Thursday, May 25, 2006

Coinstar - Free Coin Counting


visiting the coinstar
Originally uploaded by xzasporated.
I have used the big Coinstar machines several times in the past to generate folding money from a huge jar of change. Hasn't everyone? The percentage they take has always been significant, even exorbitant. I think when it started, it was about 7%. I think it's higher than that now.

However, Coinstar now offers free coin counting, if you are willing to settle for gift cards or eCertificates instead of cash.

They offer the following vendor's gift cards and eCertificates.
  • Amazon.Com
  • Virgin Digital
  • Borders
  • Linens'n Things
  • iTunes Music Card
  • Starbucks
  • Pier 1 Imports
  • Hollywood Video
This is not available at every Coinstar machine, but you can use their Advanced Machine Locator to find the ones that offer these extra services. If you're here in Round Rock, it looks like all the Albertson's have them.

You can also use Coinstar to donate to charity using the Coins That Count Donation Program.

You have to respect a company that can take such a mundane service and make it compelling.

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