Vouchers… they’re the best presents… right? When you don’t know what to gift someone… a voucher is perfect! And receiving one is always a bonus… right? Well… only if you use it.
Some vouchers are simple to use. They’re usually not the fun ones though… amazon online, or a supermarket, for example. Receiving them is always welcomed, but they don’t really inspire. What people want to gift is an inspired voucher… for a hotel stay… or a dinner out… or a day trip. And here’s my tip for when you receive those non-standard vouchers… use it right away.
I’m serious. As soon as you get that voucher in your hot little hand, start making plans to use it. If it’s for a restaurant make a date and a booking; if it’s for a hotel see if you can factor it in to your next holiday or plan a weekend away. Because here’s the thing, these vouchers might be well-intentioned, but they’re not always easy to use. You think… yeah, I’d love to go to that restaurant. I’ve been wanting to go there for ages! Can’t wait to use this voucher. And… you wait. Perhaps you’re saving it for something special. Or perhaps you just stop thinking about it. And time goes by. And time goes by. And from time to time you think about it, but it’s not quite the right time so you put it aside again. For another time.
And what you end up with is a bottom-drawer full of expired vouchers. Or vouchers for places that don’t even exist anymore. Or vouchers for places you don’t actually want to go. Because once they’re out of mind, unless they’re to a place you go frequently, they kind of tend to stay out of mind.
So go find that drawer in your house. See if you’ve got anything that’s still valid. Even if it’s expired give them a call and see if you can use it. Don’t let it go to waste. Use it as an excuse to do something you normally wouldn’t, or as a last resort… you can always try to flog it online.
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