Plastic Jungle can help small businesses to instantly increase their profit margins!

Owning your own business can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. You get to be your own boss, make your own hours and make money doing something you’re passionate about.

There are also risks and challenges involved as well. You might be the CEO and the VP of Marketing, and Human Resources, and Finance and Customer Service. You must manage ample cash flow, manage employees and manage the temptation to work 24 hours a day.

And in this economy, managing the bottom line is especially crucial. Here are some tips on how to tighten your budget:

Drop the Land Line and use your business’ existing broadband internet connection to route calls over the internet.

Pay Bills Online and save money on business checks and stamps.

Utilize Free Software like Google Docs or OpenOffice.

Buy Refurbished Office Equipment for printers, faxes and computers.

Save Electricity with fluorescent lighting and turn off all your electrical appliances at the end of each day.

Maximize Free Publicity with press releases, social networking and customer referrals.

Go Paperless and send newsletters, forms and invoices through email.

Renegotiate Your Lease to a lower rent while vacancies are high or consider working out of a home office.

Contract Out Services, such as Virtual Office Support for administrative tasks and save on payroll and health benefits.

Find Wiggle Room on Your Insurance Plan and see how your agent can lower your fees.

Brown Bag It and bring your lunch every day.

AND GUESS WHAT?

Plastic Jungle can help small business save money, too!

You can buy discounted gift cards for up to 35% off and instantly increase your profit margins.

If you are a Builder, Sub-contractor or Handyman:

Buy discounted Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace Hardware gift cards and you can save at least 6% off! Add any rebates or in-store promotions and watch your profitability multiply.

If you are an Interior Designer:

Buy discounted gift cards to CB2, Crate & Barrel, Ikea, Pier 1 Imports or Pottery Barn. You can save up to 20% on kitchen purchases at Ikea now and Restoration Hardware is currently offering a “Bed and Bath Event” where you can save an additional 25% off.

If you are a Restaurant Owner:

Buy discounted gift cards to Albertsons, BevMo, Costco, HEB Grocery Store, Safeway and Trader Joe’s. Join BevMo’s ClubBev! and get a 5% Savings Reward – every time your total spending reaches $250, they’ll send you a 5% savings Reward! And check out HealthyLifeDeals.com for current coupons at Trader Joe’s – this week’s deals include $1.00 off Rudis Organic Hot Dog Buns (6ct, normally $2.99) or $1.00 off Morningstar Patties, links or bacon (regular price $3.39).

If you are a Seamstress or Artist:

Get your fabric and art supplies using discounted gift cards to Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics or Michael’s. Sign up for Michael’s Weekly Ad to get additional savings on over 100 products each week!

And For Every Small Business Owner:

Whether it’s paper, pencils, filing or storage, small business owners can stock up on all their office supplies using discounted gift cards from Office Depot, Office Max, Staples or The Container Store. At Office Depot, if you join their Worklife Rewards® program and present your Member number every time you shop, you’ll receive 10% back in Rewards on ink, toner, paper and copy and print services. Membership is FREE and can be processed online, in any Office Depot store, or by phone at 1.866.322.3225.

Owning a small business is not just another job.  It’s a completely different lifestyle. Let Plastic Jungle make your life a little easier with our discounted gift cards.

Guest post by Dena Stern, Managing Editor at Exercise.com

Warm weather is upon us. Summer is the perfect time to get outside and get some fresh air – and exercise!

But before you take your workout outside it helps to have the right gear. Gift cards are a great way to stock up on essential items to help you take advantage of summer weather – use your gift cards to get active and find ways to exercise outside!

Sunscreen

We all know the dangers of sun exposure – skin cancer, premature aging and painful sunburns. It’s important to protect yourself from the sun while you exercise outside. Look for brands labeled “full spectrum” to protect yourself from both UVA and UVB rays and marked “sweat resistant” or “water resistant” to ensure that your protection will last through your workout! Then use your Target giftcard to save when you stock up on sun protection!

Hiking Boots

Hiking outdoors is a fantastic workout but having the right footwear is essential. You want something that will support your ankles to prevent twisting them while maneuvering around uneven terrain. You’ll also benefit from something that will keep out water (to prevent blisters) as well as protect from poison oak/ivy, bug bites, scrapes and scratches!

These Gore-tex hiking boots are the best waterproof hiking boots on the market, plus they are durable and comfortable – and you can get them with your LL Bean Giftcard for 11% off!

Swimsuit

When it seems too hot to exercise it’s the perfect time to take a swim! Swimming burns more calories than walking or hiking and uses almost every muscle in your body – all while staying cool in the pool!

Use your JC Penney gift card to get 14% off cute, comfortable athletic swimsuits!

If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

A new crop of gift card scams have hit the streets and Plastic Jungle doesn’t want you to be caught flat-footed.

Text Message Gift Card Scam

If you get a text message saying you won a $200 Target gift card, ignore it. (Or better yet, delete it!) The text asks you to call a telephone number to claim the gift card. The person on the phone asks for your name, mailing address and Visa credit card number. They’ll say all you have to do is pay just $8 shipping and they’ll send you the gift card in 3-5 days. But guess what? The gift card never arrives and now your credit card number and identity is compromised.

Facebook Advertisement

On my Facebook News Feed, I noticed that a friend of mine just “liked” a sponsor’s ad on Facebook about winning a $1000 Wal-mart gift card. Red flag! I checked it out myself then did some additional research online – sure enough, it’s a scam.

Here’s what the scam gift card site looks like when you click on it:

You’re asked to enter your email address and other personal information, including your address and phone number. Once entered, you’re asked to take part in a series of surveys. After completing the surveys, you’re then directed to numerous webpages where you must “participate” in “sponsor offers” which may include fees, subscriptions and products. After all this is said and done, there’s no guarantee you’ll even receive the gift card. Meanwhile, the site has gathered your information to sell to other businesses for telemarketing and junk mail.

Buying discounted gift cards through Plastic Jungle is always safe and all of our transactions are guaranteed.

Here’s how our Buyer Guarantee protects you:

• The gift card you purchased does not arrive within three (3) weeks of the date of purchase.
• Your gift card has a balance less than the listed balance at the time of purchase.
• Your gift card is not authentic or is not valid for use.

It’s a jungle out there – don’t fall prey to gift card fraud!

Put away the pots and pans and treat yourself to dinner out this weekend!

With discounted gift cards from Plastic Jungle, you can save up to 35% to your favorite restaurants. Skipping dishes AND saving money? Nothing tasted so good!

Here our some of our favorite deals happening NOW!

Craving a juicy steak? Check out these discounted gift cards at Black Angus Steakhouse, Capital Grille or Fleming’s.

Black Angus Steakhouse – 12% off

Capital Grille – 10% off!

Fleming’s – 12% off!

Or maybe you want something quick and easy? How ‘bout these deals at Boston Market and Pick Up Stix?

Boston Market – 12% off!

Pick Up Stix – 10% off!

Or perhaps tantalize your international taste buds with pan-pacific fare at the Elephant Bar, Italian cuisine at Macaroni Grill, Mexican seafood at Rubio’s or Hawaiian fusion at Roy’s.

Elephant Bar – 12% off!

Macaroni Grill – 10% off!

Rubio’s – 10% off!

Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion – 10% off!

Buying discounted gift cards from Plastic Jungle is easy.

Click the Buy Gift Cards link at the top of any page on PlasticJungle.com to see a list of all discounted gift cards currently available. Or type a merchant or keyword into the search box on top of any page to see a list of discounted gift cards that meet your criteria. You can always filter the results by merchant, category, gift card balance and discount. Once purchased, we will send you a confirmation email for your records and ship your gift card(s) within two business days of processing your payment. Your package should arrive within another 5-7 business days. Shipping is on us!

So let someone else do the cooking tonight. It’s the weekend – you deserve it!

As the #1 requested present, gift cards are popular, practical and… anti-climactic?

No way, especially if you get creative with the presentation. Rather than just sticking a gift card in an envelope (ho-hum), turn yawns into squeals of delight with these unique ideas:

1. Attach the gift card to a large candy bar, and then wrap the candy bar – YUM!

2. Put the gift card inside a homemade duct tape wallet. Don’t know how to make one? Click here for easy instructions. If you want to get really fancy, use designer duct tape!

3. Place the gift card in a picture frame

4. Put the gift card inside a business card case. This Wellspring Flip Case from Amazon.com is darling and is less than $5.

5.  Place the gift card inside socks, gloves or slippers. Check out these fun and colorful toe socks from Urban Boundaries for $3.99!

6. Hide the gift card inside a Magic Puzzle Box

7. Set the gift card inside a terra cotta pot with crinkle cut paper

8. Put an iTunes gift card inside a blank CD case

9. Hide the gift card inside a box of playing cards

10. Use a Barnes & Noble gift card as a bookmark in a book

11. Kids (and kids at heart) love bubble wrap! Wrap a gift card inside layers and layers of bubble wrap

12. Surprise! Set a gift card inside a Jack-in-the-Box

13. Food lover? Place a gift card inside an oven mitt

14. Cute and cuddly – Plush animals with gift card holders.

15. Add a gift card to a Chinese take-out container filled with fortune cookies.

These just crack the surface…do YOU have any other creative ideas to share? When you buy discounted gift cards from Plastic Jungle as gifts, how do you package and present them?

With just a little thought and a small budget, you can add personality to your gift card presentation. You’ll have fun doing it and your recipient will have even more fun opening it.

Time to swap your winter coats, boots and long underwear for sundresses, flip-flops and bikinis!

 Summer officially starts June 21^st – let Plastic Jungle help you usher in the season with stylish savings!

Surf on over to Plastic Jungle and search PacSun and buy a gift card for 15% off.

PacSun features over 100 of your favorite brands including Hurley, Roxy, Billabong, Volcom, O’Neill, Quicksilver, Reef, DC, Fox and Vans. In the crash of a wave…err, the blink of an eye, Plastic Jungle saves you 15% right off the top.

 Are you feeling LUCKY?  We are!  Right now you can buy Lucky Brand gift cards at a fabulous 20% off!

While Lucky Brand is best known for their vintage-inspired, great-fitting denim, they have a darling selection of tops, sundresses and swimwear – all with a little bohemian Southern California flair.

 Where else can you find summer fashion at a value? Rue 21. Their clothing is fresh, fun and affordable. And it’s even more affordable with a Rue 21 gift card – available from Plastic Jungle now at 12% off!

 And don’t forget to protect yourself from that powerful sun. Ensure no sunburns this summer by stocking up on sunglasses and hats.  Plastic Jungle has great discounts on all your favorites including Sunglass Hut (15% off) and Lids (10% off).

Happy Shopping, Happy Summer!

Because the cards are interchangeable, you can use this information to check the balance on Gift Cards from all Gap, Inc. Brands:

•Gap    •Old Navy       •Banana Republic      •Athleta          •Piperlime.com

When you look at it, about 1.3 million people “Like” Gap stores on Facebook. That’s a lot of people – and helps demonstrate the versatility of the apparel-maker’s easy style. With that many customers even willing to say it out loud, it’s likely you, or at least one of your friends, like Gap brands too.

By keeping inventory fresh in stores and online, Gap keeps shoppers’ interest piqued; lucky for us bargain hunters it means they’re also clearing out stock on a regular basis with sales from 20-70% off (see their “Sale” tab at Gap.com)  – not to mention the hot clearance deals to be found at GapOutlets and GapFactory stores. (See the Store Locator link, below.)

Discounts at Gap and Gap.com
Need to know what Gap’s promotions are on right now? Go to the store-affiliated Gap-Coupons.com blog for the latest on Gap sales and deals: this includes discount offers, free shipping offers, sales, coupons, deals and of course, Gap news.

Still, you can get an even bigger bargain when you buy a discounted gift card from Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta, or Piperlime.com here at Plastic Jungle. On Plastic Jungle, the cards will ship for free and have no fees. So set an alert on any or all of these interchangeable gift cards, and you’ll be the first to know when the gift cards come into Plastic Jungle inventory, and a fresh discount is to be had.

One Card, So Many Apparel Options
That’s right: the Gap GiftCard may be redeemed for merchandise at any Gap brand, Old Navy, Banana Republic, or Athleta location, including GapOutlet and GapFactory stores. Gap GiftCards may also be redeemed for merchandise at gap.com, oldnavy.com, bananarepublic.com, piperlime.com or athleta.com. The cards from all five retailers are interchangeable. For more information specific to eGift Cards, go to the Gap Brands eGift Card FAQ page.

Checking the Balance on a Gap GiftCard or eGiftcard

ONLINE: Go to the Gap GiftServices page where you’ll be able to check balance in a few clicks. Or, you can check the balance on a gift card on the Billing Page in “Checkout” or in “Your Account”. In both places, you will see a link to “Check Balance.” You can then enter the 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit PIN on the back of your card and click “Check Balance”.

IN-STORE: Check the Gap Store Locator (includes GapOutlet)

BY PHONE: Gap Customer Service: 1-800-427-7895 (1-800-GAP-STYLE)

Sell or Exchange Your Gap GiftCard or eGiftCard
Once you’ve acquired your Gap GiftCard balance, you can sell or exchange your Gap brand gift card to Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can also trade your Gap GiftCard for an Amazon.com Gift Card, Facebook credits (on Facebook.com), and even fund your PayPal account.

To know how much your Gap Gift Card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up “Gap”, enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired, and you’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Sears, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

What has the first week of 2011 brought to you? More work, I’ll bet! Let’s get you back on track with a win.

Get to Office Depot for Office Cleanup Tips

So, say your desk is piled with papers. How bad is it? If it’s really bad, you could win a $10,000 Office Makeover courtesy of Office Depot! Just “Like” the Office Depot fan page on Facebook, upload a photo of how messy your office is, and you’re entered to win. (You’ll need to be logged in to Facebook to get to the page.) Ten instant winners per day get a $100 Office Depot gift card. Check the page for storage and filing tips on how to manage all that stuff, and see funny pictures of offices that might be even more cluttered than yours. Thanks to SweetiesSweeps for pointing us to that one. Contest ends 1/31/11; check the official rules on the same Office Depot Sweepstakes Facebook page for details.

If you can’t wait to win, check out what Plastic Jungle has on offer for discounted Office Depot gift cards.

Win $1000 for clothes, shoes & accessories? Yes please!

Amazon Fashion is giving away a $1000 Amazon.com Gift Card just for “Liking” them on Facebook. When you’re logged into Facebook, go to the Amazon Fashion page, and click on the Sweepstakes tag. Sweepstakes ends 2/17/11; check the page for official rules for details.

Think you’re ready for an Amazon.com Gift Card right this very minute? If you’re ready to exchange a gift card you’re not planning to use, you can trade that and get up to 96% of its value on an Amazon.com Gift Card on Plastic Jungle right now.

Win a $50 Best Buy Gift Card!

Super coupon and deal site MyBargainBuddy.com is giving away a $50 Best Buy Gift Card. Enter by 2/1/11, and check MyBargainBuddy for rules for entry and details. Plastic Jungle has Best Buy Gift Cards at a 4% discount at the time of publishing.

Appliances, Electronics, Music, Computers -- Best Buy!

Win a NookColor!

Are you a reader? Like, really a big reader? Then you’ll love the Bookalicio.us blog. In celebration of the two-year anniversary of blogging, Pam is giving away book collections for eight second-place winners, but the Grand Prize is a NookColor. The Nook is the e-reader offered by media retailer Barnes & Noble. It’s a device that’s a lot of fun — read books, listen to music, play games, show photos – for everyone from kids to seniors. The contest is open through February 10, 2011. Use your Twitter and Facebook accounts and more to enter. Check Bookalicio.us for rules and details. Check Plastic Jungle for discounted Barnes & Noble Gift Cards or eGift Cards to get a discount off your own NookColor.

Get $150 Gift Card to Steven Dann!

Life&Style Weekly wants you to walk away with $150 gift card to haute East Coast boutique Steven Dann. The contest is open until 1/20/11. Enter and see rules at Life&Syle Weekly’s WinIt page.

Good luck! Let us know if you win anything. And get back to work!  : )

Was your latest gift an iPod, iPod touch or iPad or iPhone? Lucky!

iTunes sells music, books, apps and TV shows for your iPad, iPod, iPod Touch or iPhone.

Hopefully you got an iTunes Gift Card to load it with media. The iTunes Gift Card is a hot property here on Plastic Jungle, scoring in the Top Ten of your favorite discounted gift cards to buy. In order to use the iTunes cards, you’ll need to set up an iTunes account online, and Apple is happy to show you how.

With your account, the iTunes Store (which is online only) makes it easy to purchase or give music in the MP3/AAC format to anyone: songs, albums, playlists, audiobooks, music videos, movies, and TV shows. And there are so many ways to pay: iTunes gift certificates, gift cards, the iTunes allowance. You can even send music, videos, audiobooks, and apps as gifts.

The iTunes Music Store Gift Card or Gift Certificate may be applied only toward the purchase of music on the iTunes Music Store online. Buy iTunes gift cards through the Apple Store, or get a deal on iTunes gift cards (or purchases!) by buying discounted iTunes gift cards / eCODEs right here on the web’s largest secured gift card exchange: Plastic Jungle.

Hot Tips:

Þ     The Apple gift card is not interchangeable with iTunes gift cards and vice versa. You can’t use an Apple gift card toward iTunes purchases. To get information on checking Apple Store gift card balances, check our blog post regarding Apple Store gift cards. Get good information on iTunes at the Apple Store Gifting Page (very detailed) or iTunes gift page (much simpler).

Þ     The iTunes Store is available only to persons age 13 or older in the U.S. and many other countries.

Þ     Once an iTunes gift card is redeemed, the ENTIRE BALANCE is transferred to your account. You can use it to purchase other iTunes gift cards, but otherwise you can’t refund this credit.

To check the balance on your unused or partially used iTunes gift cards, gift certificates, promo codes (or eCODES), we’ve got the information and links you’ll need.

Check your iTunes Gift Card Balance

iTunes Gift Cards add credit to your balance in the iTunes Store.

WEB and EMAIL: In order to find out the balance on your iTunes Gift Card, you will need to have the latest version of iTunes downloaded to your computer. When you set up your account, or within your existing account, you will have an opportunity to enter the code from the back of your gift card, or the eCODE from your email. Purchases are deducted from this amount, so the amount shown is the amount remaining.

You can also contact iTunes Support for the information. Click on the iTunes Cards and Codes section. They promise to get back to you within 48 hours.

IN-STORE: Bring your iTunes card into an Apple Store and one of the Apple Geniuses can help you find that balance and teach you how to do it at home. Check the Apple Store locator for a store near you.

PHONE: There is no call-in option for checking iTunes balances; you can call customer support to ask questions: 1-800-My-Apple (1-800-6927753).

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Sears, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.