I was talking with my neighbour recently about this. She is somewhat attuned to the workings of miles and points and has bought some of these Melbourne Central gift cards:
Melbourne Central - Gift Cards
Although not giving me all the particulars, I did some research and wanted to find out the truth. She has bought some in the past and used them inside and outside of Melbourne Central. There have been subsequent gift card purchases (using the same credit card) not activated and after some enquiry, it appears the issuer saw that there were purchases made from a previous GC (bought with the same cc) outside of the shopping centre and their claim was that it was against the terms of use, to use it outside Melbourne Central. They offered to refund the amount for two cards less an exorbitant "administration fee" (approximately 20%).
Upon reading the FAQs/terms, there is nothing stating that the cards cannot be used outside Melbourne Central. It clearly lists possibilities of where the GC can be redeemed, but not where it cannot. In particular when it says, "GC is redeemable for merchandise and services at Melbourne Central stores" is not the same as "GC is only redeemable for merchandise and services at Melbourne Central stores".
I suggested she take it up with her credit card for a reversal but she thinks that route is not feasible because they can provide false terms and get away with it. People here have mentioned the FOS for different topics and maybe that could be a possibility.
Surely an issuer of eftpos cards is liable to the rules of the FOS? It is unfathomable that an issuer, bank or not, could do so and bypass regulations in Australia. If anyone can comment or provide assistance, that would be helpful.
Ultimately, it's the principle at stake here.
Melbourne Central - Gift Cards
Although not giving me all the particulars, I did some research and wanted to find out the truth. She has bought some in the past and used them inside and outside of Melbourne Central. There have been subsequent gift card purchases (using the same credit card) not activated and after some enquiry, it appears the issuer saw that there were purchases made from a previous GC (bought with the same cc) outside of the shopping centre and their claim was that it was against the terms of use, to use it outside Melbourne Central. They offered to refund the amount for two cards less an exorbitant "administration fee" (approximately 20%).
Upon reading the FAQs/terms, there is nothing stating that the cards cannot be used outside Melbourne Central. It clearly lists possibilities of where the GC can be redeemed, but not where it cannot. In particular when it says, "GC is redeemable for merchandise and services at Melbourne Central stores" is not the same as "GC is only redeemable for merchandise and services at Melbourne Central stores".
I suggested she take it up with her credit card for a reversal but she thinks that route is not feasible because they can provide false terms and get away with it. People here have mentioned the FOS for different topics and maybe that could be a possibility.
Surely an issuer of eftpos cards is liable to the rules of the FOS? It is unfathomable that an issuer, bank or not, could do so and bypass regulations in Australia. If anyone can comment or provide assistance, that would be helpful.
Ultimately, it's the principle at stake here.