eBay Introduces Gift Cards, PayPal Required
By Ina Steiner
AuctionBytes.com
November 01, 2007
eBay launched eBay Gift Cards, available in stores and supermarkets nationwide in denominations of $25 and $50. Consumers can use the eBay Gift Cards on items where the eBay seller accepts PayPal, but cannot use them on eBay Express.
It's important to note that consumers who want to redeem the gift cards must have a PayPal account and link it to their bank account or credit card. One eBay member discussing the cards on the discussion board said, "I know there are some people (buyers) who refuse to use paypal, so I think they'd be awful po'd to get this as a gift." (http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?messageID=1010737376&forumID=21).
eBay said it will distribute over one million gift cards in more than 10,000 retail stores, including Kroger, Safeway, Vons, Dominick's, Fred Meyer and Ralphs, through distribution with the Blackhawk Network, the largest provider of third-party prepaid cards. Cards will be in stores year-round. Consumers who receive an eBay Gift Card and need help using it can call (866) 914-8078.
http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200710311046462.html
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y07/m11/i01/s03