The first step in launching a gift card program is to clearly define your goals and objectives. Ask yourself what you hope to achieve with your program. Are you looking to attract new customers, increase sales, boost customer retention, or all of the above? Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you design a program that aligns with your business strategy. 

When planning a gift card program, it's essential to understand the channels through which they can be distributed.  Each type of gift card offers unique advantages and caters to specific customer preferences, so choosing the right mix can significantly enhance your business. 

Physical Gift Cards:  These have traditionally been plastic (PVC) cards, but the gift card market is increasingly transitioning to paper cards, which are more environmentally friendly while still maintaining their durability. They should be available for purchase in-store and online.

From a material type standpoint, paper cards have increased in popularity due to their environmentally friendly nature. There are a wide variety of alternative substrates to PVC that can be used to create the desired gift card based on your goals that’s still met with superior functionality.

Defining Gift Card Distribution Channels: 1st Party vs. 3rd Party 

It is important to consider selling in both channels through which these gift cards will be distributed. There are two main types of channels:

By utilizing both 1st party and 3rd party channels, you can expand the reach of your gift card program, appeal to a broader customer base, and increase sales potential.

The design of your gift card and its packaging is crucial for attracting customers and enhancing their experience. A well-crafted gift card should not only reflect your brand’s identity but also resonate with your target audience. Here are some key considerations:

By focusing on thoughtful design, unique and secure packaging, and expanding beyond with special gift incentives, you can enhance the perceived value of your gift cards and attract more customers. 

Your gift card program should be easy to use for both your customers and your staff. Set up a simple process for purchasing and redeeming gift cards. This may involve working with a gift card service provider that offers comprehensive solutions for managing gift card sales, redemptions, and tracking. 

Make sure that your system supports:

• In-store and online purchases 
• Balance inquiries 
• Easy redemption both online and in physical locations 
• Secure transactions 

Decide on the denominations you want to offer for your gift cards. Common denominations range from $10 to $100, but you can customize them based on your business model and customer preferences.

Ensure that your policies comply with local and state regulations regarding gift card expiration.

Once your gift card program is ready, you need to promote it effectively. A strong marketing strategy should leverage multiple channels to reach your target audience. Consider the following tactics:

To ensure your gift card program is successful, it's essential to track its performance regularly with your financials. Use analytics to monitor key metrics such as:

• Sales volume and revenue generated from gift card sales 
• Redemption rates
• Customer feedback and satisfaction levels
• Incremental spending (additional amount spent beyond the gift card value) 

Analyzing these metrics will help you identify areas for improvement and adjust your strategy accordingly.