Terms of use make it nearly impossible to redeem gift cards.

I believe it is perception. People believe they are purchasing a gift certificate which it is not. It is simply a coupon that is so incredibly good for the consumer that many businesses decide to stop participating.

I don't think people realize how this whole "scheme" works. (Optionally) First, you acquire a restaurant.com gift card that you or someone else purchased for you. Typical cost is $4 cash per $25 restaurant.com gift card. You then proceed to the restaurant.com website where you realize, soon enough, that your $25 gift card is no more than a coupon to purchase a $25 coupon from a "participating" restaurant. Without a gift card, their direct (no gift card) website prices are typically, $10 cash per $25 restaurant coupon. If all of this is confusing, I'm sure it's meant to be. Continuing, $25 is not really $25. Typically, the said restaurant will require you to spend double the face value of the redeemed coupon, in REAL, out of pocket cash at the restaurant to pay the balance due. NOTE: The restaurant.com gift card is NOT directly redeemable at the restaurant! So, armed with a $25 coupon/voucher you purchased from the restaurant.com website, you must order $50 worth of food (drinks may or may not be included in the purchase requirement). This will ultimately cost you $4-10 (for the restaurant.com gift card/voucher) + $25 of REAL, out of pocket cash. And, all of the above assumes that the restaurant you want to patronize is even on their "participants" list. Further, even if they are supposedly a "participant", they may not be, as reported by MANY commenters. Many restaurants have never heard of restaurant.com and (respectfully?) decline the presented coupon. If you make it through all that, the restaurant is most likely distressed, financially shaky or overpriced to begin with. BUYER BEWARE, BIG TIME! Also notice all the 1 star reviews. They would probably be 0 stars if that was an option. At least you can now make a more informed decision. Good luck.

Because its a scam.