Why selling gift cards is worth it
- You get paid upfront. The money comes in on the day of the sale, even if it’s redeemed weeks later.
- Recommended new customers. Whoever receives the card arrives with the trust of the person who gave it.
- They spend more. It’s very common for people redeeming a card to spend a bit more than its value.
- Sales at key dates. Christmas, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, birthdays: the easy gift for people who don’t know what to give.
Which businesses sell the most gift cards
Experiences work best: spas and massages, beauty salons, restaurants, hair salons, bookshops, florists and clothes shops. But any business whose customers recommend it can sell them.
Fixed or open amount
Offer two or three round amounts (for example €25, €50 and €100) and, if you like, an open one. Fixed amounts are quicker to decide on and sell faster. You can also sell a specific experience: «dinner for two» or «a 60-minute massage».
Physical or digital
A paper card looks nice to wrap, but it gets lost and the balance is hard to track. A digital gift card is sent by WhatsApp or email, kept on the phone and the balance goes down automatically each time it’s used. Ideally you can do both: print a nice envelope with the QR code for people who want to hand it over in person.
How it’s redeemed
With a digital card, the customer shows the QR code, you scan it and deduct the amount. If they don’t spend it all, the rest stays for next time. No arguments and no paperwork to keep.
Expiry and small print
Set a reasonable expiry and write it on the card. One year is usually fair. Make clear whether it can be used in several goes, whether it’s valid for any product and what happens if it’s lost (with a digital card, nothing: it’s resent).
How to sell more
- Make them visible at the counter and on your website, with a poster and QR code.
- Remind people before key dates with a message to your customers: «Not sure what to give? Give…».
- An extra when buying: «buy a €50 one and get €5 for yourself».
- For companies: offer batches to give to employees or clients.
And after redemption, build loyalty
Someone arriving with a gift card is a new customer. Take the chance to welcome them into your loyalty programme, with their first stamp or points included, so they come back on their own.
Frequently asked questions
Do gift cards have to expire?
You can set an expiry, but it must be clear when sold. One year is the most common and the best accepted by customers.
How is a gift card balance tracked?
With a digital card the balance goes down automatically when scanned, and the customer always sees it on their phone.
Can I send it by WhatsApp?
Yes. A digital gift card is sent with a link by WhatsApp or email and the recipient saves it on their phone.