I am
writing this post, since consumers are not well-informed or misguided once
the coupons are expired.
During 2017, while clearing cupboard - my wife found unused Sodexo
meal coupons. They had expiry date of 31-12-2015.
When I
approached Sodexo they said nothing can be done about the coupons as everything
has been accounted so far and accounts are closed. Following is the email I received:
I made
some research on it, on every blog, quora and portals it was mentioned that
expired coupons cannot be renewed.
Fortunately,
I thought of checking government regulations on the same. After spending some
time with different options and many circulars, I found a circular of RBI with
guidelines on such coupons, though such circular is accessible to public there
is no awareness or information to refer them.
Following
is the reply I sent to Sodexo thereafter:
RBI circular clearly states if a PPI holder / consumer approaches PPI issuer / Sodexo for refund of the amount, Sodexo will be liable to refund the amount to the consumer. Only exception would be that Sodexo has intimated / advised within 45 days prior to expiry date about its validity.
After this
email, Sodexo agreed to refund the amount. They collected my expired coupons
and gave me a Sodexo meal card with the equivalent amount.
I hope
this article would help people get informed and get their coupons get renewed.
