Update Borders and Angus & Robertson customers left holding gift certificates after the booksellers fell into voluntary administration are being told they must spend double the amount of each voucher in order to redeem the cards.

The booksellers have instructed staff to require customers to spend double the total value of the certificates, in effect matching one dollar for every dollar of credit on the voucher. Administrator Ferrier Hodgson, on its website, gives the example of a customer paying for a $40 book with a $20 gift card or voucher, plus $20 in cash.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, meanwhile, advised customers to retain their receipts for vouchers as they in effect make holders creditors to the company.

The demands for customers to double up on vouchers are confirmed on both booksellers' websites. REDgroup, owned by private equity firm Pacific Equity Partners, owns both chains as well as Whitcoulls books and stationery outlets in New Zealand.

"This is an absolute disgrace," said customer Colleen Budge after being told of the redemption conditions of her voucher at the Melbourne Central branch of Borders in the inner city.