Virtual Gift Exchange

Too Much Free Time

from the don't-bother-shipping-it dept

An article about a virtual gift exchange that will let people decline and exchange their gift before it’s even sent. The idea is that the gift exchange will integrate with various online stores, and if someone buys you a gift, you will get an email with a description of the gift. You can then accept it, and it will be sent, or decline and chose another. Retailers like the idea, because they don’t have to deal with as many exchanges being sent back. Some consumers like the idea, because they also don’t have to deal with exchanges – and they get pretty much what they want. However, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be successful. It still sounds like it’s adding an unnecessary layer of complexity and, of course, gift giving purists are appalled by the idea – saying it ruins the whole point of giving a gift.