gift certificates at a 15% discount. Is it ethical to purchase a gift card for myself and then use said gift card to purchase a gift for someone else?

 

If the seller wasn't smart enough to restrict the dates on when the discounted gift cards can be used, that's on them.  Ethics may even dictate that you teach them a lesson.

[yoman]

It seems like it should be ethical to utilize arbitrage in a capitalist society. Especially since it was poor planning on their part as Trim eluded to. I would encourage it.

[nicname]

Seems like less work than couponing. Completely ethical.

[michigancat]

Ok, I looked into it. It's a mom and pop operation and you have to email them to redeem your gift card. So I would need to buy a gift card for myself and then turn around and email them to redeem a gift card I just bought for myself. So it's definitely more work than couponing.

[nicname]

Ok, I looked into it. It's a mom and pop operation and you have to email them to redeem your gift card. So I would need to buy a gift card for myself and then turn around and email them to redeem a gift card I just bought for myself. So it's definitely more work than couponing.

No thanks.

[star seed 7]

sounds unethical of them

[Canary]

Completely ethical to get the best price for whatever purchase you make.

[Spracne]

pretty awkward tho

[Canary]

I don't ever discuss with anyone what I spend on someone or what kind of discount I got. I buy the gift because it's something I want them to have or think they would like. Just my opinion.

[jmlynch1]

I don't ever discuss with anyone what I spend on someone or what kind of discount I got. I buy the gift because it's something I want them to have or think they would like. Just my opinion.

i am the same way but try to over inflate the perceived value I place on them by being an opprtunist. Red dot cashmere? She'll never notice...we should all try to make people feel better about themselves imo.

[michigancat]

I don't ever discuss with anyone what I spend on someone or what kind of discount I got. I buy the gift because it's something I want them to have or think they would like. Just my opinion.

I'm more concerned with what the business thinks. Also how awkward it will be for me.

[Canary]

At this time of year most businesses are just concerned about making the sale. They know there is plenty of mark up on everything they sell. And many salesmen will steer you to ways to make the best deal.

[chum1]

Suppose you give her the gift card instead and then she goes and buys the exact same item that you would have bought for her with it. What's the difference?

[star seed 7]

Kite's & Rusty's ?@KansasStateBars  1h1 hour ago
Don't forget!! We're still running our Buy 1 Gift Card get one for the same value for FREE!

[michigancat]

Suppose you give her the gift card instead and then she goes and buys the exact same item that you would have bought for her with it. What's the difference?

It must make a difference to the store, or there would be an easy option to just purchase it at 15% off.

[chum1]

Suppose you give her the gift card instead and then she goes and buys the exact same item that you would have bought for her with it. What's the difference?

It must make a difference to the store, or there would be an easy option to just purchase it at 15% off.

That sounds more like a question of etiquitte than moral duty. If so, your call.

[michigancat]

Suppose you give her the gift card instead and then she goes and buys the exact same item that you would have bought for her with it. What's the difference?

It must make a difference to the store, or there would be an easy option to just purchase it at 15% off.

That sounds more like a question of etiquitte than moral duty. If so, your call.

I suppose you're right. Sometimes there's a fine line between etiquette and ethics, maybe?

[Trim]

Suppose you give her the gift card instead and then she goes and buys the exact same item that you would have bought for her with it. What's the difference?

It must make a difference to the store, or there would be an easy option to just purchase it at 15% off.

They're OK with discounting gift cards because they expect a chunk of them will never be redeemed.