Ive never had a problem using my saks GC over the phone. The SAs I've worked with just have me give them the pertinent info on the cards and its done! I dont know why its been an issue for you... maybe the SAs you've talked to are just lazy!
(i mean, they do have to type in all the information- their poor fingers!
) here give my SA a call. She's a doll! her name is Ann Roundy from Saks Phoenix, I really think she'd be able to help you out! And tell her valerie sent you!
ps what rrsc said about the shoes needing to be in the store sounds right... so hopefully they have something you want in phoenix, but again just ask Ann, she give you the lowdown!