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Guide to Gift Cards and Certificates
How to generate guaranteed sales and raise brand awareness
By Sheila Callahan
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Uncommonly
Useful
8.1
out of 10
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Use easy-to-track and fully automated plastic gift cards to replace outdated paper certificates. Issue them in a fixed or customer-designated amount and consider sending out small denominations as direct mail or handing them out as sales incentives. Gift cards prominently promote your business by incorporating your logo along with attractive graphics. They also increase foot traffic.
Keep these points in mind when considering how you'll issue gift cards and certificates:
- Can the card/certificate be used at multiple locations?
- Do you have artwork?
- Do you need accessories like envelopes or cards?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
 To get started issuing gift cards…
Figure out how many cards you require, whether you want a card reader and tracking system, and a set or reloadable value. Gather your artwork and determine how many colors you'll want on the card.
I recommend: Buyerzone and Supplier-Match will pair you up with multiple card providers and get your free gift card quotes based on your criteria.
Use gift cards to gather customer information and monitor buying patterns
Gift-card systems can generate useful monthly reports based on gift-card data.
I recommend: Txsystems.com offers a value card system for your business with no transaction, issuing or monthly rental fees. Its reporting capabilities help you assess customer-purchasing data.
Issue gift certificates and gift cards from your Web site
Whether you prefer paper certificates, gift cards or electronic certificates, there is a solution for you.
I recommend: Use eGiftworks's PC and Internet applications for issuing, reporting and reconciling gift certificates, e-certificates and gift cards.
Don't forget the importance of merchandising
Make sure your customers know that you offer gift cards and certificates. Effective merchandising is the key to gift-card sales.
I recommend: Use table tents, countertop gift-card display racks and standard gift-card holders such as those offered by Valutec Card Solutions.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Gift cards continue to grow in popularity among consumers who appreciate the flexibility and convenience for the gift-giver and recipient.
- Another benefit of gift cards is the built-in security and fraud protection for both consumer and merchant. Cards have no value until activated at sale, and if lost or stolen can be reported and blocked immediately.
- You can purchase 100 gift cards for as little as $99 in addition to a monthly fee for processing and tracking them of around $35.
The official source of Gift Cards and Certificates is
the Promotional Gift Cards page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
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Cards.BuyerZone.com
 Recommended Solution Providers | Back to top |
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This gift card program enables you to choose the card design and processing features that are right for your business. No matter the size of your operation, this service can tailor a program that's both efficient and cost effective for your small business.
This company provides programmable smart cards, which are can be merchandised at the point of sale, since they hold no value until activation.
This gifts card service aims to provide a prepaid gift sales boost, as well as minimization of losses due to difficult duplication, and complete transaction reporting and financial management across multiple locations.
This provider will design a branded electronic gift card program for your small business, enablign you to load or reload gift cards with any dollar amount right at your point of sale terminal, the dollar amount is applied toward the purchase, and the printed receipt show amount used and remaining on card.
This company offers customizable gift cards which can be used to attract new customers, and promote special events with giveways and prizes.
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 Best Sites to Learn More | Back to top |
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Get an overview of some of the ways businesses use gift cards to promote their business. Includes tips and advice.
An overview of information about businesses and how gift cards benefit them,
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