Cafe and restaurant gift cards are an easy way to boost cash flow and bring in new customers. They encourage repeat visits and can help fill quiet periods. Unlike discounts, gift cards bring immediate revenue without devaluing your brand. They also act as a marketing tool, spreading awareness of your business when recipients use them. Makes sure they are prominently displayed on your website, social media, and in-store to maximise sales.
Maximising Revenue with Gift Cards
Use Promotions and Bundled Offers to Boost Gift Card Sales Offer deals that give customers extra value, like ‘Buy a $100 gift card, get $10 free’. Create urgency with limited-time offers, especially around holidays. Collaborate with local businesses to cross-promote your cards in complementary spaces, such as florists or boutiques. You can also offer tiered promotions, such as bonus rewards for higher gift card purchases. Ensure staff are trained to inform customers about these promotions and mention them in email newsletters and social media posts.
Beyond Birthdays and Anniversaries: Creative Gift Card Occasions Think beyond the obvious celebrations. Gift cards are ideal for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. They’re also perfect for ‘just because’ gifts, teacher appreciation, and corporate rewards. Promote them as great prizes for raffles or giveaways. Consider creating campaigns around less common occasions, such as graduations, new job celebrations, or thank-you gifts for healthcare workers. Highlight these options in your marketing to inspire customers – it’s easy to add them as an upsell in emails promoting Mother’s, Father’s and Valentine’s Day.
Implementing a Successful Gift Card System
Physical or Digital? Choosing the Right Gift Card Format Digital cards are cost-effective and convenient for customers to buy and send. They can be purchased instantly, making them ideal for last-minute gifts. Physical cards can make a bigger impact as gifts but involve printing and logistics costs. Offer both options if possible and make the purchase process seamless. For physical cards, choose high-quality materials and ensure your branding is clear and attractive. Invest in a reliable platform for digital cards that offers easy delivery and redemption. Display both options on your website, and make it easy for customers to choose their preferred format – have envelopes available for people who buy physical cards at the counter, so they are ready to use as a gift.
Use Your Booking System to Create and Promote Gift Cards Leverage your existing booking system to integrate and promote gift card sales. Platforms like NowBookIt and Toast often include built-in features to sell and manage gift cards. These systems allow customers to purchase gift cards online, making the process seamless and convenient. Use automated reminders and confirmations to suggest gift cards as an add-on to bookings. Highlight gift cards during booking, especially for group reservations or special events. If your system offers analytics, track the performance of your promotions and adjust as needed.
Policies, Legalities, and Best Practices Make your policies simple and clear. In Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, gift cards must have a minimum three-year expiry date. Avoid hidden fees and ensure your terms are easy for customers to understand. Include these policies on your website and on physical cards, where applicable – train staff to communicate these details confidently so they can answer customer questions. Ensure your Point of Sale (POS) system can handle gift card transactions smoothly, including tracking balances and redemptions.
These special Gift Cards for teachers have been a big hit over several years at the popular Birchwood Cafe in the snow country of NSW, Australia.
Driving Sales and Engagement with Gift Cards
Marketing Your Gift Cards: Online and In-Store Promote gift cards with eye-catching displays near your counter and on your tables. Use social media to show how they make perfect gifts. Include banners on your website and feature them in your email newsletters. Highlight gift cards in festive campaigns or seasonal posts. Create short videos for social media showing how easy it is to purchase and redeem your gift cards. In-store, use signage that encourages impulse purchases, such as ‘Give the Gift of Great Food’ or ‘Perfect for Every Occasion’.
Customising Gift Cards for Maximum Impact Branded designs make your gift cards memorable. Add personalisation options, like custom messages. For physical cards, use premium packaging to make them look like thoughtful gifts. Small details, including a small envelope or handwritten thank-you note, can increase their perceived value. Digital cards offer a selection of templates for different occasions so customers can choose one that suits their needs. Ensure your branding is consistent across all designs.
Incentivise Staff to Sell Gift Cards Motivate your team with simple incentives, such as bonuses for each gift card sold or competitions with prizes for the top sellers. Offer team rewards and recognise high performers with shoutouts in meetings or small thank-you gifts to keep morale high.
The most powerful incentive is cash: give a 10% commission to staff and watch sales soar! In the restaurant and industry, it’s common to experience a gift card ‘breakage rate’ (percentage of sold gift cards that are never redeemed) ranging from 5% to 10%. This pays for a generous, motivating commission that hardly impacts your profit rate.
Practical Steps to Start or Improve Your Gift Card Program Choose a user-friendly platform for digital cards and ensure it’s mobile-friendly. Train staff to suggest gift cards at checkout and include them in upselling scripts. Regularly track sales data to see what works and adjust your promotions accordingly. Use analytics to identify peak selling times and plan future campaigns. If introducing gift cards, start with a clear plan and test your system to ensure a smooth launch. Engage with customers for feedback on their gift card experience and use it to make improvements.
Sample Emails for Promoting Gift Cards…
General Promotion: Discover the Perfect Gift! Looking for a thoughtful and versatile present? [Restaurant Name]’s gift cards are here to save the day! Suitable for any occasion, our gift cards range from $20 to $200. Purchase them online and add a personalised message to make your gift stand out. Treat someone special to an unforgettable dining experience!
Seasonal Offering: Seasonal Greetings from [Restaurant Name]! As the season of giving approaches, what better way to show you care than with a gift of good taste? Our gift cards, available from $20 to $200, are the ideal present for anyone on your list. Conveniently delivered via email, these cards can carry your personalised festive messages, making every meal a celebration.
For Special Occasions: Celebrate Every Occasion with Us! Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just because, [Restaurant Name] gift cards are the perfect way to celebrate. Available in denominations from $20 to $200, they offer flexibility and enjoyment for any palate. These cards are easily purchased online and can be personalised to suit any special moment.
Just Because: Surprise Someone Special Today! Sometimes, the best gifts are unexpected. Delight friends, family, or colleagues with a [Restaurant Name] gift card. Choose from values between $20 to $200 and add a personal message to make their day. It’s a simple yet sophisticated way to bring a smile to someone’s face.
Promotion Reminder: A Gentle Reminder: We Have the Perfect Gift! Haven’t found the perfect gift yet? Remember, [Restaurant Name] offers gift cards from $20 to $200, ideal for any occasion. Conveniently available online with the option to include a personal message, these cards are more than just a gift – they’re an experience waiting to happen!
For Parents (Christmas Gift): Dear [Customer Name], This Christmas, give your parents a gift of delightful dining with our exclusive gift cards. Ranging from $20 to $200, our cards fit every budget and are the perfect way to show your love and appreciation. Easily purchased online and delivered via email, they can add a personal touch with a heartfelt message. Celebrate the festive season with the gift of a memorable meal at [Restaurant Name].
Cafe and restaurant gift cards are an easy way to boost cash flow and bring in new customers. They encourage repeat visits and can help fill quiet periods. Unlike discounts, gift cards bring immediate revenue without devaluing your brand. They also act as a marketing tool, spreading awareness of your business when recipients use them. Makes sure they are prominently displayed on your website, social media, and in-store to maximise sales.
Maximising Revenue with Gift Cards
Use Promotions and Bundled Offers to Boost Gift Card Sales
Offer deals that give customers extra value, like ‘Buy a $100 gift card, get $10 free’. Create urgency with limited-time offers, especially around holidays. Collaborate with local businesses to cross-promote your cards in complementary spaces, such as florists or boutiques. You can also offer tiered promotions, such as bonus rewards for higher gift card purchases. Ensure staff are trained to inform customers about these promotions and mention them in email newsletters and social media posts.
Beyond Birthdays and Anniversaries: Creative Gift Card Occasions
Think beyond the obvious celebrations. Gift cards are ideal for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. They’re also perfect for ‘just because’ gifts, teacher appreciation, and corporate rewards. Promote them as great prizes for raffles or giveaways. Consider creating campaigns around less common occasions, such as graduations, new job celebrations, or thank-you gifts for healthcare workers. Highlight these options in your marketing to inspire customers – it’s easy to add them as an upsell in emails promoting Mother’s, Father’s and Valentine’s Day.
Implementing a Successful Gift Card System
Physical or Digital? Choosing the Right Gift Card Format
Digital cards are cost-effective and convenient for customers to buy and send. They can be purchased instantly, making them ideal for last-minute gifts. Physical cards can make a bigger impact as gifts but involve printing and logistics costs. Offer both options if possible and make the purchase process seamless. For physical cards, choose high-quality materials and ensure your branding is clear and attractive. Invest in a reliable platform for digital cards that offers easy delivery and redemption. Display both options on your website, and make it easy for customers to choose their preferred format – have envelopes available for people who buy physical cards at the counter, so they are ready to use as a gift.
Use Your Booking System to Create and Promote Gift Cards
Leverage your existing booking system to integrate and promote gift card sales. Platforms like NowBookIt and Toast often include built-in features to sell and manage gift cards. These systems allow customers to purchase gift cards online, making the process seamless and convenient. Use automated reminders and confirmations to suggest gift cards as an add-on to bookings. Highlight gift cards during booking, especially for group reservations or special events. If your system offers analytics, track the performance of your promotions and adjust as needed.
Policies, Legalities, and Best Practices
Make your policies simple and clear. In Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, gift cards must have a minimum three-year expiry date. Avoid hidden fees and ensure your terms are easy for customers to understand. Include these policies on your website and on physical cards, where applicable – train staff to communicate these details confidently so they can answer customer questions. Ensure your Point of Sale (POS) system can handle gift card transactions smoothly, including tracking balances and redemptions.
These special Gift Cards for teachers have been a big hit over several years at the popular Birchwood Cafe in the snow country of NSW, Australia.
Driving Sales and Engagement with Gift Cards
Marketing Your Gift Cards: Online and In-Store
Promote gift cards with eye-catching displays near your counter and on your tables. Use social media to show how they make perfect gifts. Include banners on your website and feature them in your email newsletters. Highlight gift cards in festive campaigns or seasonal posts. Create short videos for social media showing how easy it is to purchase and redeem your gift cards. In-store, use signage that encourages impulse purchases, such as ‘Give the Gift of Great Food’ or ‘Perfect for Every Occasion’.
Customising Gift Cards for Maximum Impact
Branded designs make your gift cards memorable. Add personalisation options, like custom messages. For physical cards, use premium packaging to make them look like thoughtful gifts. Small details, including a small envelope or handwritten thank-you note, can increase their perceived value. Digital cards offer a selection of templates for different occasions so customers can choose one that suits their needs. Ensure your branding is consistent across all designs.
Incentivise Staff to Sell Gift Cards
Motivate your team with simple incentives, such as bonuses for each gift card sold or competitions with prizes for the top sellers. Offer team rewards and recognise high performers with shoutouts in meetings or small thank-you gifts to keep morale high.
The most powerful incentive is cash: give a 10% commission to staff and watch sales soar! In the restaurant and industry, it’s common to experience a gift card ‘breakage rate’ (percentage of sold gift cards that are never redeemed) ranging from 5% to 10%. This pays for a generous, motivating commission that hardly impacts your profit rate.
Practical Steps to Start or Improve Your Gift Card Program
Choose a user-friendly platform for digital cards and ensure it’s mobile-friendly. Train staff to suggest gift cards at checkout and include them in upselling scripts. Regularly track sales data to see what works and adjust your promotions accordingly. Use analytics to identify peak selling times and plan future campaigns. If introducing gift cards, start with a clear plan and test your system to ensure a smooth launch. Engage with customers for feedback on their gift card experience and use it to make improvements.
Sample Emails for Promoting Gift Cards…
General Promotion:
Discover the Perfect Gift!
Looking for a thoughtful and versatile present? [Restaurant Name]’s gift cards are here to save the day! Suitable for any occasion, our gift cards range from $20 to $200. Purchase them online and add a personalised message to make your gift stand out. Treat someone special to an unforgettable dining experience!
Seasonal Offering:
Seasonal Greetings from [Restaurant Name]!
As the season of giving approaches, what better way to show you care than with a gift of good taste? Our gift cards, available from $20 to $200, are the ideal present for anyone on your list. Conveniently delivered via email, these cards can carry your personalised festive messages, making every meal a celebration.
For Special Occasions:
Celebrate Every Occasion with Us!
Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just because, [Restaurant Name] gift cards are the perfect way to celebrate. Available in denominations from $20 to $200, they offer flexibility and enjoyment for any palate. These cards are easily purchased online and can be personalised to suit any special moment.
Just Because:
Surprise Someone Special Today!
Sometimes, the best gifts are unexpected. Delight friends, family, or colleagues with a [Restaurant Name] gift card. Choose from values between $20 to $200 and add a personal message to make their day. It’s a simple yet sophisticated way to bring a smile to someone’s face.
Promotion Reminder:
A Gentle Reminder: We Have the Perfect Gift!
Haven’t found the perfect gift yet? Remember, [Restaurant Name] offers gift cards from $20 to $200, ideal for any occasion. Conveniently available online with the option to include a personal message, these cards are more than just a gift – they’re an experience waiting to happen!
For Parents (Christmas Gift):
Dear [Customer Name],
This Christmas, give your parents a gift of delightful dining with our exclusive gift cards. Ranging from $20 to $200, our cards fit every budget and are the perfect way to show your love and appreciation. Easily purchased online and delivered via email, they can add a personal touch with a heartfelt message. Celebrate the festive season with the gift of a memorable meal at [Restaurant Name].
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