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 Why should I want an electronic Gift Card Program versus paper?
Consumers prefer electronic gift cards versus paper gift certificates. Gift cards are everywhere because consumer's demand is so high. And now, businesses of all sizes can have a gift cards program similar to even the largest national retail chain. Plus:
• They're easy to use and handle
• They're safe and save merchants money
• They move transactions faster
• They increase sales and customer loyalty
• They produce new revenue streams
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How does an electronic gift card work?
It's simple. A customer walks in and asks to buy a gift card or brings a gift card to your register. You activate the gift card for the dollar amount requested by the customer by swiping the card through the point-of-sale (POS) terminal and following the appropriate procedures for activating the gift card. The card is then ready to use.
To redeem the card, a customer (or receiver of that gift card) visits the store and selects an item(s) to be purchased. The card is again swiped, but now the dollar value of the purchase is debited from the balance amount on the card. The new balance is printed on the receipt.
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How soon after the purchase of a gift card can it be redeemed at a participating store?
When a card is activated, the monetary value is available immediately and can be redeemed at participating locations.
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How do I manage card inventory?
You should manage the inventory of cards to ensure that you
always have an ample supply on hand based on current volumes. Keep in
mind that orders expected for the holiday season (10/2 – 2/1) should
be received no later than the first business day in the month of September.
If we do not receive your order(s) by that time, we cannot guarantee
that you will receive them for the holiday season. Keep in mind that
during peak seasons, like Christmas and other holidays, your card supply
should be higher. When reordering gift cards, you should allow fourteen
days from receipt of reorder form or approval of artwork for delivery.
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Will my customers be able to add value (reload) to their gift cards?
Yes. This is offered as a convenience for your customers and
for your business. It's fast and easy. By having this “reloadable”
function, you can build additional marketing opportunities, thus enhancing
customer loyalty and building overall awareness of the business. Many
customers use their gift card as a “budgeting tool” and simply reload
value as their needs and budgets allow.
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How does a customer know how much they have left on their gift card?
When a customer uses the gift card for a purchase, the balance
is printed on the receipt , or a balance inquiry can
run within your terminal which will initiate a transaction fee.
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Should I promote gift cards around my store?
Yes. We highly recommend merchandising gift cards throughout your store – and not just at the checkout area. Unlike paper certificates, gift cards have no value until they are activated at the register so placing them in displays and on “j-pegs/hooks” around the store may greatly increase IMPULSE sales. Also, using posters, aisle displays and door decals is recommended to increase awareness and sales.
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If a consumer purchases a Gift Card in one location, can they redeem it in a different location?
Yes, consumers may purchase the Gift Card at location [A] and
redeem it at location [B]. Your locations are chained together at the
point of set up.
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How do I benefit from this program?
There are many benefits to you by offering a gift cards program. One of the main benefits is that you will gain instant brand recognition from consumers. One consumer buys a “small walking billboard” and gives it to another customer—that's the best form of marketing and consumer endorsement.
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What type of reporting is available?
Terminal level reports are available. In addition, you have access
to daily and monthly reports through the Internet. If you do not have
an Internet connection, these reports can be sent to you for a nominal
fee.
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Are there standard card designs to choose from or can I design my own cards?
There are numerous standard card designs for you to choose from. If you decide to incorporate your logo or create other customizations, you will work directly with your sales representative to develop your cards.
It is important to note that small merchants usually do not have the
graphic resources to produce quality artwork or logos. The best option
for these merchants is to choose a design that we have already created,
which will help to ensure that they get a product of the best quality.
Note: If you choose to submit a custom card, there is a minimum order
requirement of 1,000 cards.
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Do we allow service fees or expiration capability?
Laws concerning service fees or expiration dates are different from state
to state. In order to protect our merchants, the Cardservice Gift Cards
Program will not offer these options.
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