Value Gift Card Benefits
Nationwide, merchants are discovering that electronic gift cards vs. paper gift certificates have a greater value in the eyes of the consumer. Electronic gift cards provides for a more enjoyable shopping and gift giving experience and provide increased customer satisfaction, security, flexibility, and revenue.
Merchant Benefits:
Reduced Transaction Times
Magnetic swipe card technology has the fastest transaction speed – very important during busy holiday shopping seasons.
Increased Security
While paper gift certificates can be copied or altered, plastic cards can not. Because paper gift certificates are like cash, they must be stored like cash in the register. Electronic gift cards have no value until purchased and activated so employee theft is dramatically reduced. Additionally, point-of-sale activation and 24x7 website reporting provides easier accountability.
Increased Float
Gift Card sales = increased benefits from prepaid revenue.
Breakage Revenue
Unused balances stored on gift cards present clear revenue opportunity for merchants. Note: unused balance regulations vary by state.
Great Marketing Tool
Gift cards have been described as "portable billboards in the wallet," and they create automatic customer loyalty because all funds must be spent at the store. Merchandise returns now result in the issuance of a gift card instead of "cash back," which virtually guarantees customer retention.
Collaborative Marketing
Teaming up with a complimentary business or product, a community organization or your favorite charity can be a great way to promote your business and "give back" to the community.
Consumer Benefits
Prestige
Electronic gift cards have a more prestigious appearance than paper certificates – enhancing the "gift giving" experience.
Gift Giving is Easy
Consumers can give cards customized for birthdays, weddings, graduations, employee incentive rewards – the opportunities are endless. Electronic gift cards are the perfect gift giving solution for the "hard to shop for" or the "person who has everything".
Kids Cash
Electronic gift cards provide younger shoppers the freedom and thrill of carrying "plastic". Any parent will agree – kids prefer "gift cards" over traditional gifts.
