Can Cardpool (YC W10) Solve the Unused Gift Card Problem?

I know the cool way to pitch a startup is "solving a problem", but ... is the Unused Gift Card Problem an actual thing?<p>I have never in my life had to deal with an unused gift card. I.. don't know anyone who has this problem, I've never heard anyone reference it.<p>Yet somehow, there are five funded companies in this space?!

The ultimate solution to this problem is getting rid of gift cards altogether. Just give cash. People complain that giving money is not thoughtful. Like going to the nearest CVS and paying $105.95 for $100 American Express card any more thoughtful.<p>Gift cards only give the illusion of being thoughtful. I'm not sure why people are offended when receiving cash. There's really no up side compared to cash. It's less convenient for both the giver and receiver.<p>I guess it's a cultural thing (I'm Asian). I've always received cash from my parents and relatives and love it. I can spend any where, any amount, or not at all if I want to save it.

Gift cards are bought and sold on eBay in high volumes already.

In California, where I live, gift cards do not expirs, and are redeemable for cash if the amount left on the card is $10.00 or less. I got a blockbuster gift card one time, went to blockbuster, asked for two $10.00 cards and one $5.00 card. The next day I went in and cashed all the cards in. Maybe a bit of work, but since I will never use them, it was worth it for the cash in my pocket.

wow, why didn't someone come up with this idea sooner?<p>i had a linens n things gift card that i hung on to for about a year bc i couldn't use it. then they went bankrupt and...well, then i just had a card, and no gift.

yes, technically they can: <a href="http://jmtame.posterous.com/cardpool-the-real-deal" rel="nofollow">http://jmtame.posterous.com/cardpool-the-real-deal</a>