Legal basics for small business gift certificate programs
Plain-English overviews of federal and state rules around expiration, fees, refunds, and unclaimed property. Always consult a qualified attorney before publishing your policy.
Do Gift Certificates Expire?
A practical overview of federal and state rules on gift certificate expiration, written in plain English.
Gift Certificate vs. Gift Card
Legal and practical differences between gift certificates and gift cards in the US.
Gift Certificate Terms and Conditions: What to Include
An eight-clause framework for compliant gift certificate terms.
Can You Charge Fees on Gift Certificates?
Federal and state rules on inactivity, dormancy, and service fees for gift cards.
What Happens to Unused Gift Certificates?
A practical overview of breakage, unclaimed property reporting, and how to handle long-dormant certificates.
State-by-State Gift Card Rules: Research Starting Point
A neutral overview of how to research your specific state's gift card rules — with caveats.
Gift Certificate Refund Rules: What Businesses Should Know
A practical overview of when gift certificates can or must be refunded.
Gift Certificate Policy Template Overview
A starting-point gift certificate policy structure that small businesses can adapt with their attorney.