Jamba Juice Company Refused to refund, on the spot, cash back when total on card is less than $10 according to law Elk Grove California

California Civil Code 1749.5 (b) (2) requires businesses to refund, in cash, the balance of a gift card upon request when that balance is less than $10.

I purchased a fresh juice drink on Sunday March 3, 2019. I used a gift card that originally had $15 on it. At the conclusion of the purchase, the gift card had $8.41 remaining. I requested that that $8.41 amount be refunded in cash.      [Jamba Juice 7440 Laguna Blvd Ste 120, Elk Grove, CA 95758]

The cashier said 'the boss doesn't like us to do that." The cashier went to phone an employee who, presumably, had greater experience and knowledge regarding this matter.

Upon return from the phone call, the cashier stated that they cannot refund the money because there is no 'button' on the cash register that would allow for this transaction. The cashier did state that I could call the phone number (866.473.7848) on the back of the card and request my money.

The next day, Monday March 4, 2019, I went into a different Jamba Juice to request cash back from the gift card.  [Jamba Juice  9160 W Stockton Blvd Ste 160, Elk Grove, CA 95670]

I was told that they can't refund the money. There is no way for their cash register to document that transaction. The cashier suggested that all Jamba Juice companies, at least in the northern California area, are set up the same way. The cashier did point out the phone number on the back of the gift card - call that to get your money back.

I did call the Jamba Juice customer service number found on the back of the gift card.

Jamba Juice representative Deborah said "I'm not sure how that works." She stated that she needs to forward my request and information to another department. She could not provide the department name. Nor could she provide the department number. She said that she sends the request as a 'gift card inquiry', and that someone will contact me via phone regarding my request.  No return phone call was received, although, admittedly, it has been barely an hour after my phone call had originally been made.

I went to the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) web site. [www.dca.ca.gov] Information on that site basically stated that the DCA will not entertain questions regarding gift cards.

I phoned the DCA and spoke with a representative. There is no enforcement authority for violations of the CCC 1749.5 (b) (2) law. The representative stated that the best thing I can do is go to the Better Business Bureau. No offense to the BBB, but they are as toothless as the DCA!