Do you use Restaurant.com?

**bjl584** · 03-01-2016, 04:38 AM

I never have.

But, one thing that I have been doing is buying gift cards for restaurants, and other stores to score some fuel points. I need to buy the stuff anyway in most cases. I might as well get a discount on gas while I'm at it.

I may be speaking local here, but there are two major grocery store chains where I live that give you 10 cents a gallon discount on gas at their gas stations or at a gas station that they are partners with for every $50 that you spend at their stores. This is extended to gift cards.

**FLA** · 03-01-2016, 04:46 AM

have you ever tried getting discounted gift cards from sites like Gift Card Granny or other similar sites?

I'm thinking this might be a good way to go for stores I tend to shop at. Use a discounted gift card, go through ebates (I love ebates), combined with sales and stores' promo codes and you'd be doing great. But something makes me hesitate about buying gift card I may never use after all

**disneysteve** · 03-01-2016, 05:12 AM

Originally posted by FLA View Post

Anyone like it or hate it? I can't figure out how anyone makes any money when they run special deals like today.

I wouldn't say I hate it but I find that it is more complicated than necessary. I'd much rather buy a straight out gift certificate. The problem with Restaurant.com is that the deal is convoluted: Pay $10 for a $25 coupon that is only good if you buy at least $50 worth of food.

Originally posted by FLA View Post

have you ever tried getting discounted gift cards from sites like Gift Card Granny or other similar sites?

But something makes me hesitate about buying gift card I may never use after all

I do this ALL the time! We save a bundle of money. I primarily buy cards for places where we shop regularly like Target and JoAnn Fabric, so there's no worry about buying cards that won't get used.

I have also bought cards for specific purchases. For example, last year we bought a new refrigerator at Lowe's. Before placing the order, I went online and bought $1,200 worth of Lowe's cards at I think 8% off.

Some of the gift card sites like Cardpool now have smartphone apps so if we happen to find ourselves in a store and want to make a purchase, I can pull out my phone, buy an instant discounted gift card, and use it right away. That way there's no waste and no risk of buying something in advance that I don't really need.

Obviously, I highly recommend this!

**FLA** · 03-01-2016, 08:38 AM

card pool app downloaded, THANKS!

**disneysteve** · 03-01-2016, 10:31 AM

Originally posted by FLA View Post

card pool app downloaded, THANKS!

Just keep in mind that Cardpool doesn't always have the best discount. If you just want an instant deal, the app is a great way to go. If you are ordering for a future purchase, though, you're better off going through Giftcardgranny to check for the biggest discount.

**Thrif-t** · 03-01-2016, 03:05 PM

I use Restaurant.com all the time when I'd get an 80% off code, can't beat it then! There aren't too many restaurants by me but one special occasion restaurant we go to is on there. We have to spend $35 to get 25 off, so it's definitely worth it!

I've even used them for some places when we're traveling.

**FLA** · 03-01-2016, 03:56 PM

I'm gonna try using the app at a lunch place tomorrow. $10 worth of food for $1.60. You may have to spend 20, I can bring a meal home to my mother if we don't spend 20.

**disneysteve** · 03-03-2016, 07:04 AM

Originally posted by davidson333

What is card pool app actually?

Cardpool.com is one of many sites that sells discounted gift cards. With their app, you can buy electronic gift cards instantly so you can use them right away. It's a great way to save money on the spot.

I just checked the app and just to give you some examples, AMC Theaters are 18.5% off, Starbucks is 9.5%, Lowe's is 10%, Dick's Sporting Goods is 15%. So if you find yourself in a store wanting to buy something, take a minute to buy a gift card and you can get substantial savings.

**FLA** · 03-03-2016, 11:52 AM

did our first Restaurant.com certificate, there's an app so it was in my phone. However, I was in a cell phone dead spot and could not bring up the certificate. Ugh, I can't even remember the last time I couldn't get data when I was out and about. Luckily they had wifi. I guess printing out the certificates is the safest way to go.

We ordered two entrees and two sodas to hit $20, meal would've cost us $10 plus tip. Then at the last minute, we ordered a take out meal for my mother, so we ended up spending $20 OOP, next time we will order water if we need to order another entree. It was a hole in the wall place, looked like nothing special from the outside but the food was delicious. Never would've gone if I didn't have a coupon. We'll use one there again.

**ZachRosh23** · 03-06-2016, 02:33 AM

I have never used to but thanks for posting. Ill most definitely check it out now.

**FLA** · 03-06-2016, 06:03 AM

Originally posted by ZachRosh23 View Post

I have never used to but thanks for posting. Ill most definitely check it out now.

their regular deals are ho hum, but if you sign up to be notified for sales, the deals are pretty hard to beat

**NormanR** · 03-15-2016, 04:18 PM

I haven't used it before either but will definitely check it out. I'm always on the lookout for these kinds of sites so thanks!

**FLA** · 03-15-2016, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by NormanR View Post

I haven't used it before either but will definitely check it out. I'm always on the lookout for these kinds of sites so thanks!

I got an email they are having 30% off currently. HTH

**phantom** · 03-15-2016, 06:53 PM

Originally posted by disneysteve View Post

I wouldn't say I hate it but I find that it is more complicated than necessary. I'd much rather buy a straight out gift certificate. The problem with Restaurant.com is that the deal is convoluted: Pay $10 for a $25 coupon that is only good if you buy at least $50 worth of food.

I'll go ahead and say I hate Restaurants.com. I'd probably feel differently if they had coupons for places in my area that I wanted to eat at anyway. But, having received their gift cards as a gift, it really feels like a trick to make me spend money I wouldn't otherwise spend. I've had a Restaurant.com card for over two years that I can't find reason to spend. I much prefer an Entertainment book or Enjoy book, which offer similar discounts, except for places that I actually want to visit.

I do love secondary market gift card sellers, such as Cardpool, though. (Although maybe not Cardpool specifically since they are a competitor of my former employer.

) The apps are what really make them worthwhile for me. If you stock up on cards for places you shop at often, you risk ending up with a fraudulent card. If you shop at a place with good customer service, this can be little more than an inconvenience, but it's still annoying. But, if you wait until right before you're going to use a card to buy it, that risk drops dramatically. The apps make it possible to do just that.

Do you use Restaurant.com?