How to Handle ULTA Gift Cards if You Are Not in the United States

Receiving ULTA gift cards from a friend can be exciting, especially if they are worth a significant amount. However, if you are not in the United States, you might face a few dilemmas. This article will guide you through the steps to handle these gift cards properly, whether you can use them or not, and how to communicate with your friend.

Initial Steps

When you receive a gift card, the first thing you should do is verify the card's status. Most gift cards include a website or phone number on the back. This will help you determine the value and if the card has been used before. If your friend purchased the cards in an Ulta store, they may have the option to ask the store for assistance, but since the cards are not issued outside the USA, this isn't usually feasible.

Another useful step is to check if the gift card is valid. Ulta does not ship to international addresses, and their website explicitly states that they do not offer international shipping. Therefore, the cards are only redeemable within the USA. If your friend bought the cards online, the situation might be more complex, as gift cards can sometimes be purchased online within specific value ranges, such as $25 or $50.

Assessing the Card's Value

When you check the back of the gift card, you should find information about the value, purchase date, and usage history. This can help you understand if the card still has some value or if it was partially used. If the value is intact, you might consider holding onto the cards until you visit the U.S., or you can gift them to someone else who lives in the USA and can use them.

Communicating with Your Friend

Deciding whether to inform your friend about the situation depends on your relationship and the circumstances. If your friend intended to help you and simply misinformed you about the usage, they might appreciate your understanding and be willing to provide a refund. On the other hand, if they were aware of the limitations and still gave the cards to you, a polite conversation might clarify the situation and potentially bridge any misunderstanding.

Consider the following steps:

Talk to your friend gently and explain the situation. Mention that ULTA does not ship internationally and that the cards cannot be used in your location.

Discuss whether your friend would be willing to issue a refund or provide a new card that can be used.

If a refund or a replacement card is not feasible, discuss alternative ideas for you to gain value from the gift cards, such as selling them to a U.S. friend.

Alternative Actions

Here are some alternative actions you can take:

Offer to sell the gift cards on online marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. This way, you can potentially recoup some of the value.

Give the gift cards to someone else who lives in the USA and can use them. It’s better to give something than to provide a refund, especially if the person can use the cards.

Keep the gift cards for future visits to the USA when you can use them.

Conclusion

Receiving an ULTA gift card from a friend who is not familiar with the limitations can be confusing, but it doesn't necessarily mean the cards are useless. By following the steps outlined here, you can make the best of the situation and communicate effectively with your friend. Whether you decide to keep the cards for future use, sell them, or even give them away, taking the time to understand the situation and address it properly is key.