Whether customers are buying online or in stores one thing is for sure. Gift cards are still one of
the best ways to increase your exposure and revenue to existing or future customers.
Combined, consumers spend over $100 billion annually on gift cards. And why not? It’s
convenient. The buyer can give the perfect gift. The ability for the recipient to get exactly what
they want.
So what are some ways that you can increase your gift card sales? Sure you tell your customers
that you offer them, but is that enough? No. Keep reading to find out some statistics I found at
giftcards.com and how you can boost your gift card sales and overall revenue.
#1 Stop Hiding Them
Remember this: “outta sight, outta mind”. Keeping your gift cards hidden from customers is an
almost guaranteed way to not sell them. Instead create a display with signage that advertises
that you sell gift cards. Put signs in your window, in select locations around your store, and
especially at the cash register.
Another way to add exposure to your gift cards is to offer them in other retail locations or kiosks
in the mall. 31% of gift cards are purchased at a grocery store or kiosk. When customers are
standing at the never-ending tower of gift cards you know they’re looking for a great gift. You
should be included in those options.
If you’re not already selling your gift cards online, you should. 27% of gift cards are sold on third
party gift card sites and 16% are purchased on the retail/restaurant’s actual website. Selling
online is convenient for the buyer because 1) they can purchase quickly and, 2) have the gift
card shipped to the recipient without having to mail it themselves.
#2 Promote Them
Including your gift cards as a part of a promotional offer is another way to get them in front of
your customers. You can set these promotional offers to include a certain dollar amount
reached, for example, “Spend $100 and Get a $20 Gift Card”. Or you can set them as a BOGO
offer such as “Buy This Select Brand of Tie and Receive a $20 Gift Card”.
This method can work two ways:
- Reward your customer for reaching a certain amount spent. Now you’ve got a repeat
customer. - Your customer can give that gift card to a friend, family member, or co-worker and now
you have turned one customer into two.
To make sure your customers don’t forget about your gift cards you can offer a promotion to
come in and use them. For example, “Use Your Gift Card and Receive an Extra 15% Off Your
Purchase”.
#3 Donate Them
By donating gift cards to charities and silent auctions you are getting your company out there in
a positive light. Being able to help an organization that has a lot of followers and attendees is
also an effective way to advertise your business and brand.
One (big) advantage of providing gift cards as donations rather than gift baskets is to drive more
traffic through your doors. Whether it’s a repeat customer who bids on your gift card or a
potential customer who has never shopped your store before, either way it’s the perfect
opportunity to showcase your product and build relationships with gift card winners.
#4 Reward Them
Gift cards are a great incentive for loyal customers to reach milestones for your rewards
program. Customers who receive a gift card on average spend 20% more than the value of the
card. This is a way to reward your loyal customers and provide the opportunity for them to
spend more in your stores or online.
Want to re-engage with a top-dollar customer who hasn’t been in your store or restaurant for a
while? Send them a gift card, let them know you notice their absence and appreciate their
business. This also works for sending gift cards during the holidays.
Rewarding your employees with gift cards is a way to encourage top sales performances. 83%
of companies use gift cards as reward incentives. In retail, “if you wear, it you sell it”. Rewarding
your employees with the opportunity to take advantage of your merchandise and use it to build
onto future sales will help you in the long run.
#5 Gift Them
If you make your gift cards already giftable then it makes buying them for special occasions or
events easier. Doing more than handing them a plastic card will make your brand more
memorable when it comes to future gift giving decisions.
For example, Pandora sets their gift cards inside a jewelry box, similar to one you would receive
a bracelet in. Then they put the box into a gift bag with tissue paper and tie it with a pink bow.
Wrapping gift cards is a good way for the company to put it’s personal touch on the gift and let
the recipient feel special.
Another, more popular option is to provide a well designed envelope or gift card holder so the
customer can personalize it before giving it to the recipient. It still presents the recipient with
more than a loose card with $25 written with a permanent marker on it and it’s less costly than
the wrapped present approach.
#6 Buy Them
Gift cards make excellent gifts and can make excellent returns for your business. Get your gift
cards noticed and use them to advertise your business.
Need to order gift cards? Visit ID Source and we’ll get your order started immediately. Even if
you’re just starting out and need help designing your card, our professional and talented team
can give you some great tips on designing a memorable gift card for your brand.
P.S. Need gift card holders to go with them? No problem, we can do that too.