Gymboree “Peel-A-Prize” is an in-store promotion running June 4th – June 15th. Coupons are available in the June issue of American Baby magazine, and some people are getting them in the mail (but, I’m not so lucky yet!). Additionally, some stores are reportedly handing them out early with purchases. These coupons are only good in stores and only for a single use.
There is a lot of discussion on-line about obtaining the peel a prize coupons. Why, you might ask – afterall, they can’t be used until June 4th? Well, the coupons range in value from 20% off your entire purchase to 50% off your entire purchase. It seems there a lot of people highly interested in getting their hands on the 50% off coupons. 50% off an entire Gymboree order can amount to some amazing savings, especially if you purchase items that are on sale.
This is to what we’ve seen in the past where unethical people will try to take advantage of the frenzy, such as with the Gymboree Santa coupons. These coupons are easily reproduced, and counterfeit coupons have been known to be sold over eBay and other auction sites.
Today when I checked, there were 49 auctions for Peel-A-Prize coupons, from 20%, 30%, to 50% off. I actually saw a completed auction for a 50% off coupon. It had 41 bids, and ultimately sold for $141.00!!! I sure hope, for the winner’s sake, that it isn’t a counterfeit fake!
In order for this Coupon to significantly benefit that winner and achieve at least a 40% off discount on their overall purchase, they would have to buy at least $1300 in merchandise! Is it worth the risk of counterfeit? More than likely the people interested in these are those who are buying and selling Gymboree as a second income or small eBay business.
After the sale starts, you are also at risk for another version of fraud – previously used coupons. Remember, the codes are good only once. After they are scanned at a Gymboree register they can’t be used again. Gymboree is also, reportedly, getting less lenient with their employees who forget to scan in the coupon so it’s an unlikely story that someone already used their coupon but it wasn’t scanned — don’t believe it, especially if buying a coupon on-line from someone you don’t know.
What are your thoughts? I’m interested in your comments. How much risk would you take? Do you think a 50% off coupon is worth paying over $100? What would you pay to peel a prize?
— Suzanne Rielle, Co-founder, Loobalee.com
UPDATE:
If you are in search of a Gymboree Peel-A-Prize coupon, your best source is an American Baby Magazine. However, you should leaf through the magazine and ensure the coupon is there before buying. Coupon Theft appears to be rampant, and more than likely, stolen coupons are being sold eBay.
Please, buy the Magazine – don’t just steal the coupon. I suspect Gymboree will eventually stop running these types of promotions if theft and counterfeiting behavior continues.
To those of us who have children and sincerely love dressing them in Gymboree — We collectively have the ability to stop the fraud by not being greedy for coupons and by not driving up the eBay coupon sales demand / prices.
TIP:
If you haven’t been able to obtain the prized 50% off coupons, a good source is within the various Gymboree loops and social groups on-line. These women are always willing to share and help one another.
But, you probably won’t able to jump into a loop and immediately benefit if you aren’t already a member. You may want to consider joining a group or two, however, and establish your on-line reputation prior to the next round of coupons.
Some retail stores that welcome coupons offer a counter where you could take your unwanted coupons for other individuals to use. At the same time that you are welcome to choose up many different coupons other people have left to make your own purchases. One can find fabulous coupon organizers that you’ll be able to use like a mini filing system. You are able to categorize the coupons by the listed areas in addition to create some of your very own categories. This will minimize the quantity of time you spent going by means of them even though you are shopping.
Thanks for the great tip! I’ve seen these in some stores as well. And, if you don’t see one… it doesn’t hurt to ask! I’ve started keeping my “e-coupons” organized in a filing folders in my email too, very similar to how you could physically keep them in a coupon organizer. It’s a bit daunting, as they are arriving and expiring daily — even just paying attention to a single market, like kids clothes. Thanks again, ~Suzanne