In a world where convenience often drives purchasing decisions, gift cards have become a staple of modern commerce. Whether tucked into a birthday card, sent via email, or used as a holiday stocking stuffer, gift cards offer a flexible and popular option for consumers. But if you’re a business owner, you might be wondering—are they really worth offering?
Let’s look at the pros, the potential pitfalls, and how to decide if they’re a good fit for your brand.
The Upside of Offering Gift Cards
1. Instant Revenue
When someone buys a gift card, you receive the payment upfront—even if the card isn’t redeemed for weeks or months. This can be a helpful cash flow booster, especially during seasonal slowdowns.
2. Customer Acquisition
Gift cards are often given to people who have never interacted with your business. That’s free marketing and a potential new customer you didn’t have to directly chase.
3. Increased Spending
Studies show that customers often spend more than the value of the gift card when they redeem it. A $50 gift card may lead to a $75 or $100 purchase—benefiting both your bottom line and your inventory turnover.
4. Brand Visibility
Branded gift cards keep your business in customers’ minds. Whether they’re physical cards in someone’s wallet or digital ones in an email inbox, they act as mini billboards for your company.
Are Gift Cards Right for Your Business?
They tend to work well in businesses where:
- Your offerings are popular gift choices (e.g., retail, photography sessions, spas, salons, restaurants).
- You have a strong brand presence and want to deepen customer engagement.
- You’re looking to extend your reach with minimal marketing investment.
Tips to Make Gift Cards Successful
- Promote them year-round, not just during the holidays.
- Offer special incentives, like “Buy a $100 card, get $10 free.”
- Make redemption easy, both online and in-store.
- Be ready at all times to explain, sell, and redeem gift cards properly.
Some studios offer a “Double Your Dollars” sale by matching the amount of the money paid to their card, doubling the value as the offer for a limited time. You can put a limit of “up to $_____” you want to match if you prefer.
The nice thing with gift cards is they are given as Christmas gifts and are guaranteed sales after the holidays, when it is typically slower, and you have a contact to follow up to remind the receiver to book the session!
All in all, gift cards are more than just a convenience—they’re a strategy. When implemented thoughtfully, they can attract new customers, increase average orders, and strengthen brand loyalty. If your business has the right infrastructure in place, gift cards are not just worth offering—they can be one of the smartest moves you make.
Need a quick and easy solution for getting a gift card made quickly and easily? Check out Marathon Press Gift Card options here.
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