Selling digital gift cards is a smart move for brick-and-mortar businesses looking to expand into the online market and secure immediate cash flow. By setting up a simple online store and sharing the URL with customers, businesses can offer digital gift cards that can be purchased and paid for online, then received via email. This process allows businesses to track and manage all gift cards in a platform like Shopify, making it easy for customers to redeem them in the future.
There are several reasons why businesses should consider creating gift cards for their online presence. Firstly, gift cards can provide a boost to cash flow without the need for physical products. This can be especially helpful during slow periods or times of need. Additionally, existing customers can serve as brand ambassadors by purchasing gift cards for friends and family, introducing a whole new pool of potential customers to the business.
Gift cards also offer flexibility for promotions and deals, allowing businesses to incentivize higher cart values with promotions like gift-card-with-purchase offers. The easy fulfillment and redemption process of digital gift cards make them a convenient option for both businesses and customers. Furthermore, loyal customers often prefer gift cards as rewards, making them a valuable tool for building customer relationships.
To create gift cards for a business, there are two main methods: using the Shopify native app or a third-party gift card app from the Shopify App Store. The Shopify native app allows businesses to sell digital gift cards on all Shopify plans, with a simple process for creating and publishing gift cards. Businesses can customize gift card information such as title, description, media, denominations, and more before making them available for purchase on selected sales channels.
For more advanced features and functionality, businesses can explore third-party gift card apps like Rise.ai Gift Cards & Loyalty or GiftKart. These apps offer additional customization options, such as scheduling gift card delivery, personalized messages, and design customization. Businesses can choose the app that best suits their needs and budget to enhance their gift card program.
Managing gift card sales on Shopify involves tracking gift card sales through reports and monitoring outstanding balances. The gift card sales report provides information on sold gift cards, while the outstanding balance report shows daily balances of all gift card transactions. By keeping track of active gift cards and customer information, businesses can ensure a smooth redemption process for customers.
To drive sales and customer loyalty with gift cards, businesses can implement various strategies. Creating custom gift card images, offering discounts, selling gift cards on other sites, and incorporating gift cards into loyalty programs are effective ways to maximize the benefits of gift cards. Collaborating with other brands, taking a seasonal approach, and incentivizing abandoned carts are additional strategies to consider for boosting sales and customer engagement.
In conclusion, digital gift cards are a valuable tool for businesses looking to increase revenue, attract new customers, and build customer loyalty. By following the steps outlined in this article and implementing creative strategies, businesses can leverage gift cards to drive sales and enhance their online presence.
