Retailers with brick and mortar locations have widely used gift cards to boost their sales as people browse their stores.  However, many people are beginning to shop online for many of their purchases simply out of convenience.  You may have that physical location, but we would HIGHLY recommend having an online presence as well. 

Online Store Options

First thing, you need to have an online store.  If you already have a Point of Sale (POS) system, be sure to check with them to see if they have an online store option available.  Integration is the key to having a successful gift card program. 

With most online store systems you will be able to brand the store to match your current company’s branding using your unique PMS colors and logo.  Many providers have preset templates as well to get you started as well as offering their design services if web design is not in your wheelhouse. 

Discount Cards

A great way to introduce new clients to your products is with a discount card.  Once people have experienced not only your high quality products, but your remarkable customer – you have a client for life! 

Discount cards can also be used as a great way to increase sales.  For instance, if you offer a buy 3 get 1 free offer your clients may purchase an additional 1 or 2 products that they had not intended to purchase, due to the great deal.

Including a discount card with a unique code to be used online after purchases are made in store is also a great way to get the word out about your new site.  Two things can happen: your client will then shop your store online as well or they will give it to a friend and it will increase your reach further.

Gift Cards

With online stores you won’t need to purchase additional equipment such as magnetic card readers or barcode readers.  You are already in the positive! 

If you happen to have a brick and mortar store, you can sell your gift cards for use in your store or for online purchases.  You will want to check with your Point of Sale (POS) provider prior to creating the gift cards to ensure compatibility.  Make sure that you include the online and physical addresses on the card.  This way your clients will have the ability to find you both online and offline.

When you set up your gift cards, you will need to have a thermal (human readable) number.  If your store is completely online, this is all that you will need!  However, if you would like the gift cards to be usable in both locations, you will most likely also need a barcode or magnetic stripe.  You can both sell and allow gift cards to be redeemed online.  This is great for someone looking for the perfect gift for a relative near the Holiday times. They can purchase a gift card (make sure to offer a variety of designs) and have it shipped directly to the receiver’s home.

The best part about not having a magnetic strip is that you can be even more creative and utilize custom shapes for your gift cards!

With full reign over the shape of the gift cards, you can continue to keep your brand unique.  For instance the image above of the dog bone shaped gift card for SpottedPaw.  When you are shopping, these gift cards are definitely going to make you take notice.

Our representatives are ready to help you make the best out of your online store.  Be sure to ask for some bonus ways that you can utilize discount and gift cards for your online store.