I take providers at their word: tips are never required but always appreciated.
I generally tip. My tip generally reflects what the average discount is from those who do give discounts. But I do not like to give cash, so the lady gets an item I bought specifically for her. She probably doesn't care, though, because I'm getting a pig in a poke. I've never met the lady, so I have no idea about her likes and dislikes.
Originally Posted by charlestudor2005
I guess that's where preferences on a website could come in useful.
I did have one (regular) client who paid me partly in gift cards once, I thought that was really cheeky of him to do. But that was just before the Xmas before the last and I gave the Barnes and Noble card to a friend I particularly appreciated (and I would have loved to have used that one myself), and kept the American Express one for myself.
So to get to the point - I do think gift cards could be a fun way to gift someone you don't know too well.
I've usually mentioned on my websites that I love good wine and champagne so it's been easy to please me that way.