My post about the hassle I went through to redeem a $2 gift card from Subway generated a storm of comments, including this one from a reader named Summer Sweetie:
I appreciate your steadfast effort to breakdown the bad Subway tactics. I do hope that the cashier didn’t have to pay for their company’s error but in the case that they did I hope the next time you go you add something to their tip jar. Working in the food industry myself it makes me upset with my employers when I’m made to look like a fool to a customer, but it’s even worse if I have to pay for their mistake.
As it turns out, of the 30 readers who left a comment on this post, only 5 had trouble with their own cards. Another 10 had no problem and 15 either had not tried their cards or did not receive a card. I’m glad to hear most people did not have any trouble with their cards. Subway has been (slightly) redeemed, in my eyes.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
I never even got mine! ):
Well, you know what they say: “It’s in the mail!” Wink, wink. Hope you get it someday.
After I read your post, I called the toll-free number on the back to verify (to hopefully save myself a trip if need be.)
If that info the recording gave me was correct, then I’m in luck. But THANK you for the alert!
I called and verified that the card was OK and then cashed it at Subway, no problem, when I bought a sandwich.
I recieved mine …about 2months after requesting it but I had no problems using it.
It’s true that is very hard on people working in the
food service industry. People often treat or regard
the workers as if they are subpeople. I really try
to treat people in the food service industry with
respect, I try to be patient and thank them even
if I feel they were less than successful at serving
me well.
I do eat at Subway. It is definitely better
than most other fast food choices and sometimes
I just have to eat something even if it is not good
for my budget, when I am out doing a heavy day
of errands.
I guess I just feel that in this age, screw ups and
or downright bad business qualities are a thing
that is not going to go away no matter what I do.
In the case of a gift card worth only $2 being
screwed up is just life as usual. I am trying these days to just let it roll of my back and not get
angry or uptight. It only hurts me because
anger is bad for my health. Even being grumpy
ruins my day and it is all my own choice how
I react to things.
Big things or little I am trying to just let go of
being upset by all of this imperfection that is out there.
Not trying to get preachy but sometimes getting
a bargain at all costs can impact just enjoying
life. And is that really a bargain?
After I read the comments I called the co immediately since I got mine the same day and no answer, so I went to Subway and asked to make sure b4 they started making the sandwiches, and no problem. 🙂
Got my card on Wednesday; went to use it that night. Before they started the sandwich I held it up and asked if they were familiar with it. They said yes, no problem, so I placed my order.
Come time to pay, BIG PROBLEM. The cash register would not recognize it despite being run through 6 times. The manager came over and made the guy on the register look small ‘cuz he couldn’t get it to work — but then neither could she!
It took 3 PEOPLE to figure it out (which caused a back-up in the line).
Subway’s always had a problem with customer service, friendliness — they’re SO STINGY with their portions!
Any good suggestions for a decent deli sandwich at a decent price?
I think that 5 out of 30 having a problem is still a big deal. Would you buy a car that you knew would be faulty over 15% of the time?