How do e gift cards work?

3 min read

Do you ever wonder how do e gift cards work? In this post, we delve into e-gift cards, how to use them online and how to sell e gift cards.

What is an e gift card?

Gift cards have become a popular gift-giving option. They offer flexibility and convenience for both the giver and the recipient.

With the advent of e-commerce, traditional gift cards are getting a digital makeover. 

With the ability to personalise and send gift cards online, e gifts have become a go-to option for many. 

Digital gift-giving offers a convenient and versatile solution. Meeting the needs of both the giver and the recipient.

Rising Popularity of E-Gift Cards Online 

The convenience of purchasing and sending a gift card online sway many busy consumers. Removing the time and effort of buying from a physical store is easy with e gift cards, as it's not like purchasing clothes. There’s no risk factor of needing to send back the gift if it doesn’t fit. What you see with a digital gift card is what you get. 

By 2025, experts estimate that the value of the gift card market will reach $506 billion.

How to use e gift card online

There are different types of e gift cards. These are:

Retail E-Gift Cards/ Monetary gift cards

How do e gift cards work?

E gift cards work similarly to traditional physical gift cards without an actual card. 

The giver buys the card online and loads it with money. The recipient then receives the e gift card via email.  

The recipient can then claim and activate the card by clicking a link in the email. 

After activation, the designated retailer allows you to use the e-gift card to make purchases.

Remember that e gift cards make giving gifts easy and popular, as you can purchase and send them from anywhere quickly.

Experience Gift Cards

An experience E-gift card allows the user to redeem the card for a service or experience. This could be a cooking class, a spa day, or a concert ticket. 

The recipient can choose the experience they want to enjoy, and the gift card covers the cost of the experience. 

Gift cards for experiences make great presents for those who enjoy new things or have specific interests.

Experience e gift card

When using a gift experience to trade in for a service, there are a few things to remember:

  1. Check the availability

After confirming the service eligibility, follow the instructions from the retailer or website that issued the gift card. This may involve making a reservation or appointment. 

Provide the gift card code or physical card during service or other steps as outlined in the terms and conditions.

  1. Check the expiration dates

It's also a good idea to check the card's expiration date and use it before it expires. 

Remember that most gift cards come with strict expiration dates, and you must use them before expiration. 

Is it safe to buy e gift cards online?

Buying e gift cards online is generally safe if you take some precautions. 

Purchase e gift cards from reputable retailers and avoid buying them from third-party sellers or auction sites. 

Ensure the website you purchase from is secure and has a trustworthy payment gateway. 

Additionally, be wary of suspicious emails or pop-ups. - Especially if they ask for personal information or claim to be from a retailer or payment provider. 

Can I print out an e gift card?

Yes, you can print an e gift card if you have received it via email or any other digital platform. You can download the e-gift card and print it out on paper. 

Once you have printed it, you can use it just like any other physical gift card.

How Experience Gift Cards Work

  1. Selection of Experiences in Gift Card Packages

Businesses selling services can create packages around their services and call them experiences. Successful experiences focus on the value and uniqueness of their services. 

They can curate different combinations of their services and present them as a complete package. This highlights the benefits and outcomes the customer can expect from each experience. 

For example, a spa can create a "relaxation package". 

This package includes a massage, a facial, and a foot soak. - Emphasising each service's rejuvenating and de-stressing benefits. 

By framing their services as experiences, businesses can tap into the emotional appeal of their offerings. Increasing their perceived value leads to higher sales and customer satisfaction.

2. Personalisation Options for Experience-Based Gift Cards

Selling gift experiences can feel like a personable gift for a customer. Tailoring a gift to someone's interests and preferences makes personalised gifts great.

Businesses can customise options for customers by offering a selection of gift experiences. Check out our post on add-ons to learn how you can customise experience packages for extra personalisation. 

Successful companies often present their services as an immersive experience that customers can cherish. 

Providing options that resonate with the recipient equates to a more personal and meaningful gift. 

3. Booking Process for Experience Gift Cards

It's essential to simplify the booking process for selling gift cards for the consumer. 

Have precise details on either the gift card or the email/text. Let the customer know how to book the gift experience by providing,

  • Booking details 
  • Terms and conditions 
  • Expiry date

This lets customers book their gift experience and know when to use it. 

To know more about what to put on your terms and conditions, read here: 

The Role of Gift Experience Management Systems

How to get a gift card?

In today's retail and service industry, the significance of gift experience management systems is growing constantly. 

A seamless gift card system is crucial for businesses. Allowing for easy tracking of gift card sales and redemptions provides a better customer experience. 

A well-designed gift card system makes purchasing and servicing gift cards easy. Leading to increased sales and customer loyalty. 

Additionally, a gift card system can help businesses reduce fraud and manage their gift card inventory more efficiently. 

A seamless gift card system is essential for successful gift experience management.

Features and Benefits of Gift Experience Management Systems

  1. Whitelabel store 

A white-labelled store allows for personalisation. The design and branding should be amendable through storefront customisation. 

  1. Add on’s

A gift card system with an ‘add-on’ feature is essential for maximising revenue potential. 

  1. Simple user experience

Purchasing a gift card must be accessible and straightforward in as few steps as possible. This lessens abandoned checkout carts. 

To simplify the checkout, a system should have the following:

  • Auto address finder
  • A quick buy purchase option
  • Multiple payment methods, including PayPal.
  1. Mobile compatibility 

Most consumers purchase now from mobile. Choosing a gift card system that is mobile-compatible is paramount. 

  1. Smooth redemption process

An automated gift card redemption process must be fast, efficient, and designed to improve the customer experience. User log-ins, gift card code grouping, and QR code scanning are essential. 

  1. Robust Security 

A gift card system must have a robust security system. Companies should randomly generate gift card codes to deter fraudulent gift cards. 

  1. Promotional features 

Promotional features such as allowing discounts, bundling offers and time-based promotional campaigns are necessary. 

  1. Analytics and reporting

Analysing gift card sales data is crucial for creating effective marketing campaigns and maximising revenue for your business.

  1. SEO compatibility 

A gift card store should be keyword-optimised to allow for maximum traffic to your products. 

  1. Integration with existing systems

The software must integrate with existing POS, inventory, and other business systems.

Selling tips- how do e gift cards work?

Marketing strategies are necessary to boost revenue while providing convenience and flexibility for customers. 

Offering promotions or discounts on gift cards can incentivise customers to purchase them as gifts or for personal use. 

Creating gift card packages with unique experiences adds value and makes the gift more appealing. 

For example, a spa could offer a package that includes a massage, facial, and other treatments. 

Bundle packages make the gift feel more personalised and thoughtful, which can lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction.

In summary- how do e gift cards work?

With the rising popularity of e-commerce, traditional gift cards are getting a digital makeover. -Making it more accessible to purchase and send gift cards online.

E-gift cards have become a popular and convenient option for gift-giving. They offer flexibility, personalisation, and convenience for both the giver and the recipient. 

If you plan to sell gift cards digitally, choosing a gift card provider you can trust is crucial. 

Get in touch with Enjovia, your online gift card management system. 

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