Branded Gift Cards Explode in Popularity: One in Five Consumers Plans to Purchase Branded Gift Cards This Holiday Season.SHERBORN, Mass. -- One in five consumers plans to purchase branded gift cards (a gift card with an American Express American Express (NYSE: AXP), sometimes known as "AmEx" or "Amex", is a diversified global financial services company, headquartered in New York City. The company is best known for its credit card, charge card and traveler's cheque businesses. , Discover, MasterCard, or Visa brand logo) this holiday season, according a recent poll of household spending habits. The poll, conducted by BK Research, found that branded gift cards were chosen more often as an item on a consumer's shopping list than a branded toy (18%), an iPod[TM] or mp3 player A digital music player that supports the MP3 format, which was the audio format that started a revolution in online music downloads and distribution. All portable music players, the iPod being the most popular, support MP3 along with one or more other audio formats. (14%), a computer or laptop Same as laptop computer. laptop - portable computer (12%) and a game console See video game console. (7%)(a). The poll was commissioned by the Network Branded Prepaid pre·pay tr.v. pre·paid, pre·pay·ing, pre·pays To pay or pay for beforehand. pre·pay  ment n. Card
Association (NBPCA NBPCA Network Branded Prepaid Card Association ), a non-profit, inter-industry trade association
created in 2005 to advance the success of network branded prepaid cards.
"When you beat out the latest plush toy craze and the iPod[TM], you know you have a hot item on your hands," said Marilyn Bochicchio, NBPCA Executive Director. "There is no doubt that branded gift cards, which can be used at virtually any merchant that accepts the brand, are becoming hugely popular with consumers." Branded gift cards solve the gift-giving dilemma for many consumers and are a welcome, often preferred, gift for the holidays Co or anytime, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the NBPCA. 63% of consumers prefer a gift card they can use anywhere, such as cards offered by payment brands. (Americans for Consumer Education and Competition survey 2005) This is driving rapid growth in the branded gift card market with $5 billion worth of network branded gift cards purchased in 2004, expected to rise to $26 billion in 2007. (National Retail Federation 2005) With the holiday season fast approaching, the NBPCA has compiled a list of tips for branded gift card buyers and users to promote a positive experience with these cards: Facts about branded gift cards: * For the gift "buyer," branded gift cards are convenient and easy to buy online, at bank branches, in retailers, and at shopping malls. * They represent yet another "gift choice" for gift buyers in addition to other forms of gifts including merchandise, cash, savings bonds Savings bond A government bond issued in face value denominations from $50 to $10,000, with local and state tax-free interest and semiannually adjusted interest rates. savings bond A nonmarketable security issued by the U.S. , and store gift cards. * They provide the ultimate utility for the gift "recipient" Co cards may be used at virtually any merchant that accepts the "brand" Co even online. Tips for a positive branded gift cards experience: Tips for Gift Card Buyers * Ask about expiration dates Expiration Date The day on which an options or futures contract is no longer valid and, therefore, ceases to exist. Notes: The expiration date for all listed stock options in the U.S. and fees. The information may appear on the card itself, the accompanying sleeve * Give the information to the recipient to help protect the value of the card. It's important for the recipient to understand the card's terms and conditions, too. * Check where and how the card may be used. Be sure the card you buy can be used where and how you intend. Tips for Using Gift Cards * Read the terms and conditions as soon as you get the card and check the expiration EXPIRATION. Cessation; end. As, the expiration of, a lease, of a contract, or statute. 2. In general, the expiration of a contract puts an end to all the engagements of the parties, except to those which arise from the non- fulfillment of obligations created policy. * Record the card number and the customer service telephone number, and keep the information in a safe place. * Take care to safeguard your card. If it is lost or stolen, report it to the customer service number immediately. * Use your card promptly to buy what you want. * Check your card balance before you head out shopping. (Most cards offer a phone or Web option to do this.) And, if you're making a purchase that's more than your card balance, tell the cashier CASHIER. An officer of a moneyed institution, who is entitled by virtue of his office to take care of the cash or money of such institution. 2. The cashier of a bank is usually entrusted with all the funds of the bank, its notes, bills, and other choses in in advance. * Keep your card (even after you've spent the full amount) until you're sure that you won't return any merchandise. (a) This survey was conducted online among 402 individuals who describe themselves as the primary (52%) or shared (48%) decision maker in the household. The margin of error 4.9%. Interviews were conducted October 24-27, 2006. About the NBPCA The Network Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA) is a non-profit, inter-industry trade association that supports the growth and success of network branded prepaid cards and represents the common interests of the many players in this new and rapidly growing payments category. The NBPCA's working groups drive issues management and education objectives for the Association's more than 25 members. For additional information, visit www.NBPCA.com. |
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