It's not uncommon mainly with some touring providers requiring a deposit to hold your place in meeting with them. My advice is before you spend money on gift cards, ask the provider that you are interested in seeing if they would allow gift cards as a deposit. Now, few providers might have either Pay Pal or other processing transaction company help with transactions to make things convenience on them and you. Whoever, you are interested in seeing if they have other options used for payment or what not.
I have used gift cards with one provider and it makes it SO much easier because I can get them when shopping without it looking suspicious in the bank statement. So my question is how common is it that providers accept these? I'm referring to the prepaid Amex and Visa cards, not something specific to a store or service. I know that every provider is different, but I'd love to hear from the ladies that are active on here and get their take.
Oh and I have no issues with a provider verifying the amount beforehand.
Thanks
Pman
It's not uncommon mainly with some touring providers requiring a deposit to hold your place in meeting with them. My advice is before you spend money on gift cards, ask the provider that you are interested in seeing if they would allow gift cards as a deposit. Now, few providers might have either Pay Pal or other processing transaction company help with transactions to make things convenience on them and you. Whoever, you are interested in seeing if they have other options used for payment or what not.
I use cash to pay the provider's fee so as to avoid fraud. I even do this with those whom I know well.
That said, I have on numerous occasions given gift cards as tips. One provider told me in an email before our appointment that she liked shopping at a particular store. I bought her a gift card for that store. She loved it. So that is what I would do in your case.
Oh and I have no issues with a provider verifying the amount beforehand.
Thanks
Pman
I've known him since before the hobby so I feel comfortable accepting them from him. It's not my favorite form of payment which is why he's the only person I get them from. I think using them as a deposit is a good idea and I would consider accepting that.
Not as a deposit but I prefer them receive them unopened with the original very recent receipt, balance can be checked in 30 seconds web/phone while you are freshening up.
Amex, Vanilla and GoWallet are the best. Nothing with a Greendot. Some malls sell them in a Kiosk, no human interaction required and payment by chargecard only I discovered once which was a hassle as I needed to turn some cash into a card to pay some bills.
Only with well screened gentleman, of course one should never even meet a gentleman that isn't well screened regardless of payment type.