How to Increase Your Gift Card Sales In 90 Days

Gift cards are good for business. Often, customers are more likely to visit a store when they sell them. Plus, one study revealed that 74% of consumers expect to spend more than the value of their gift cards.

In turn, it’s a guaranteed way of boosting sales and attracting repeat or new customers. However, many business owners overlook them as a strong customer acquisition tool and revenue driver.

This quarter, do more than pull out a gift card when someone asks for one. Enhance your gift card sales by following the tactics below.

 

1. Create a Campaign to Maximize Awareness

To increase customer awareness about your gift cards, you have to make them visible and spread the word. For instance, email marketing the gift card is a great way to promote them.

However, you won’t only want to mention that you offer gift certificates. It’s better to dedicate the entire email to advertising them. In addition, it’s helpful to remember who you’re promoting them to in the email.

Many customers buy gift cards because they struggle to figure out what to get as a gift. Therefore, they could be shopping for someone who is a:

• Teacher
• In-law
• Friend who has everything.
• Workplace colleague

It’s also helpful to set a conversion goal and make them highly visible on your website to increase sales. Can shoppers access your gift cards on the homepage? Are they included in the navigation?

Ensure you display them prominently, so your customers know they’re available.

 

2. Pay Attention to the Packaging

Consider offering gift card “wrapping” as a way to sell them. Packaging is essential because 65% of gift card customers will spend more on packaging than the card alone. This could be because it adds flair and offers a personal touch.

Plus, the customer will be relieved they don’t have to do any additional wrapping themselves. It also makes your business impressionable.

If you’re an eCommerce platform, you can also offer the option for buyers to design a custom gift card. One simple way to achieve this is to provide shoppers with template selections. Then, they can add a theme they desire — especially if it’s for a special occasion.

 

3. Choose a Highly Visible Location

Too often, small businesses will stock up on gift cards and store them under the counter. You can’t afford that mistake because if it’s out of sight, then it’s out of mind. And customers who don’t see your gift cards won’t think you offer them.

Your gift cards should stand out front and center at checkout. You can even add a fun gift card display or signage to grab the customer’s attention.

If you’re a retailer, you can merchandise them with other smaller add-ons at the counter. This method encourages customers to add a treat to accompany the gift card.

 

4. Use Gift Cards as a Promotional Tool

Rather than selling a gift card for the requested amount, consider encouraging customers to spend more. The average gift card amount will vary depending on the person buying a gift card. Yet, shoppers normally spend a typical amount of $25 or less on gift cards.

One effective method to get customers to spend more on gift certificates is to promote a special offer. For example, you could offer an extra $25 if they purchase a gift card worth $100.

This method works since it encourages customers to consolidate their gift card shopping into one location. Usually, it’s also that they have an extra gift to give or they want to keep it for themselves.

If you’re concerned about how this will impact your bottom line, you can put your mind at ease. Most gift card recipients won’t spend the full amount of their card. Plus, you can create some terms where they can’t pay the additional amount that same day.

 

5. Reward Customers for Gift Card Purchases

Gift cards aren’t only for gifting. They can also be an excellent way to guarantee spending at your business. Consider rewarding customers for their gift card purchases. If you have a loyalty program, you can offer gift cards after they’ve spent a certain amount.

Or, you could also run a special discount on gift card purchases. Either way, these promotions will stand out and motivate customers to repeat business with you. According to McKinsey, 62% of customers are more likely to spend on a brand after joining a loyalty program.

Just be sure to create a sense of urgency so customers won’t be able to pass up on the opportunity.

 

6. Mention You Have Gift Cards Directly to Customers

Whether you operate online or offline, you never want to take a passive approach to sell gift cards. Even if you have promotional signage, sometimes the customer needs direction or nudging to buy them.

Consider pushing a gift certificate sale by training your staff to mention them at checkout. You can use it as an add-on while the customer makes a purchase and asks them if they’d like to buy a gift card.

If you’re selling e-gift cards, ensure you create a closing phrase with a gift card mention for your customer support team.

You could also consider adding a mention in your email signature during campaigns. It doesn’t hurt to ask the customer if they’d like to purchase a gift card. You never know if a customer is looking for one.

 

7. Sell an Experience

Whether you sell products or services, selling experiences rather than a dollar amount can boost gift card sales. Some consumers think gift cards are impersonal. However, you can sell them a voucher that offers a specific service or product.

For example, if you work at a spa, you could sell them a certificate that’s good for one manicure. If you own a restaurant, offer vouchers that include a meal for two. Or, retailers can allow customers to grab a clothing item of their choice from a particular brand.

 

Boost Your Gift Card Sales This Quarter

You have plenty of ways to increase those gift card sales this quarter. So, it’s your turn to put them to the test. Use these tactics above to sell your gift certificates effectively and learn what works best for your business.