When To Use Gift Cards

There are many occasions in business when gift cards make the ideal gift:

Rewards for incentive programs.

Gift cards add plenty of excitement and creativity to any incentive program. The clear promise of receiving a certain denomination of gift card motivates individuals to strive harder to achieve their performance targets and thus be rewarded for their efforts. Overall, gift cards are proven means of empowering employees to be their best, which naturally benefits your business!

Rewards that recognize loyalty among customers or employees.

In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, it’s vital that you demonstrate to current customers or employees how much you value them. Gift cards provide an excellent way to acknowledge and thank people for their relationship with you, which strengthens their loyalty to your brand or organization. And, in addition to connecting with existing customers, gift cards help drive sales and secure your relationship with new customers, encouraging them to remain loyal to you for the long run. All in all, gift cards optimize your loyalty efforts with customers, boost employee retention, and help elevate the image of your brand.

Rewards that combat customer churn.

Face it, not every customer experience is perfect. But rather than turn a blind eye to those situations when you’re unable to delight your customers – such as when you’ve kept them waiting on hold for far too long, accidentally shipped them the wrong product or even a defective one – you have the opportunity, if handled correctly, to repair and indeed strengthen the customer relationship. Sending the customer a gift card, together with a personalized explanatory note, will go a long way in turning your potential ‘brand-basher’ into a proud and vocal brand ambassador.

Rewards that drive desired customer behaviour.

It makes good business sense to acknowledge and reward customers who behave in a manner that supports your brand. For instance, gift cards are a terrific way to say ‘thank you’ to customers who refer your brand to their friends, and  to reward those who buy a larger volume of your product (such as a ‘gift-with-purchase’ or ‘buy one, get one’ offer) or who buy a specified product with the promise of a rebate. Gift cards eliminate many of the hassles traditionally associated with conventional mailed rebate cheques.