GIFT CARD BENEFITS
WHY ARE GIFT CARDS SO POPULAR?
Because they’re the ideal reward or present.
Whether you need to express appreciation to your customers, your business partners or clients, or your employees, gift cards are the ideal choice.
Here’s why:
Flexible: Since there are literally thousands of different merchant and retailer gift cards on the market, it’s easy to find just the right reward.
Rewarding: Gift cards come in different denominations, so you can choose the card that reflects the level of gratitude you wish to convey.
Personal: If you’re recognizing an entire team, a gift card reward puts tangible value in each person’s hands, which enhances individual employee motivation and helps increase personal productivity.
Customizable: Whether through fully customized card branding, co-branding, or simply by customizing gift card mailings, you send a clear message that you value your card recipients and their contribution, which helps nurture customer or employee loyalty.
Connecting your brand with a rewarding experience: Everyone loves the positive experience of getting a much-anticipated product or service ‘without having to pay the full price for it.’ When you give a gift card, the ‘halo’ of good feelings associated with getting a deal becomes associated with your brand.
THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF GIFT CARDS
“Gift card sales in Canada were valued at 6 Billion in 2009.”1
“In 2009 – the third consecutive year– gift cards were the #1 most requested gift.” 2
“Total prepaid market size in 2012, which was forecast at $525.8B in 2007, is now forecast to be $549.7B.” 3
“In Q2 of 2010, United Kingdom gift card sales rose by 22%, their sharpest sales growth ever recorded.” 4
“U.S. Open-loop market to reach $170 Billion, total U.S. prepaid to reach nearly $250 billion by 2012 according to the First Annapolis Consulting analysis.” 5
Sources:
1 Financial Post, 12/06/2010
2 National Retail Federation, 12/21/2009
3 Mercator Advisor Group, 09/23/2010
4 Global Prepaid Exchange, 06/14/2010
5 First Annapolis Consulting, 10/01/2008
