It’s December 24 and I’m still shopping for Christmas gifts. I saved one particular gift purchase until last minute because I knew I could easily get it online last-minute. So I thought.
I’m currently faced with two options and neither one is appealing. My first option is to purchase an iTunes gift certificate at one of my local stores that sells gift certificates by the rack. Alternatively, I could stay home and purchase my iTunes gift certificate online.
You’re probably thinking that purchasing the iTunes gift certificate online is the way to go. I thought this as well until I visited the online Apple store. Would you believe that for an online store that sells digital products, I am only given the option to purchase a gift certificate that is delivered to my snail’s mailbox.
Why must my gift certificate be tangible when its very nature is digital? I’m not an eco-geek but this just rubs me the wrong way. It seems like a waste.
Imagine going to a brick-and-mortar store, take goods to the checkout counter, and are told that they will be shipped to you within two business days. I don’t find this scenario very different from purchasing an iTunes gift certificate online.
I understand that they sever a purpose for those that wish to have something tangible to represent their gift, but it shouldn’t be the only option. I should be able to get the number that represents my gift certificate purchase and have it e-mailed to the recipient. It just makes sense.