Gift vouchers are touted as a popular option for small businesses to continue to generate revenue during closings and social distancing procedures that have been initiated due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, selling gift vouchers can help a variety of companies increase sales regardless of the situation or season.
If you want to sell gift vouchers but don't know where to start, here is a guide.
If you want to sell physical gift vouchers for your business, you have a few main options: you can design and print them yourself using a program like Photoshop, or you can use and order a template from a printing service like Vistaprint. No matter which route you choose, simply add the essential information, e.g. B. what each card can be redeemed for and when it can be used.
You can also get started quickly by selling online gift vouchers that will be covered later in the mail.
Gift vouchers differ from gift cards in that they can usually only be redeemed once and are generally not reloadable. You can cover a certain amount of money or a certain type of product or service, e.g. B. a free lunch or a wellness service of your choice. Gift cards are only used in dollar amounts and can often be used multiple times. This option usually takes more time to get started, but you might consider offering both at some point.
If you're interested in using gift cards for your business, there are services like Square, Gift Up !, and GiftFly that get you up and running quickly.
If you want to offer gift vouchers, you should be able to keep track of which ones are sold and used to avoid fraud and counterfeiting. The easiest way to do this is by using a number system. Basically, each certificate should have a unique number so that you can tick off when it will be used and ensure that there are no duplicates. If you have a POS system that works with gift cards or cards, you can even add a barcode that you can scan to make sure a certificate is original.
Also avoid issuing gift vouchers in your store or posting accurate pictures of them on your website so that users cannot easily copy and edit them. You should also make sure that they have a unique design and may even use a hidden element like a watermark to make them specific to your business.
The laws on gift cards and certificates may vary from state to state. However, businesses generally cannot refuse to redeem a gift card unless the customer violates a provision that is clearly set out in the card's terms and conditions, e.g. B. presenting the card after a clearly marked expiration date. You must also clearly outline all conditions on the card and avoid changing them without the customer's knowledge.
If you want to offer gift vouchers, explain exactly how they can be used and make sure that you respect all the restrictions on the card itself, such as: B. if the card can only be redeemed for a certain article type or during a certain article days of the week. Place a clear expiration date (which should be at least a few years away) on the front of the card. And then make sure your employees know how to comply with all of these rules.
Selling online gift cards may currently be a particularly attractive option for businesses in areas with very limited pedestrian traffic. However, it can also help companies that generally work mostly online. If you sell on platforms like Etsy or Shopify, each of these services has its own process of creating and offering gift cards. So go to your shop dashboard to create it.
If you have your own business or would like to offer gift vouchers on another platform, you can offer them as a free download on your website. Just add them like any other product. Let customers share their email address at checkout and you can send them a copy of the gift voucher, which they can either print out or access on their mobile device. You can even automate this part of the process through your sales automation software if you have one.
Is your website set up to add products? Do you accept payments? If not, still offer gift cards quickly. Add the "Buy Now" button to your website. Or use a WordPress widget. And add e-commerce features to your website. Then either send gift cards via email to each customer when purchasing. Or have it sent automatically when the product is purchased. Do this for several types of gift vouchers. For example, a restaurant could offer a $ 20 gift certificate for a free lunch for two and a $ 40 gift certificate for a free dinner for two.
Are you planning to offer gift cards? And make sure customers know they are available. And how to buy them. Do you want to sell gift cards in the store? Place exhibition signs and promotional materials where customers see them. For example, does your restaurant offer gift vouchers to increase sales during the coronavirus outbreak? Place the pictures around the carrying area. And they may go outside the shop front. So people see it when they come over.
Online gift vouchers are in the foreground. Put them on your website and in your social media profiles. Some customers stay busy. They are looking for ways to help their favorite stores stay afloat. Make it easy for them to buy online. Or to receive a carryout order. They may want to support you. Also post on social media. It helps you to attract a larger audience. Let others share your offer with people they know.
Offer discounts or special offers to seduce customers even more. For example, add a gift voucher for a certain amount to every order. Or offer a two-for-one promotion. Use it to increase the amount each customer is likely to spend.
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