For entrepreneurs and SMBs, gift cards provide endless opportunities to boost sales and raise brand awareness among potential customers. But are they equally effective for eCommerce businesses? Let’s find this out through a series of questions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Table of Content:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n- Are Gift Cards Still Popular These Days?<\/span><\/a><\/li>
- Advantages Of Gift Cards For eCommerce Business<\/span><\/a><\/li>
- Why Do Modern Customers Refer To Gift Cards?<\/span><\/a><\/li>
- What Prevents Customers From Giving Gift Cards?<\/span><\/a><\/li>
- Tips To Make Gift Card \u201cA Powerful Growth Engine\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/li>
- Moving Forward With Gift Cards!<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Are Gift Cards Still Popular These Days?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLike anything else, gift cards have some advantages and disadvantages which make them perfect presents for one and not so ideal for others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, before diving further into these detailed assessments, let’s consider the benefit of gift cards from a business perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For sure, gift cards have significant potential to drive incredible growth, increase customer loyalty, and further expand brand awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Linksters\"](\"https:\/\/www.yo-kart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Linksters-1024x429.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLook at the following gift card statistics to see the popularity of gift cards among modern consumers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 33% of customers spend more on a gift card than a traditional gift<\/li>
- Consumers admit to spending 55% of gifting budget on gift cards<\/li>
- The average shopper spent around $213 on gift cards in 2019, and this number is expected to go up by more than 10% this year <\/li>
- 80% of consumers said that they received a digital or physical gift card as a holiday present<\/li>
- Almost 3 out of 5 consumers plan to spend more than their gift card value. And more than half of that group (52%) tend to spend as much as $30 more (Blackhawk Network)<\/li>
- 77% of Candian shoppers tend to buy at least one gift card during holiday seasons.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Advantages Of Gift Cards For eCommerce Business<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Amazon](\"https:\/\/www.yo-kart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Amzon-Gift-Card-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn whatever aspect, the gift card still remains in popularity and an influence among users. As a result, eCommerce businesses witness regular changes with this gifting trend. With a probable gift card marketing strategy, companies can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Grow sales.<\/strong> Unlike coupons or discounts, Gift cards keep customers coming back to use the card’s full value without decreasing the selling price of the brand’s products. As most gift cards are used over several purchases, there is a chance for e-stores to upsell additional products <\/li>
- Boost sales during the holiday season<\/strong>. Increase your business revenue by offering beautiful gift cards for customers searching for a perfect last-minute present<\/li>
- Expand brand awareness.<\/strong> From a physical store to a website, gift cards can be sold and used everywhere, increasing the potential reach. A physical gift card with a business logo engraved offers free brand exposure every time the card is used. <\/li>
- Build customer loyalty.<\/strong> Gift cards can be incorporated into the brand’s loyalty program to entice customers to come back and make multiple purchases<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why Do Modern Customers Refer To Gift Cards?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCard Recipients Get The Freedom To Pick Their Favorite Presents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe primary reason for the popularity of gift cards is their flexibility. In other words, gift card recipients can freely choose whatever they want to purchase in their favorite brand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As card buyers, you are relieved of the pressure to find the right gifts for your family and friends, especially when you don’t have any knowledge of what the recipient would love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gift cards can be used to show your appreciation or love for the recipient, whether it’s your best friend or coworker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a nutshell, most people are happy when receiving gift cards because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- It provides the freedom to purchase their favorite present with little or no additional cost <\/li>
- Gift card buyers don’t have to worry about giving something the recipients already have<\/li>
- Recipients are able to use the gift cards whenever they please<\/li>
- Gift cards can be used to either shop online or at a local store<\/li>
- The recipient can purchase more items or expensive stuff by shopping with gift cards during sales<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A Last-minute Present When Run Out Of Gift Idea<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nEver been in a situation when you do not have enough time to find and prepare a proper gift for the special ones? In such circumstances, a gift card can be your lifesaver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most significant thing is that you can buy gift cards from major brands online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Halloween](\"https:\/\/www.yo-kart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Halloween-Gift-Card-1024x607.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nReasons for calling gift cards the last-minute present are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Many retailers allow their customers to buy gift cards online<\/li>
- As card purchasers, you can personalize the given card with an image and message <\/li>
- Customers can request the store to send gift cards to the recipient via email or SMS. However, they must confirm the same with the store first.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, if you are a last-minute shopper, get online to purchase a gift card. You can buy and send a digital gift card at any time, even during the holiday season when most stores are closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extremely Convenient And Time-saving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nImagine, you have to buy gifts for many people with whom you might not be too close. So, giving gift cards as a present is much more comfortable. Why? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- It prevents unnecessary arguments over which kind of present others might want and whether they already have it or not<\/li>
- Customers can buy and send gift cards directly to their recipients home address before or during the holidays<\/li>
- Gift card recipients can either visit a local store or the eCommerce website to purchase their favorite item<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For special occasions such as Christmas, purchasing gifts for family and friends is unavoidable. So, it is best to purchase a gift card from a branded store based on the recipient\u2019s interest. It won’t take much time\/effort and you can decide the value of your present by budgeting a specific amount for each gift card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Prevents Customers From Giving Gift Cards?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLack The Spirit Of Actual Gifts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Gifts\"](\"https:\/\/www.yo-kart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Gifts-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe convenience of giving gift cards is undeniable. However, gift cards can’t deliver the same emotion and spirit as traditional gifts. Compared to pretty boxes covered in shiny paper and bows, gift cards seem less thoughtful especially to ones that enjoy the excitement of opening a surprise gift. A shopping card feels more like an inconsiderate decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember that gift cards, for sure, remove the guesswork of giving a gift, but might also indicate an absolute lack of enthusiasm on the giver’s part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gift Cards Tie The Receivers To A Specific Store\/ Brand<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBefore buying a gift card, you should define the type of cards offered by the gift card providers to eliminate any problems or misunderstandings in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basically, gift cards are of two types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- One with a MasterCard or Visa logo engraved. These cards can be used anywhere the card’s host is accepted. These are called “open-loop” gift cards<\/li>
- And others that are provided by the brands and can only be purchased at individual retailers. These are called “closed-loop” gift cards<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Unless you already know which store they frequently shop from, play it safe and send a Mastercard or Visa gift card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Users Easily Forget To Use The Gift Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Gift](\"https:\/\/www.yo-kart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Gift-Card-Stats.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Are Gift Cards Still Popular These Days?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLike anything else, gift cards have some advantages and disadvantages which make them perfect presents for one and not so ideal for others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, before diving further into these detailed assessments, let’s consider the benefit of gift cards from a business perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For sure, gift cards have significant potential to drive incredible growth, increase customer loyalty, and further expand brand awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLook at the following gift card statistics to see the popularity of gift cards among modern consumers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 33% of customers spend more on a gift card than a traditional gift<\/li>
- Consumers admit to spending 55% of gifting budget on gift cards<\/li>
- The average shopper spent around $213 on gift cards in 2019, and this number is expected to go up by more than 10% this year <\/li>
- 80% of consumers said that they received a digital or physical gift card as a holiday present<\/li>
- Almost 3 out of 5 consumers plan to spend more than their gift card value. And more than half of that group (52%) tend to spend as much as $30 more (Blackhawk Network)<\/li>
- 77% of Candian shoppers tend to buy at least one gift card during holiday seasons.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Advantages Of Gift Cards For eCommerce Business<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn whatever aspect, the gift card still remains in popularity and an influence among users. As a result, eCommerce businesses witness regular changes with this gifting trend. With a probable gift card marketing strategy, companies can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Grow sales.<\/strong> Unlike coupons or discounts, Gift cards keep customers coming back to use the card’s full value without decreasing the selling price of the brand’s products. As most gift cards are used over several purchases, there is a chance for e-stores to upsell additional products <\/li>
- Boost sales during the holiday season<\/strong>. Increase your business revenue by offering beautiful gift cards for customers searching for a perfect last-minute present<\/li>
- Expand brand awareness.<\/strong> From a physical store to a website, gift cards can be sold and used everywhere, increasing the potential reach. A physical gift card with a business logo engraved offers free brand exposure every time the card is used. <\/li>
- Build customer loyalty.<\/strong> Gift cards can be incorporated into the brand’s loyalty program to entice customers to come back and make multiple purchases<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why Do Modern Customers Refer To Gift Cards?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCard Recipients Get The Freedom To Pick Their Favorite Presents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe primary reason for the popularity of gift cards is their flexibility. In other words, gift card recipients can freely choose whatever they want to purchase in their favorite brand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As card buyers, you are relieved of the pressure to find the right gifts for your family and friends, especially when you don’t have any knowledge of what the recipient would love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gift cards can be used to show your appreciation or love for the recipient, whether it’s your best friend or coworker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a nutshell, most people are happy when receiving gift cards because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- It provides the freedom to purchase their favorite present with little or no additional cost <\/li>
- Gift card buyers don’t have to worry about giving something the recipients already have<\/li>
- Recipients are able to use the gift cards whenever they please<\/li>
- Gift cards can be used to either shop online or at a local store<\/li>
- The recipient can purchase more items or expensive stuff by shopping with gift cards during sales<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A Last-minute Present When Run Out Of Gift Idea<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nEver been in a situation when you do not have enough time to find and prepare a proper gift for the special ones? In such circumstances, a gift card can be your lifesaver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most significant thing is that you can buy gift cards from major brands online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nReasons for calling gift cards the last-minute present are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Many retailers allow their customers to buy gift cards online<\/li>
- As card purchasers, you can personalize the given card with an image and message <\/li>
- Customers can request the store to send gift cards to the recipient via email or SMS. However, they must confirm the same with the store first.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, if you are a last-minute shopper, get online to purchase a gift card. You can buy and send a digital gift card at any time, even during the holiday season when most stores are closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extremely Convenient And Time-saving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nImagine, you have to buy gifts for many people with whom you might not be too close. So, giving gift cards as a present is much more comfortable. Why? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- It prevents unnecessary arguments over which kind of present others might want and whether they already have it or not<\/li>
- Customers can buy and send gift cards directly to their recipients home address before or during the holidays<\/li>
- Gift card recipients can either visit a local store or the eCommerce website to purchase their favorite item<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For special occasions such as Christmas, purchasing gifts for family and friends is unavoidable. So, it is best to purchase a gift card from a branded store based on the recipient\u2019s interest. It won’t take much time\/effort and you can decide the value of your present by budgeting a specific amount for each gift card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Prevents Customers From Giving Gift Cards?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLack The Spirit Of Actual Gifts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe convenience of giving gift cards is undeniable. However, gift cards can’t deliver the same emotion and spirit as traditional gifts. Compared to pretty boxes covered in shiny paper and bows, gift cards seem less thoughtful especially to ones that enjoy the excitement of opening a surprise gift. A shopping card feels more like an inconsiderate decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember that gift cards, for sure, remove the guesswork of giving a gift, but might also indicate an absolute lack of enthusiasm on the giver’s part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gift Cards Tie The Receivers To A Specific Store\/ Brand<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBefore buying a gift card, you should define the type of cards offered by the gift card providers to eliminate any problems or misunderstandings in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basically, gift cards are of two types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- One with a MasterCard or Visa logo engraved. These cards can be used anywhere the card’s host is accepted. These are called “open-loop” gift cards<\/li>
- And others that are provided by the brands and can only be purchased at individual retailers. These are called “closed-loop” gift cards<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Unless you already know which store they frequently shop from, play it safe and send a Mastercard or Visa gift card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Users Easily Forget To Use The Gift Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLook at the following gift card statistics to see the popularity of gift cards among modern consumers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 33% of customers spend more on a gift card than a traditional gift<\/li>
- Consumers admit to spending 55% of gifting budget on gift cards<\/li>
- The average shopper spent around $213 on gift cards in 2019, and this number is expected to go up by more than 10% this year <\/li>
- 80% of consumers said that they received a digital or physical gift card as a holiday present<\/li>
- Almost 3 out of 5 consumers plan to spend more than their gift card value. And more than half of that group (52%) tend to spend as much as $30 more (Blackhawk Network)<\/li>
- 77% of Candian shoppers tend to buy at least one gift card during holiday seasons.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Advantages Of Gift Cards For eCommerce Business<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn whatever aspect, the gift card still remains in popularity and an influence among users. As a result, eCommerce businesses witness regular changes with this gifting trend. With a probable gift card marketing strategy, companies can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Grow sales.<\/strong> Unlike coupons or discounts, Gift cards keep customers coming back to use the card’s full value without decreasing the selling price of the brand’s products. As most gift cards are used over several purchases, there is a chance for e-stores to upsell additional products <\/li>
- Boost sales during the holiday season<\/strong>. Increase your business revenue by offering beautiful gift cards for customers searching for a perfect last-minute present<\/li>
- Expand brand awareness.<\/strong> From a physical store to a website, gift cards can be sold and used everywhere, increasing the potential reach. A physical gift card with a business logo engraved offers free brand exposure every time the card is used. <\/li>
- Build customer loyalty.<\/strong> Gift cards can be incorporated into the brand’s loyalty program to entice customers to come back and make multiple purchases<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why Do Modern Customers Refer To Gift Cards?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Card Recipients Get The Freedom To Pick Their Favorite Presents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The primary reason for the popularity of gift cards is their flexibility. In other words, gift card recipients can freely choose whatever they want to purchase in their favorite brand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As card buyers, you are relieved of the pressure to find the right gifts for your family and friends, especially when you don’t have any knowledge of what the recipient would love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gift cards can be used to show your appreciation or love for the recipient, whether it’s your best friend or coworker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a nutshell, most people are happy when receiving gift cards because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- It provides the freedom to purchase their favorite present with little or no additional cost <\/li>
- Gift card buyers don’t have to worry about giving something the recipients already have<\/li>
- Recipients are able to use the gift cards whenever they please<\/li>
- Gift cards can be used to either shop online or at a local store<\/li>
- The recipient can purchase more items or expensive stuff by shopping with gift cards during sales<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A Last-minute Present When Run Out Of Gift Idea<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ever been in a situation when you do not have enough time to find and prepare a proper gift for the special ones? In such circumstances, a gift card can be your lifesaver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most significant thing is that you can buy gift cards from major brands online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nReasons for calling gift cards the last-minute present are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Many retailers allow their customers to buy gift cards online<\/li>
- As card purchasers, you can personalize the given card with an image and message <\/li>
- Customers can request the store to send gift cards to the recipient via email or SMS. However, they must confirm the same with the store first.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, if you are a last-minute shopper, get online to purchase a gift card. You can buy and send a digital gift card at any time, even during the holiday season when most stores are closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extremely Convenient And Time-saving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Imagine, you have to buy gifts for many people with whom you might not be too close. So, giving gift cards as a present is much more comfortable. Why? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- It prevents unnecessary arguments over which kind of present others might want and whether they already have it or not<\/li>
- Customers can buy and send gift cards directly to their recipients home address before or during the holidays<\/li>
- Gift card recipients can either visit a local store or the eCommerce website to purchase their favorite item<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For special occasions such as Christmas, purchasing gifts for family and friends is unavoidable. So, it is best to purchase a gift card from a branded store based on the recipient\u2019s interest. It won’t take much time\/effort and you can decide the value of your present by budgeting a specific amount for each gift card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Prevents Customers From Giving Gift Cards?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lack The Spirit Of Actual Gifts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe convenience of giving gift cards is undeniable. However, gift cards can’t deliver the same emotion and spirit as traditional gifts. Compared to pretty boxes covered in shiny paper and bows, gift cards seem less thoughtful especially to ones that enjoy the excitement of opening a surprise gift. A shopping card feels more like an inconsiderate decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember that gift cards, for sure, remove the guesswork of giving a gift, but might also indicate an absolute lack of enthusiasm on the giver’s part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gift Cards Tie The Receivers To A Specific Store\/ Brand<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before buying a gift card, you should define the type of cards offered by the gift card providers to eliminate any problems or misunderstandings in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basically, gift cards are of two types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- One with a MasterCard or Visa logo engraved. These cards can be used anywhere the card’s host is accepted. These are called “open-loop” gift cards<\/li>
- And others that are provided by the brands and can only be purchased at individual retailers. These are called “closed-loop” gift cards<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Unless you already know which store they frequently shop from, play it safe and send a Mastercard or Visa gift card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Users Easily Forget To Use The Gift Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
- Boost sales during the holiday season<\/strong>. Increase your business revenue by offering beautiful gift cards for customers searching for a perfect last-minute present<\/li>
- Grow sales.<\/strong> Unlike coupons or discounts, Gift cards keep customers coming back to use the card’s full value without decreasing the selling price of the brand’s products. As most gift cards are used over several purchases, there is a chance for e-stores to upsell additional products <\/li>
![\"search\"](\"https:\/\/www.yo-kart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/search-1024x655.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Gift](\"https:\/\/www.yo-kart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Gift-card-extension-1024x542.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n