How To Make The Most Out Of Selling Gift Cards

Earlier this month, we blogged about how “Gift Cards Make The Perfect Gifts”. In fact, it was one of the first-ever blogs on the still-brand new Canadian POS Corporation Blog. And it certainly was an important one to post early. Although many business owners across Canada are well aware that accepting Visa, MasterCard and Interac cards can help to increase sales, they’ve not yet been convinced of the power of the gift card.

On Inc.com, Tamara Schweitzer reveals that in 2009, American shoppers spent nearly $24 billion on gift cards during the holiday season alone! According to the National Retail Federation, an average of $40 was spent per card. So what does this all mean? Shoppers love gift cards! And it only makes sense for your company to get in on all the action.

But let’s suppose that you are convinced, after all. What ways can you best utilize the selling of gift cards to your company’s advantage? Consider that they are not unlike the other products and services that you sell in your store. They too, must be uniquely advertised and promoted to your target market. Thankfully, Schweitzer shares some ideas on how to make the most out of selling the perfect gifts.

Sell Packages. Some people think of gift cards as lazy, impersonal “cop-out” gifts, admits Schweitzer. Your business can utilize this information to make its gift cards a lot more special. Consider the type of products and services that your company offers and what the costs are for each. That way, you can sell your gift cards as specific offers for those products and services.

For example, you can market the fact that you sell “Birthday Meal” cards at your restaurant, “Special Treatment Experience” cards at your health spa or “Hot Summer Selections” cards at your clothing retail store. It’s up to you to find ways to make your gift cards unique and interesting. It’ll be easier for consumers to avoid looking at them as impersonal or lazy. It also gives you a great new marketing strategy idea.

Clean Up Your Website. Gift cards provide big time convenience, reminds Schweitzer. Remember that because it is convenient, most shoppers like to browse for items online. She suggests that you make sure your website is optimized to include the name of your city or neighbourhood in online searches. Then, when someone in your area is searching your industry, your site is bound to pop up.

Naturally, gift-givers want to give gift-recipients an easy time when it comes to redeeming their gift cards. Make clear on your website that your business offers gift cards. You’re bound to attract many customers who live in your community by providing this convenient option. The simpler it is to peruse your website, offers Schweitzer, the better.

Create A Campaign. “One of the easiest ways to let customers know that you offer gift cards is by using signage,” writes Schweitzer. Make your sign clear and simple. For example, “Ask about our holiday gift card package!” Your brand messaging should also include information about where your gift cards can be purchased. You can never have enough signs. It’s all about directing traffic.

In our next blog, we’ll provide a few more tips on how to make the most out of selling gift cards. To order your gift cards, call Canadian POS Corporation at 1-877-748-2884 today!