[exclusiv]

> You buy a gift card for a timeslot, which helps the barbershop's cashflow now, but when you redeem it later, you're clobbering it's future income.

This is most business though. You have unearned revenue which helps because you have accounts receivable and you're waiting on cash. It bridges the gap.

I agree partially on barber shops though because few have AR. Still, they get revenue upfront which can cover hard costs during this time.