Each store has it's own Gift Certificate Manager. This information is NOT shared between stores. Redeeming it's own gift certificates is not a problem at all.
However, a customer could take a gift certificate purchased in one store and redeem it at another store and potential problems could arise because now the certificate is worth twice the original value.
In a multi-store environment we recommend.
1) use a different range of numbers on gift certificates for each store (numbers cannot be alphanumeric) This helps you identify the original seller of the certificate.
2) the gift certificate should be surrendered even if there is a balance remaining on the certificate. This will reduce the chance that the certificate will be used incorrectly. If there is a balance remaining, consider awarding the balance to Accounts Receivable for a store credit.
WHAT HAPPENS
1) The clerk will be prompted that the gift certificate number does not exist. This should serve as a warning that special procedures need to be taken. Perhaps, the clerk will need to call the originating store and check the status of the gift certificate.
2) The clerk can continue to process the gift certificate. We highly recommend that the gift certificate be surrendered even if there is a balance remaining on the certificate.
3) The clerk or manager will need to call the originating store and have that store MANUALLY CANCEL the gift certificate so that it cannot be used again.
