1bigpresent

What do you give someone who has everything? ...let them decide

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 
  • Q Why should I register with 1bigpresent.com?
  • We all know how it feels to receive an unwanted gift, or to have no idea what to buy someone! 1bigpresent takes the hassle out of gift-giving and makes it really easy to let someone know you care. It also ensures that the party person gets exactly what they'd like, since they choose how to spend their gift fund!

    Registering an occasion and contributing towards it are quick, simple and secure. We even help you to spread the word and say thank you afterwards! Why not register for a friend or family member as a surprise but remember, the email address you use to register is the one where all messages and contribution alerts will be received!
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  • Q Who can use 1bigpresent.com?
  • Absolutely anyone who has something to celebrate! It is perfect for birthdays, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, christenings, religious celebrations, joint parties, retirements, leaving gifts., fundraisers..... and so on! The list really is endless so maybe you have thought of something we haven't. Please email us and let us know.
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  • Q What happens when I register an occasion?
  • When you register your occasion with 1bigpresent.com you'll be asked to enter your details and tell everyone about your celebration, venue, times etc.
    You'll now have your own special page on our website which you can update with your party details, a message to your friends, or a picture! Make it personal; it's all about celebrating your occasion!
    As soon as your registration is complete, you'll receive your unique occasion number. Pass this on to your friends and family; they'll need it to log on and contribute to your 1bigpresent!
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  • Q How do I spread the word?
  • We make it really easy to tell people all about your 1bigpresent account. If you have their email address send them an invite using our invitation emails! This email tells them of your registration, gives them your special code and takes them directly to the website.
    If you want to use snail mail or see them in person, print off some invitation inserts from the "Your Gift" area of the website and simply add your unique occasion code. Of course, you can always pick up the phone and give them a ring or send them a text quoting your occasion number.
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  • Q We are using our own invites. How do we inform our guests that we are using the 1bigpresent service?
  • When you register certain types of occasion (engagements, weddings, new baby etc) you can request our free Invitation Inserts which give your guests all the information they need to use the service. Just fill in the box with the amount of Invitation Inserts that you require and we will arrange to deliver them to you. Alternatively you can download some paper information slips from the site to insert into party invites. Just add your occasion number and your guests will do the rest.
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  • Q How much does it cost me to register with 1bigpresent.com
  • Absolutely nothing! Registration is free; the only charge you pay is a small percentage (6.9%) of the total contributions to your gift fund. We charge a minimum of £10 for smaller occasions but we also have a ceiling charge of £80, so even if you have a large party and a very large gift fund, you'll never pay more than £80.
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  • Q Can I check my account at any time?
  • Yes you can! You can access your account with your login details at any time of the day or night, from anywhere in the world. It will always be up-to-date with the latest messages, contributions and your gift fund amount.
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  • Q What other benefits do I have when I register with 1bigpresent?
  • You will receive an email alert every time someone contributes to your gift fund. When you log into your account you can then view your gift and your guest's message on your message board along with a full record of all the contributions made to date.
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  • Q When do I choose my Gift Vouchers?
  • You select your choice of two Gift Vouchers when you close your occasion. You can also choose the cash option if we don't have just what you're looking for. We also ask that you consider spending a small amount on our Charity Voucher which is Sightsavers Gift of Sight. A very small amount of your gift fund could restore the sight of someone in poorer countries around the world.
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  • Q Can I choose more than one type of voucher?
  • We ask that you limit your selection to two types of Gift Voucher, or take advantage of the cash option as one of these. We are happy to allow a third if it is the Charity Voucher for Sightsavers International.
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  • Q You don't offer Gift Vouchers for the retailer we would like our One Big Present from? Can we still use the service?
  • We should be able to help with most requests and can supply vouchers for most retailers, however it is best that you email us with the details before you set up your Gift Fund and we will be glad to check for you. Also remember that we offer the cash option, just in case.
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  • Q When will I receive my vouchers?
  • When your 1bigpresent account has closed, your Gift Vouchers (or cheque if you choose the cash option) will be prepared or ordered and sent straight to you. When you receive them depends on how long it takes the retailer to issue them; sometimes just a few hours but sometimes a few days!

    If you need your vouchers/cash for a specific date, please let us know and we'll do our best to help!
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  • Q How will I receive my vouchers?
  • Some retailers now issue e-vouchers which can be with you in a matter of hours, but some still offer paper vouchers that have to come through the post. We'll keep you informed about the delivery method but please bear in mind that it may take a few days to get your paper voucher, depending on the retailer.
    If you've selected the cash option, your cheque will be sent to you straight away.
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  • Q I have a little money left after selecting my vouchers? What options do you offer me?
  • We offer two options if this happens. If you have a little amount of money left over you can request a cheque for that amount to be sent to you (simply by ticking the appropriate box). Alternatively we ask that you consider donating it to our sponsored charity - Sightsavers International, again simply by ticking the appropriate box. We then pass your donation on to them.
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  • Q How do I thank my guests?
  • You can, of course, thank your guests in the traditional way but it helps to know that 1bigpresent has prepared a "Thank you" template which is ready to send out as soon as your occasion has closed. Just personalise the email and press send. Every guest who has contributed to your gift fund will automatically receive one. It really is that simple.
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  • Q Is there a time limit on the vouchers?
  • Usually there's no time limit on your Gift Vouchers, but some retailers may like to you spend them within 12 months. Please be sure to check when you receive them. If you do have any questions or concerns then email us at admin@1bigpresent.co.uk.
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  • Q How secure is the money contributed to my 1bigpresent account?
  • 1bigpresent only uses Paypal and Paypal Website Payments Pro. This means that all contributions are absolutely 100% refundable.
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  • Q What's the cash option and how does it work?
  • We know that you might want to use your gift fund in your own way, which is why you can receive it in cash or a cash/voucher combination. Your friends contribute to your fund in the normal way, but when your account closes we'll post you a cheque for the full amount instead of sending out vouchers. It's then yours to spend in any way you like!
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  • Q How do I contribute to a gift fund?
  • All you need to contribute to a gift fund is the unique occasion number you received from your friend or family member, and your email address. This lets you login to our secure website, where you can see the gift fund page, choose your contribution amount and send a fun message to that special someone.

    You can also download a 1bigpresent voucher to put inside a card. (This has no monetary value but represents your gift!)
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  • Q How do I send a message to the host of the occasion?
  • When you sign in using your email address and unique occasion number, you'll have the opportunity to send a message along with your contribution. You can see all the messages from other people on the main event page but individual contribution amounts will not be shown.
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  • Q How much does it cost a guest to contribute to a gift fund?
  • We charge a small fee to contribute as a guest but remember that they will have no wrapping or postage costs to incur. The fees are on a sliding scale (see below) and cover our costs to our Payment Provider.

    Contribution => Fee
    --------------------
    £1-£19 => £1.50
    £20-£39 => £2.50
    £40-£99 => £2.95
    £100-£199 => £5.95
    £200-£499 => £9.95
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  • Q I've tried to login but the occasion is closed. What can I do?
  • It is best to contribute to a gift fund in plenty of time for the occasion you are attending as unfortunately there is nothing we can do once that occasion has been closed down.
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  • Q I have friends and family outside of the UK. Can they still contribute to my 1bigpresent occasion?
  • Of course! All they need to contribute is your unique occasion number. We use Paypal Website Payments Pro to process all transactions, so they can be sure their payments are swift, secure and that their chosen amount will be converted into your gift fund at the relevant exchange rate.
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New to 1bigpresent

Find out about our unique service, and make unwanted gifts a thing of the past.

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Your Gift

See your personal gift account, send thank you notes and browse all the participating retailers here.

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Giving

Want to let someone know you care? Contribute to their 1bigpresent account here, simply and securely.

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Sightsavers International

Click here to find out about our sponsored charity, Sightsavers.