Tried Cardpool for the first time today. I went for an 'e-giftcard', thinking it'd be quicker and I'd be able to buy it and use it within 10 minutes, therefore minimizing my risk.
I added the item I wanted to the cart and confirmed how much it'd be after tax, then ordered an appropriate card.
Got stuffed around with cardpool verification, and it took about 6 hours and a phone call (from them to me, as you can't call them), but the item has just been ordered now.
I'll use them again, but only when I can order the card for something I'm just about to buy.
Savings was 9% today, so that's my tax back on the purchase, and it was free shipping.
I was thinking I'd use cards for the $12k of kitchen cabinets, $4k counter tops and possibly another $6k of appliances, but that'd require a ton of cards, and they'll only 'cover' up to $1000 per customer for something being wrong with the cards. Too much risk. I might buy $1000, then go pay for my dishwasher, then buy another $1000 and buy the range ...