Clark, Perdue, Arnold & Scott's Blog

According to Consumer Reports (http://www.consumerreports.org)/, 60 percent of holiday shoppers favor gift cards. And the National Retail Federation (http://www.nrf.com/) reported that gift cards were the third most requested gift for the holidays in 2005, behind electronics and apparel. They are convenient to purchase, compact, and at least symbolic of a tangible gift (e.g. Barnes & Noble--books or music; Banana Republic - clothing; etc.). However, gift cards are a huge profit center for retailers for two primary reasons.

First, last year over $18 billion worth of gift cares were sold by retailers, while fully $1 billion of those were never used - presumably because they were lost or forgotten. That's $1 billion of consumer buying power completely wasted!

Second, most people who redeem gift cards will spend more than their face value. So, when a retailer sells a $50 gift card, it's frequently the equivalent of a sale of $100 or more, effectively doubling the monetary intent of the original purchaser.

An annoying problem with gift cards can be expiration dates and maintenance or usage fees. This is particularly true with bankcards, which can have numerous hidden fees and short expiration periods. Although they offer more flexibility than cards associated with a particular store, they are generally a much worse value.

There are several things you can do to be a prudent consumer when shopping for gift cards:

• Consider the interests of the recipient. Then purchase the gift card at a retailer where the recipient will be likely to shop. This will increase the likelihood that the gift card will actually be used.
• Make sure that the gift card has no expiration date, no user fees, and no dormancy fees (for non-use). You can verify terms and conditions on the retailer's Website.
• Make sure that the card has not been tampered with. According to a National Public Radio report (http://www.npr.org/), some wily thieves will peel back the paper backing in order to copy the serial number and the 800 number on the card. Several days later, they will call the number to determine the balance. If the card has been activated, they will use it to shop online.
• Avoid bankcards.
• Finally, consider giving cash. If you do not believe that a gift card is tacky, then cash should be a fine substitute. There are very few people who don't like cash, and it has the ultimate flexibility. Furthermore, the recipient is much more likely to limit their spending to the amount of cash given, which in many cases is an additional benefit to the recipient.
  
  

According to the Consumers Union (www.ConsumerReports.org/ladders), there are five rules everyone should follow when using a household ladder:

1. Read and follow all instructions.
2. Angle straight ladders 75 degrees from the ground (1 foot out for every 4 feet up).
3. Always face a ladder when climbing and descending it, and do not go beyond the labeled highest step recommended.
4. Be certain that a stepladder's spreaders are fully open and locked.
5. Extend straight ladders 3 feet beyond the roof or work area for proper stability.

For more information about consumer ladder safety, visit the website of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/ladder.html. For additional information about using ladders safely to prevent injuries, read the United States Department of Energy Bulletin EH-93-5 at www.eh.doe.gov/docs/bull0096,html.

If you are injured as a result of a ladder failure during normal use, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the ladder. At Clark, Perdue, and List, we would be pleased to advise you of your legal rights following a ladder injury.