Amazon Allowance

[Jags4186]

Sure...instead of giving our children allowances which they can save or use for whatever they want, lets deposit it directly into their amazon account so they HAVE to buy something?

http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=gc_allowance_left_banner?_encoding=UTF8&node=11453461011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-3&pf_rd_r=021QMC9VHWD39HTH52FX&pf_rd_t=2911&pf_rd_p=2093691402&pf_rd_i=balance

[forummm]

Disney should do this too.

[GuitarStv]

This is one of those ideas that doesn't make any sense at all to me.


Why would anybody ever decide to sign up?  It only seems to work if you have money and want to exchange it for crappier money with a more limited area of use for no benefit.

[Cpa Cat]

I'm thinking it allows your child some limited freedom to spend without requiring that you provide them with your credit card.

We used to have an online business that accepted credit cards, and "My kid took my credit card and purchased this without my permission" was probably our biggest source of chargebacks. It cost us money, because we had almost always delivered the product/service by the time the parent called to get a refund, so they ended up with the purchase AND their money back.

I am sure Amazon gets a lot of returns/chargebacks because of this issue, too.

[MgoSam]

It's smart from Amazon's perspective. I don't know why anyone would sign up unless they had some generous promotions.

[forummm]

It's a way to get your kids to buy books, movies, etc, instead of candy, etc. You don't have to take them places to buy stuff, etc.

I wouldn't do it. But I'm not their target audience.

[GuitarStv]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=candy  - I'm pretty sure they can still buy candy.

[forummm]

I knew that was coming.

[forummm]

It makes books, etc, more available. Candy is everywhere already. Parents may not think it through. Or they can say "only buy books". Whatever.

Amazon's happy to take their money.

[frugalnacho]

This is one of those ideas that doesn't make any sense at all to me.


Why would anybody ever decide to sign up?  It only seems to work if you have money and want to exchange it for crappier money with a more limited area of use for no benefit.

Homer: One adult and four children.

Woman: Would you like to buy some Itchy and Scratchy Money?

Homer: What's that?

Woman: Well it's money that's made just for the park... And it works just like regular money, but it's, er..."fun".

Bart: Do it, Dad.

Homer: Well, OK, if it's fun...let's see, uh...I'll take $1100 worth.

[forummm]

Doh!

[Gin1984]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=candy  - I'm pretty sure they can still buy candy.

Damn you.  I honestly never though of this and my weak point when it comes to candy, which is not in wegmans, is on amazon.  And I now know. 

[GuitarStv]

Dude, if you need 10 lbs of gummi bears, or a 2.2lb box of nerds . . . Amazon has your back.

[frugalnacho]

Dude, if you need 10 lbs of gummi bears, or a 2.2lb box of nerds . . . Amazon has your back.

I didn't price out those items specifically, but I have looked at candy on amazon before.  Costco had much better prices.  Of course you have to pick up the items yourself from costco, but you also won't have them sitting in the sun for an extended period, so it balances out.

[GuitarStv]

I want my 10 lbs of gummi bears melted into a gelatinous brick.

[Gin1984]

Dude, if you need 10 lbs of gummi bears, or a 2.2lb box of nerds . . . Amazon has your back.

Seriously I don't want much, but wegmans does not have sour gummies and I have not had to use any will power is regard for five years and now.....they will come to my house.  Will power muscle not used to being used.  Lol

[frugalnacho]

I want my 10 lbs of gummi bears melted into a gelatinous brick.

I only eat food in bar form.

[Travis]

I want my 10 lbs of gummi bears melted into a gelatinous brick.

In Iraq and Afghanistan that was the only way I could have them.  I'd get a one pound bag in a care package and it would be a sloshing rainbow colored mess in the bag.  A couple hours in a fridge and its a solid block you can cut pieces from.

[Ashyukun]

I want my 10 lbs of gummi bears melted into a gelatinous brick.

In Iraq and Afghanistan that was the only way I could have them.  I'd get a one pound bag in a care package and it would be a sloshing rainbow colored mess in the bag.  A couple hours in a fridge and its a solid block you can cut pieces from.

Hopefully nobody was rude enough to send you the sugar-free variety...

[frugalnacho]

I want my 10 lbs of gummi bears melted into a gelatinous brick.

In Iraq and Afghanistan that was the only way I could have them.  I'd get a one pound bag in a care package and it would be a sloshing rainbow colored mess in the bag.  A couple hours in a fridge and its a solid block you can cut pieces from.

Hopefully nobody was rude enough to send you the sugar-free variety...

Those should be reserved for the enemy.

[forummm]

Dude, if you need 10 lbs of gummi bears, or a 2.2lb box of nerds . . . Amazon has your back.

That made me a little sick to read.

[forummm]

I want my 10 lbs of gummi bears melted into a gelatinous brick.

In Iraq and Afghanistan that was the only way I could have them.  I'd get a one pound bag in a care package and it would be a sloshing rainbow colored mess in the bag.  A couple hours in a fridge and its a solid block you can cut pieces from.

Hopefully nobody was rude enough to send you the sugar-free variety...

Those should be reserved for the enemy.

GI Joe: "Take this, you dirty vermin" <heaves the bag over>

<Enemy forces cower, waiting for the explosion>

<still waiting>

<cautiously approach the bag>

<A look of horror and disgust fills their war-torn faces>

NNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

<They throw down their weapons and run away waiving the white flag>

[Hunny156]

I want my 10 lbs of gummi bears melted into a gelatinous brick.

In Iraq and Afghanistan that was the only way I could have them.  I'd get a one pound bag in a care package and it would be a sloshing rainbow colored mess in the bag.  A couple hours in a fridge and its a solid block you can cut pieces from.

Hopefully nobody was rude enough to send you the sugar-free variety...

+ 1,000!  I needed that laugh today.  Those reviews are awesome.  :)

[AH013]

I'm thinking it allows your child some limited freedom to spend without requiring that you provide them with your credit card.

We used to have an online business that accepted credit cards, and "My kid took my credit card and purchased this without my permission" was probably our biggest source of chargebacks. It cost us money, because we had almost always delivered the product/service by the time the parent called to get a refund, so they ended up with the purchase AND their money back.

I am sure Amazon gets a lot of returns/chargebacks because of this issue, too.

WTF?  When did this scenario become an issue with the parent and the MERCHANT?  Back when I was a kid, if I had used my parents credit card to buy stuff online without permission, I'd have gotten my ass whooped and I'd have to repay the money.

I'm surprised you wouldn't just say, "Sorry to hear.  Please forward us a copy of the police report and we'd be happy to help reverse this fraudulent purchase."  My guess would be 99% of parents wouldn't risk their kid getting a rap sheet, and take the issue up where it really belongs -- their kids, not the merchant.

[I'm a red panda]

I don't see this as that bad of an idea.

You don't have to put ALL your kids money in there.

But you could say "You get $5 (or $20 or $100 whatever your budget is) a month towards kindle or MP3s" - that's all you have, use it wisely.

Kids buying MP3s when they can access their parents account ads up amazingly fast. This could limit it.

[Sibley]

I'm thinking it allows your child some limited freedom to spend without requiring that you provide them with your credit card.

We used to have an online business that accepted credit cards, and "My kid took my credit card and purchased this without my permission" was probably our biggest source of chargebacks. It cost us money, because we had almost always delivered the product/service by the time the parent called to get a refund, so they ended up with the purchase AND their money back.

I am sure Amazon gets a lot of returns/chargebacks because of this issue, too.

WTF?  When did this scenario become an issue with the parent and the MERCHANT?  Back when I was a kid, if I had used my parents credit card to buy stuff online without permission, I'd have gotten my ass whooped and I'd have to repay the money.

I'm surprised you wouldn't just say, "Sorry to hear.  Please forward us a copy of the police report and we'd be happy to help reverse this fraudulent purchase."  My guess would be 99% of parents wouldn't risk their kid getting a rap sheet, and take the issue up where it really belongs -- their kids, not the merchant.

Or just say you'll be happy to refund the money when you've received the returned item.

[solon]

In a charge-back situation, the merchant doesn't have any option, and they don't get to speak to the consumer.

[GuitarStv]

Isn't a initiating a charge back after receiving goods fraud?  I'm surprised there's no recourse for a merchant in this case.

[CheapskateWife]

I want my 10 lbs of gummi bears melted into a gelatinous brick.

In Iraq and Afghanistan that was the only way I could have them.  I'd get a one pound bag in a care package and it would be a sloshing rainbow colored mess in the bag.  A couple hours in a fridge and its a solid block you can cut pieces from.

Hopefully nobody was rude enough to send you the sugar-free variety...

+ 1,000!  I needed that laugh today.  Those reviews are awesome.  :)

Out of morbid curiousity, I had to go and look....I'm crying over here. 

[MgoSam]

I'm thinking it allows your child some limited freedom to spend without requiring that you provide them with your credit card.

We used to have an online business that accepted credit cards, and "My kid took my credit card and purchased this without my permission" was probably our biggest source of chargebacks. It cost us money, because we had almost always delivered the product/service by the time the parent called to get a refund, so they ended up with the purchase AND their money back.

I am sure Amazon gets a lot of returns/chargebacks because of this issue, too.

WTF?  When did this scenario become an issue with the parent and the MERCHANT?  Back when I was a kid, if I had used my parents credit card to buy stuff online without permission, I'd have gotten my ass whooped and I'd have to repay the money.

I'm surprised you wouldn't just say, "Sorry to hear.  Please forward us a copy of the police report and we'd be happy to help reverse this fraudulent purchase."  My guess would be 99% of parents wouldn't risk their kid getting a rap sheet, and take the issue up where it really belongs -- their kids, not the merchant.

Or just say you'll be happy to refund the money when you've received the returned item.

Easier said than done with credit cards. Most credit card companies will take your word on it and just void payment. My company can accept Amex, but we don't advertise this unless it is someone we know. This is because they charge us a lot more, and because they will always take their customers' side in case there is a dispute and aren't willing to even allow us to show invoices.

[Cpa Cat]

Isn't a initiating a charge back after receiving goods fraud?  I'm surprised there's no recourse for a merchant in this case.

You can try challenging it, but as a merchant, you usually lose. And it takes time and effort. At $40 per transaction, we made the decision to issue refunds without question, because we understood that it wasn't worth the effort to fight.

In our case, our service was delivered electronically, so we couldn't get it back after it was delivered.

It's like if your family member uses your credit card to use Turbotax and files their tax return. You can dispute that. You can say "I didn't authorize this!" and the chargeback is yours. Meanwhile, the tax return has been filed. There's no takebacks. (And technically, TT isn't allowed to reveal whose tax return was filed!)

I am certain that Amazon has this problem with digital downloads for music and video games. Or maybe they just want to capture more of the under-18 market. The more people they get to use their Allowance system, the more money they make and keep.

[FatCat]

I knew some people that always gave their kids allowance money in the form of gift cards like this because otherwise they would spend it on illegal drugs.