Which term describes the potential financial loss due to unredeemed gift cards?

The term "breakage" specifically refers to the potential financial loss that occurs when consumers do not redeem gift cards. It captures the concept of income that the issuer of the gift cards can bank on, as these unredeemed gift cards represent funds that were received but not utilized for purchases.

Breakage is relevant in many industries, especially in retail and hospitality, where gift cards are common. Businesses often anticipate a certain percentage of gift cards that won't be used, allowing them to recognize this amount as revenue. This accounting practice is crucial for evaluating the financial health of a company.

Additionally, other terms such as loss ratio and deferred revenue have distinct meanings in financial management. Loss ratio generally pertains to the relationship between losses and the total potential for an entity, while deferred revenue refers to money received for goods or services that have yet to be delivered or performed, rather than funds that might simply go unspent. Unspent balance pertains to the amount left on a gift card that still can be redeemed but does not convey the concept of financial loss associated with breakage.