FAQ

Upon purchase, the customer receives a unique QR code via email. To redeem it, open the camera on your mobile device, scan the customer's QR code (from their phone screen or a printed copy), and tap the link that appears. On the redemption page, enter the transaction amount and tap "Redeem." The remaining balance will display on the screen and update automatically with each transaction.

No. As soon as you scan the QR Code, the redemption screen will appear. No need to remember user names or passwords.

To comply with federal and state laws, every certificate is split into two distinct parts with different expiration dates: the Promotional Value and the Paid Value.

The Promotional Value (The 50% Bonus): Expires in 1 Year.

The "bonus" value that you are discounting expires exactly one year from the date the customer purchases the certificate.

The Paid Value (The Customer’s Cash): Expires in 5 Years.

Under federal law, the actual cash amount the customer paid cannot expire for at least 5 years. (Note: In certain states, paid value is legally prohibited from ever expiring).

If a customer pays $50 for a $100 certificate:

• Months 1 to 12: The customer redeems the certificate for the full $100 value.
• Year 1 to Year 5: The $50 promotional bonus drops off. The certificate is now only worth the $50 paid value. If the customer comes into your business during this time, you treat it exactly like a standard $50 gift card. You are no longer providing the 50% discount.
• After 5 Years: The certificate expires entirely and is no longer valid for use (subject to local state laws).

Physical certificates are sold under "Single-Use" terms, meaning customers are expected to use the entire value in one visit. However, federal and state consumer protection laws require that a customer’s actual cash payment is never confiscated.

Every certificate contains two parts:

• Paid Value: The actual cash the customer spent (e.g., $50). By law, this is always redeemed first.
• Promotional Value: The bonus discount provided (e.g., $50). This is strictly single-use and cannot be split across visits.

Whether you owe a customer a remaining balance depends on whether their bill covers their original cash investment:

Scenario 1: The bill is higher than the amount paid (Most Common)

Example: A customer brings a $100 certificate (purchased for $50) and spends $80.

How it works: The first $50 covers their paid cash in full. The remaining $30 uses part of the promotional bonus.

Your obligation: $0. Their cash was fully redeemed, and the unused $20 promotional bonus is forfeited under the single-use policy. You do not issue change, balance, or credit.

Scenario 2: The bill is lower than the amount paid

Example: A customer brings a $100 certificate (purchased for $50) and spends only $30.

How it works: The customer used $30 of their $50 cash. You are holding $20 of unspent customer money. The $50 promotional bonus is forfeited because the voucher is single-use.

Your obligation: $20 store credit. You are legally required to protect the customer’s unspent cash principal by issuing a $20 store credit, merchant gift card, or written credit. You are not obligated to honor the full $70 balance.

Best Practice for Staff at the Register:

Encourage customers presenting physical certificates to spend at least the full face value (or at least more than the paid value) during their visit so they get the full benefit of their promotional bonus without requiring store credit adjustments.