<![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards - Consumerist Comments]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards - Consumerist Comments]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> This reminds me a lot of the scammy car dealers near me who advertise that they'll do your taxes for free if you spend your refund on a down payment. Riiiight.

loueloui

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> I'm going to do the [seemingly] irrational thing and take them up on that offer. I have quite a lot of savings and I don't have any debt (and I'm a college student - yes, I know it's rare), so the stimulus check isn't such a big deal for me.

*dodges bricks and bottles* Let me finish! [kudos if you caught the reference lol] By giving me an extra 10% - or $60 - the Sears is basically giving away free money. There are only 2 things to keep in mind:
1. Use the gift card ASAP, in order to avoid monthly fees, and
2. Buy something that will not lose its value.

In my opinion, the best thing to buy would be postal stamps. They are as good as money, and the "Forever" stamps are even better, because you'll only need 1 "forever" stamp to mail a letter, regardless of the price increases on stamps. So, basically, it's an investment, a bonus and a smart purchase all in 1. ;)

G_L

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> wow. 10%. how generous.

a majority of economists say we're in a recession. george bush rejects that idea because his great summer 'tax rebate' is going to pull us out of it.

i'm glad sears is doing their job to pull us out too.

LMAO.

fuzzymuffins

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> If it were Fry's, it would be tempting, but still not worth it. Sears? Nope. I intend for my rebate and stimulus checks to get me in the black.

cerbie

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> OMG what a fucking stupid idea.

StevieD

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @WraithSama: If you favor frugality and practicality over cosmetics, I highly recommend finding a Sears appliance outlet center. We bought our fridge from there. Regular retail was $1,799, but because it had a small ding on the front bottom and another on the side, it was marked down and I was able to purchase it for $913, including tax. That is some ridiculous mark-up. We figured we're gonna ding it up anyways and can cover the dings with the kids' drawings and pictures, so what the hell.

Also, check with your utility company to see if they offer some sort of rebate plan. Mine (SCE) does and they gave me a $50 rebate for the new fridge, plus another $50 for recycling my old fridge with them. I will probably never buy an appliance from anywhere else.

FightOnTrojans

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> too bad all their shelves are empty!

hmm i have been needing some new shelves...

mammalpants

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> 10% isnt enough! Even on a big-ticket item that could probably be bought somewhere else cheaper or at least at the same price. Sears is just bad bad bad! I havnt bought anything from them since I bought one offroad tire (on sale with free balance & installation) maybe 10 years ago. And even THEN I had to wait forever while the automotive tech screwed around for a couple of hours. Like I said.... sears = bad bad bad.

forgottenpassword

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @Broncoskip: LOL, really.

Hey Sears, if you want to get people in your stores, sell things people actually want, and hire staff that didn't come from special ed.

KarmaChameleon

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> oh, i stand corrected. paper checks will start mailing on may 19...

my other points/questions still stand

plim

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> This is PERFECT for Sears*.

1. Take all the money (Stimulus Checks) from people and convert them to Gift Cards. As we know on Consumerist...Gift Cards = Unsecured Loans (in bankruptcy court).

2. When enough people have the cards but haven't used them...file bankruptcy, or some enact some action to no longer accept the gift cars.

3. PROFIT!

They should have offered to DOUBLE the stimulus check, they would have made a killing.

/Hides

*I reserve the right to this idea. If Sears/K-mart/ does anything similar in the upcoming 36 months, I am entitled to 5% of the revenue.

ConsumerAdvocacy1010

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> why did they bother starting the promotion in may? paper checks won't be mailed out until later this year.

and do you have to convert the entire check into their gift card?

and will you actually be able to take home and/or use whatever you buy from them =)

plim

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> well if you think about it. thats a free $60.

Dont use the money to pay off debt. Use the money that you WOULDVE used for clothes and stuff for paying off your debt, that way you get a free $60

ibleedgreen

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> This would be a good offer if sears actually had anything worth buying.

Broncoskip

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Menards is doing the same.

kpfeif

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> If you add a 10% bonus to the fecal mass that is Sears, you just get a bigger pile of poop.

I'm not really seeing the value-add for the customer in that.

BigElectricCat

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @Imaginary_Friend:

Applause!!! Excellent post!

TPK

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> NPR, IRS and my local grocer have all told me that:

The Stimulus Rebate is NOT an advance on next year's refund. Is NOT.

It's one of those wife's tales like the Easter Bunny or Republicans that work to help the poor.

loogee

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Now Meg, didn't you just tell us yesterday to avoid gift cards under the article "Retail Bankruptcies Threaten To Wreck Economy, Empty Your Local Mall [Economy]"

Quote "All this means that gift cards are an increasingly risky investment. Changes to the bankruptcy laws in 2005 may force retailers to pay suppliers before honoring gift cards or even paying employee salaries. Give cash!"

Just giving you a hard time!

weezedog

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> I dunno, I can still go online and buy that tv, grill, shirt or whatever 20% cheaper than at Sears, and get better service.

Saboth

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> We're using our money to redo the decaying deck off of our bi-level and if Sears sold lumbar, I would definately do that.

Definately smart on Sears part - I know plenty of people* who are planning to use their money to buy appliances and big screens with their stimulus money so I'm sure this will sway them from Lowe's and Best Buy.

*They aren't Consumerist readers.

Youthier

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> I'd be running of to Sears with my rebate check, but since I have direct deposit, it looks like I'm out of luck.

ClayS

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @Imaginary_Friend:
Touche! The best response of the day.

Lambasted

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Things you can buy at Sears with your Stimulus Check plus 10%:

A broken water heater:
[consumerist.com]

An invisible HD tv:
[consumerist.com]

An obsolete analog tv:
[consumerist.com]

A jigsaw instead of the air blow gun you ordered (and bonus! get charged the wrong prices on sale items):
[consumerist.com]

A tipping stove:
[consumerist.com]

A Golden Parachute for an incompetent doofus:
[consumerist.com]

Imaginary auto service:
[consumerist.com]

A pretend vacuum:
[consumerist.com]

Dinnerware tainted with delicious, tasy lead:
[consumerist.com]

Warranty service that, surprise!, doesn't actually warranty anything:
[consumerist.com]
[consumerist.com]
[consumerist.com]
[consumerist.com]

A leaky refrigerator:
[consumerist.com]

A dryer that you didn't order:
[consumerist.com]

And don't forget to sign up at "My SHC Community" so Sears can vomit spyware all over your computer and expose your private information on their insecure website:

[consumerist.com]
[consumerist.com]

Gee! The line for those Sears giftcards will probably circle the earth two times!

Imaginary_Friend

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> The other problem is, if you check irs.gov, people who do NOT elect direct deposit won't get their checks until sometime in June.

Besides that, fuck off, Sears. That money is better off in my MattressFund (TM).

Steaming Pile

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> The only remote value this would have to somebody, is if they wanted to buy a game console. Figuring they are the same prices everywhere, you would get savings, and the store would lose money in the process too.

Not a very good business decision here is it?

ShadowFalls

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Fuck you Sears. That is all.

DeafChick

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @NotATool:
While Sears is hemorrhaging money, I'm not too worried about them going bankrupt before I close on my house. Your final point, however, is a valid one.

WraithSama

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> I agree with Bladefist and QuantumRiff: it's a good idea if you spend the whole thing immediately.

I'm not tempted though. I can't think of that much stuff I'd want/need from Sears and I did direct deposit anyway.

Rectilinear Propagation

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @sohmc:
If the bonus was 30%, I'd definitely go for it. Bear in mind, though, that even if you only get a $1,200 rebate, a 10% bonus is $120. A hundred and twenty bucks for free? Still sounds pretty decent for me, who is in need of new appliances to begin with. People in a similar position are likely the major targets of this promotion, so your mileage may vary.

WraithSama

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> This is definitely a good deal for people who have things they will immediately buy at Sears.

I don't, however, and I would not be willing to put $2,100 on a gift card and risk losing it to Sears' bankruptcy.

Furthermore, if unsatisfied with your Sears purchase, you can't do a chargeback with your gift card.

NotATool

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> .

Blueskylaw

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Get a 10% bonus on your money, Sears declares bankruptcy, you lose 100% of your 110%. Easy math.

@prameta1:
Is that you Bernanke?


Blueskylaw

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> I might be more inclined if the bonus was 30% or more.

10% doesn't cut it anymore.

linus

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> What's 110% of nothing?

backbroken

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Too bad that (when they go bankrupt) people won't have the option to stop paying on their Sears Credit Cards -- but you can bet that any money you have on their "Gift" cards becomes so much worthless plastic..

Funny how that works.

Southern

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> I'm about to buy a new house and we should finish closing right around the time the rebate check is deposited. Since we'll be needing new appliances, I'm actually somewhat tempted by this offer.

WraithSama

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Could you use the gift card to pay off your Sears Card? It'd be like getting a retroactive rebate. :)

tomok97

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> in some states, you are required to be able to redeem gift cards for cash under specific circumstances, like a remaining balance under a certain amount. That could make this even hotter. Buy your ~$600 worth of widgets, then get cash back for dinner afterwards.

ludwigk

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @prameta1:
You, sir, are a masterful troll. I can't wait to see how that works out for you.

BSAKat

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> I'm using my stimulus check essentially to pay my taxes. Probably not what the feds had in mind.

BSAKat

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Damn you direct deposit. No Craftsman tools for me!

Seriously though, only do this if your going to buy right then and there. Remember what happened to all those gift cards at Sharper Image when they declared bankruptcy.

QuantumRiff

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @prameta1: You forgot to mention that anyone not stimulating the economy (shut up, pervs) with their stimulus check is a terrorist and an enemy of freedom.

howie_in_az

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> This is like one of those $19.95 infomercials. Only a sucker would buy into it. You would have to luv you some Sears really badly to hand over all your money to them. But I've got to hand it to them though. They've sure got balls to ask. Can't blame them for trying.

Lambasted

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> don't pay off your personal consumer debts with those checks you stupid deadbeats! that money isn't there for you to convert your credit card debt into a new national debt. go buy a new microwave, go buy some new shoes, go spend that money out there in the economy. go buy american-made products with it. do you want a recession?

this isn't "your money" to do "anything you want with it". do you know what a disaster it would be if every moron put his stimulus check towards his dumb wife's visa balance?

that money isn't taxable income, that money isn't an advance on next year's return, that money isn't yours to "do with as you please", it's there for you to spend out there in the hurting economy. stop shooting that country in both feet you stupid morons!

and if you're so smart, why are you carrying an 18% credit card balance to begin with? "i'm gonna pay my debt with the stimulus check". wow, how responsible and disciplined. you have the discipline to pay off your unnecessary consumer debt with money that fell out of the sky? wow, that's discipline. how about cancelling your cable and throwing that $50 towards your credit cards every month? ever thought of that? stupid fools.

prameta1

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> this could work out to a shopper's advantage, if they have a big-ticket item that's on sale (and they belong to the craftsman club if it's a tool item).

that being said, i'm using mine to pay off debt, specifically, home improvement debt. no, i don't count new tools as home improvement :)

dmolavi

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> gift cards are 60 bucks if your single........130 if your married.

moe1upyours

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> If I needed a new washing machine or dishwasher, I'd be all about this. But I don't, so I'll just be saving my check instead. I agree with the folks above, if you get a gift card this way, use it up right away!

littlemoose

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> I have debt I will pay instead (the check should cover 90%), but with a 10% bonus gift cards don't seem quite so evil, if it weren't a company circling the drain.

AustinTXProgrammer

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> If you were in the market for new appliances or something similar, this might not be a bad idea.

dripdrop

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> It's desperate but a good idea for someone that is looking to spend some money there...

someone is offering you a 10% instant reward and you guys are bitching..

Does anything make you people happy?

Coder4Life

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> No chance - Roth IRA all the way.

silver-spork

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @parliboy: I must have not communicated that well. I would highly recommend using the whole sum of the gift card, in that 1 sitting. Have them price match, then use your 10%, then add a few extra dollars, and write bush a thank you note for the free refrigerator.

Bladefist

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @huadpe: if you go and get a gift card, and leave the store w/o using it, then you deserve to lose it lol.

Bladefist

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @Bladefist-미국사람: This isn't a bad deal, IF I can get the gift card on-site. But given consumer protection under bankruptcy law, and given Sears' currently tenuous state, I really can't see myself doing this.

Now, I don't have a problem with Sears in general. The last time I made a semi-major purchase from them (about $300), the upcharge was actually moot, because the person on duty was willing to pricematch the best price I could find around town. Didn't even ask to see an ad -- I just told them and she said, "OK, we'll do that price". Earned brownie points, it did.

But since I put the odds of a bankruptcy declaration next year at over 10%, it doesn't make since to invest money for a 10% return, unless I can spend it immediately.

parliboy

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @Bladefist-미국사람: Well, he's not wrong in saying you lose something in buying the gift card. Gift cards are less valuable than money, because you're limited in where you can use them.

Also, Sears is in very real danger of going bankrupt, which would cause you to lose all your money that was tied up in gift cards.

huadpe

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> not a bad idea. this was the purpose for the stimulus check, to spend it. Although obviously you can do whatever you want with it. Basically they are giving you 10%, and that is an awesome deal if you are planning to use it on appliances, or stuff like that. I know this place breeds sears haters, but I rise above the politics and get a good deal. I use companies for my benefits, and typically dont ban going to them out of principal.

@Mr. Gunn: you must have done amazing in all your math classes.

Bladefist

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> I wonder what the total percentage of hidden fees is on Sears gift cards these days...

IphtashuFitz

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> I've gotta hand it to them, this is a great idea on Sears' part. They tempt people with ease and a little bonus to spend that "free money" in a non cash refundable way. Nothing can part me from my free money, but this is a great idea in any case. I wonder if anyone else will do something similar.

crabbyman6

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Why don't they just have a 10% off sale during that period. They'd probably get more business.

warf0x0r

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> @azntg: And get shitty service at the same time!

Buran

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Tempting indeed. I'll give them my stimulus money so that they can go bankrupt the following day and I'll never see my money again.

Nice one, Sears!

azntg

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Sounds like a desperate attempt to not go bankrupt, which would make the whole gift card worthless, assuming that you don't consider a gift card to sears worthless anyway. Besides, isn't all that money going to buy Federal Savings bonds anyway?

ianmac47

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Wow, gain 10% and lose 100%? Sounds like a great deal!

Mr. Gunn

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Great marketing idea and im sure some people will jump on it.

jmschn

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> gift cards seem like a pretty poor investment right now, unless you're already planning on a big ticket item at sears.

petrarch1608

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Overall not a bad plan for a store wanting to build up their business. I'm not tempted because Sears' markup is greater than the 10% and there are no K-Marts near me any more (not that those tempt me too much either). All in all though I'll either spread the wealth to more than one store or I'll pay off the debt on my credit card...

Tonguetied

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> Too much debt to be buying anything, but that's not a bad idea....if it were anyone else but Sears.

Norcross

]]> <![CDATA[Sears Offers 10% Bonus To People Who Convert Stimulus Checks Into Gift Cards]]> After that reading about that fiasco with the 1000 dollars never being returned, I don't want sears withing shouting distance of my stimulus check.

bloodhound96

]]>