Newsletter - August 2008
August is here and it’s time to go back to school! We heard those grumbles in the back of the classroom.
This month’s newsletter features new ideas for back to school shopping. You’ll also find interesting facts about gift cards and gift certificates, as well as exciting announcements about our upcoming merchant cards.
Gift Cards vs. Gift Certificates- What’s the Difference?
At GiftCards.com, we live and breathe the gift card industry. We realize that the rest of the world may not, so this month we’re going to shed some light on this $97 billion a year industry. Besides the fact that gift cards are easier to hold in your wallet, let’s look at why they are more popular than gift certificates for consumers and retailers.
According to the National Retail Federation, 78.5% of consumers over the age of 18 plan to buy a gift card or gift certificate during the holiday season. That is an astounding number! Of that percentage, buyers are ten times more likely to choose gift cards over gift certificates. If over 3/4 of the population is spending their money on gift cards, there must be a good reason for it. And there is: convenience. We’ve all been in situations where you’re searching for a unique gift, last-minute gift, or any gift that the recipient won’t return. You rack your brain trying to think of something that is personal, yet useful. This is why over 78% of Americans turn towards purchasing a gift card. It allows the recipient to decide what THEY want to buy. Plus, buying a gift card online is so convenient nowadays.
So why do most people choose a gift card over a gift certificate? That answer is simple: flexibility and security. With a Visa gift card, you can spend your money anywhere Visa is accepted. It isn’t limited to one specific store. And if your Visa gift card is lost or stolen, you can simply call and have a new one re-issued. Gift certificates are more difficult to track and not as easily replaced. In fact, most retailers will not replace a lost gift certificate.
50.9% of gift card holders spend much more than the value of the card when redeeming it. This is good news for retailers. Many retailers are starting to use rebate gift cards as a way to reward customers their earned rebate. It gets customers back in the door.
Consumers and retailers alike agree that gift cards are the way to go. If you have any additional questions about GiftCards.com and our services, please contact us.
Back to School Shopping- Not for the Faint of Heart
Let’s face it- back to school shopping is overwhelming. Parents around the country are throwing their hands in the air in refute of this yearly ritual. Although you may find yourself annoyed with the very thought of “back to school” shopping, it is still necessary.
For those of you with students old enough to go out and do their own shopping, we have an idea that may help clear your back to school woes. You can buy a prepaid Visa gift card online here at GiftCards.com. Give your student a prepaid Visa and let them do their own shopping. This allows you to set a limit. Plus, our prepaid Visa gift cards can not be used to purchase illegal items or alcohol, so it is a safe alternative to cash.
This is a great solution for college students as well. Send them to college with a prepaid Visa card to purchase their school books, use in case of an emergency, or buy dorm room supplies. You set the Visa gift card limit and can check their balance online so you know when it’s time to send a new one.
Prepaid gift cards are a great solution for all your back to school needs. Put your feet up and let your student do the shopping! If you have any other great back to school shopping tips you’d like to share with us, email us.
Calling All Merchants!
GiftCards.com will start selling merchant cards in October 2008. Customers will be able to buy their favorite retailer and merchant gift cards right on our website.
The great news for retailers is that we can easily integrate with their pre-established gift card program/API and print their gift cards on-demand in our 20,000 square foot fulfillment center, “OmniPrint.” It’s a turn key program that will help merchants drive store traffic and online purchases.
One of the most exciting features is that merchants may choose to allow customers to personalize their merchant cards by uploading personal photos to be printed on the merchant cards. Imagine paying for your coffee with a gift card that has a picture of your child on the front. The possibilities are endless!
We are actively seeking merchants to partner with, so if you have not already talked with our Merchant Relations Manager, Karen Picard, now is the time. Start selling your gift cards with the industry leader, GiftCards.com.
