How to Increase Sales Through Gift Cards

Tis the season to be buying! Do you know where the bulk of your sales are going to come from this holiday season? If you're a small to medium-sized business, you might think you're not ready to offer gift cards to your customers. However, you'd be surprised to learn that these programs are very simple to set-up and are accessible to every business, no matter the size.

Here are some great reasons to introduce them into your marketing mix:

• A recent survey showed that most people prefer to receive gift cards than any other kind of present. They give buyers the opportunity to choose what they really want instead of having to deal with gift returns.

• They benefit your company by not only making a sale to the original purchaser, but also by bringing in a potentially new patron to your business. This gives you a chance to build loyalty and acts as virtually free advertising for your business.

• Current customers are also more likely to visit your business specifically to make a GC purchase, knowing that they make great, desirable presents. By not offering gift cards, you're missing out on two potential receipts.

• Did you know that customers tend to spend more money when they visit your business than what is available on the card? It's also been proven that around 24% of gift cards are never redeemed. That's money in your pocket.

So be ready to kick-start your sales this year by offering your customers the convenience and flexibility of gift cards. And be ready to reap the rewards of new customers, increased revenue and pocket-sized advertisements in your customers' pockets - or stockings. They make GREAT stocking stuffers.

(c) 2010 Lorraine Wolfe

Lorraine Wolfe works as a bankcard industry market researcher and content writer.

If you are looking for a Merchant Services Provider to assist you in setting up a gift card program, check out Velocity Merchant Services at http://www.getvms.com.