Rebates and Consumer Reward Management

From a retail perspective, the best way to grow your Gift Card sales is to make sure the Gift Card message is included in virtually everything you do, including all ads (print or media), website, newsletter and in-store signage. If you have the budget, themed cards (Valentine's Day; Mother's Day, Holiday...) are a great way to keep the cards topical and fresh.

The best way to make even your regulars 'want' one is to hold events where the use of the card is rewarded with specials -or a Swipe N Win contest with lots of random winners. Check with your card management company to see if they can enable that. It's fun in-store and generates a lot of attention to the card.

If you are a major chain, you should consider partnering with someone like Blackhawk Network to allow sales of your cards at other retailer's locations.

Both 6 and 12 months expirations are generally available. Considering the majority of spending on the card is within the first couple of weeks of receipt, the longer expiration date is more of a psychological benefit for the consumer which equals a better feeling about the reward, but it may be a little more costly for the sponsoring company to provide. We prefer to use the 12 month expiration whenever we can.

Great question! There are many advantages of using a plastic "reward" card over a check. The most important is the ability to customized a card - which literally takes your brand message and logo right to your customer's wallet. That's pretty powerful brand reinforcement. Once deposited, the value of a check goes to the consumer's bank account - but a reward card stays in their wallet and research shows it feels more like 'fun' money, giving them permission to splurge a little, thanks to your brand. When you personalize the card to the consumer's name, you are making a direct connection with your brand. In addition, cards that are lost or stolen can be quickly replaced, protecting your reward investment.

If you use a retailer's Gift Card, your customers can choose their reward at that specific chain. The cost to you might be a little more, but depending on local legislation, there may be no expiry date.

We frankly see no downside to using reward cards and offer a full range of cards to suit your needs and level of customization.

A prepaid Gift Card is one that can be used just like cash at the retailer indicated on the card. Generally, the cards do not expire, but their specific terms and conditions will be sent with the card. A prepaid reward card (from American Express®, VISA, MasterCard or Discover) can be used virtually anywhere such cards are accepted and will indicate an expiration date on the face of the card. While some American Express cards may be used virtually wherever the American Express card is welcomed, some cards may be directed to a specific list of participating retail establishments. Such establishments are clearly outlined within the terms and conditions that accompany the card.

No. Although many states and provinces have legislation banning expiration dates for retailer Gift Cards, not all do and even then, there are exceptions (EG: mall cards). Preloaded cards virtually always have expiration dates and some have processing fees that may be deducted after a set period of time. It is always advised to fully read and understand the terms and conditions that come with each card.