New Zip Code Requirement and Using a Gift Card?

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses experiences and questions related to using Visa gift cards for payments in the context of Pampered Chef shows, particularly focusing on the requirement for a billing zip code and the challenges faced by consultants when processing these payments.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, inquired about the appropriate billing zip code to use when a customer pays with a Visa gift card.
  • Another participant suggested entering the customer's zip code, speculating that Visa gift cards are coded accordingly.
  • Several users expressed uncertainty about whose zip code to use if the gift card was sent as a gift from someone in a different location.
  • One participant shared their experience that the home office (HO) requires the zip code for processing, as it affects transaction approval by the bank.
  • Another participant recounted a situation where a show was put on hold due to issues with a preloaded debit card, noting that Pampered Chef does not accept such cards.
  • One participant mentioned that they had to register their gift card online and provided details about the registration process, suggesting it might be necessary for use with Pampered Chef.
  • Another participant reported that the gift card used had incurred fees, leading to a lower balance than expected, and expressed frustration with the situation.
  • Some participants noted that HO confirmed they cannot accept gift cards as payment at this time.
  • One participant shared a past experience where they successfully used a gift card by entering the name printed on it, suggesting it might still be possible despite current issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the use of gift cards and the associated zip code requirements, with some participants sharing successful experiences while others report challenges and confirm that HO does not accept gift cards currently. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants are sharing personal experiences and observations related to payment processing for Pampered Chef shows, particularly focusing on the nuances of using gift cards and the implications of billing zip codes.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating payment processing issues, particularly those considering the use of gift cards for customer transactions, may find the shared experiences and insights relevant.

J
jwpamp
Messages
1,614
I had a customer last night that used a Visa Gift Card for her payment. Does anyone know what to enter for the "Billing Zip Code"?

I will check with HO on Monday morning, but thought someone may have already run across this situation and it would save me a call.

TIA
 
I'd put in the customer's zip code. My guess is that Visa gift cards are coded as such.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
just wondering if her aunt from another zip code sent it to her as a gift -- whose zip? how would they know? maybe it doesn't even matter with gift cards...I will post when I find out!
 
HO requires the zip because their merchant bank charges them less if we provide it. HO doesn't decide whether or not the charge is approved, that's up to the bank. The bank on the other hand then can decide if they approve or decline the charge if that zip code doesn't match. I would think that in the case of a gift card, the issuing bank would not be to stringent on that match, as they can't tell where the purchases has sent the card as a gift.

Just my thoughts based on my years of experience working with credit card authorizations and such.
 
FYI: I had the SAME EXACT situation last night and submitted a show with a host's visa preloaded debit card.... NO GO. Show on hold. So far I have found that PC doesn't take any preloaded cards...Pennsylvania state issued (as well as New York) have not been able to be processed by PC and they all had Visa or MC logo's. I have entered the zip, the card is registered and it still won't go. Now i'm just panicked that I won't earn the bag since I had 2 shows submitted and both went on hold. :I

Hope you have better luch than I am having.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
I will post the answer when I call HO. I have a feeling that they probably have to do these "manually".

I already warned my customer that we may have to use an alternate form of payment, so there is no problem there.

As for your shows on hold, as long as you get them reconciled, they should still send your bag. Congrats!
 
Ya'll got me worried, as I submitted a show last night with a gift card on it. I questioned the zip code, but just decided to put the customer's zip. I just checked my shipment status and the show is marked as picked.................Nothing listed under "resolve declined credit cards".
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
It could be that gift cards will take any zip when processed (they can determine if it is a gift card by the number sequence). They could have resolved this issue at HO already, who knows?

I haven't submitted it yet. Just wanted to avoid any issues ahead of time!
 
I got a Visa gift card for Christmas and if I wanted to use it to purchase online or over the phone then I had to register it on the website first and there was a website on the back of it. I am assuming that ordering from PC woudl be like a online or phone order, so maybe see if hers has a website on it to register it. When I registered mine just to see what it would do I had to input all of my information, address wise and all. I didn't use it to purchase anything online, but I am assuming since I registered it and I had to put in my address and zip that would be the zip code I would use if I did.

Hope that makes sense.
 
The card the host used was registered online. I tried to call HO but they were closed. The girl checked the balance on it and it is $3 short now b/c the gift card company already took out a monthly fee (and she just got it for this purpose). I now know these cards are not good - filled with fee's. I made the suggestion to cash it out at an ATM and of course, another fee plus the atm fee that whatever bank owns it tacks on.

Lesson learned: I will be very specific with closing out a show and methods accepted. Who doesn't have a bank account this day in age? That one always baffles me. I'm now offering hosts incentive to not send me a check so that I don't have to go to the bank. Such an inconvenience since I work longer hours than banks are open (imagine that). :) My first 2010 incentive for hosts has already caused me grief. Hope its not a sign for what 2010 is to bring.
 
Melissa78 said:
The card the host used was registered online. I tried to call HO but they were closed. The girl checked the balance on it and it is $3 short now b/c the gift card company already took out a monthly fee (and she just got it for this purpose). I now know these cards are not good - filled with fee's. I made the suggestion to cash it out at an ATM and of course, another fee plus the atm fee that whatever bank owns it tacks on.

Lesson learned: I will be very specific with closing out a show and methods accepted. Who doesn't have a bank account this day in age? That one always baffles me. I'm now offering hosts incentive to not send me a check so that I don't have to go to the bank. Such an inconvenience since I work longer hours than banks are open (imagine that). :) My first 2010 incentive for hosts has already caused me grief. Hope its not a sign for what 2010 is to bring.
Click to expand...

When talking to my hosts about closing their show I always tell them that we will close over the phone and she can pay me for her order and any other outstanding orders with her debit card or credit card. I tell her to have all of those paying with a check after the show to write the check to her. 99% of the time this works perfect for me and the host. I wouldn't suggest offering an incentive just make it the way you run your business.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
FYI -- per HO this morning....they can NOT accept Gift Cards as forms of payment at this time.
 
jwpamp said:
FYI -- per HO this morning....they can NOT accept Gift Cards as forms of payment at this time.
Click to expand...

Oh my goodness, really? And how ironic that PC awards us Visa gift cards from time to time.
 
I've been able to use gift cards in the past, by typing what's on the card "A Gift For You" as the name on the card. Even unregistered cards. I'm betting it's the whole zip thing right now. Hopefully, they will resolve the issue soon!!!But try re-submitting it with what ever is printed on the card & the zip for the card company & see if it goes through! LOL Can't hurt, right?
 
I wonder if they know they DID take one on Friday?!?! And the customer even paid for 2 different orders with it! LOL!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
What zip did you put in? I will try it and see if I get a "hold" on it....
 
Just the customer's zip
 
  • Thread starter
  • #18
hmmm...I would like to hear from anyone else's experience with this!!
 
Just wondering if anyone has run into this gift card zip code problem since last reported?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new zip code requirement for Pampered Chef orders?

The new zip code requirement ensures that all orders placed through Pampered Chef are linked to a valid shipping address. This helps in verifying the delivery location and ensuring that products reach customers efficiently.

How do I update my zip code in my Pampered Chef account?

You can update your zip code by logging into your Pampered Chef account, navigating to your profile settings, and editing your shipping address. Make sure to save the changes to ensure your orders are processed correctly.

Can I use a gift card for my Pampered Chef order?

Yes, you can use a gift card for your Pampered Chef order. During the checkout process, there will be an option to enter your gift card information. Make sure to enter the card number and any required PIN to apply the balance to your order.

What should I do if my gift card balance is not enough to cover my order?

If your gift card balance does not cover the total amount of your order, you can pay the remaining balance using a credit or debit card. Simply follow the prompts during checkout to complete your payment.

Is there an expiration date on Pampered Chef gift cards?

Yes, Pampered Chef gift cards typically have an expiration date. It’s important to check the terms and conditions provided with your gift card for specific details regarding its validity and expiration.

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