How to Create a Gift Card on Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. How to Create Gift Cards on Shopify
3. Managing Gift Card Sales on Shopify
4. Tips for Using Gift Cards to Drive Sales and Customer Loyalty
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion

Gift cards have become an essential part of the ecommerce landscape, offering businesses a fantastic way to boost cash flow, attract new customers, and incentivize higher cart values. Particularly for Shopify store owners, creating and managing gift cards can be a straightforward process that significantly impacts your business’s bottom line. Let's dive into how you can create a gift card on Shopify and some tips to make the most out of them.

Introduction

Did you know that the gift card market is expected to reach a staggering value in the coming years? This resurgence in gift card popularity showcases their critical role in modern retail strategies. Whether you are running a brick-and-mortar shop shifting toward online sales or an established ecommerce platform, gift cards can serve as a crucial tool in preserving cash flow and fostering customer loyalty.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the ropes on how to create a gift card on Shopify, manage your gift card sales, and implement strategies to drive sales and customer loyalty through gift cards. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary information to effectively leverage gift cards in your business strategy.

How to Create Gift Cards on Shopify

Creating gift cards on Shopify is a streamlined process, accessible to store owners across all Shopify subscription plans. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Log into Your Shopify Admin Area: Navigate to Products > Gift Cards.
2. Create a New Gift Card: Click on Create Gift Card. You will be prompted to enter key details such as the initial value of the card.
3. Configure Customer Details: Enter or search for the customer's details. Note that customers must have a valid email address or phone number to receive the gift card.
4. Set an Expiry Date (Optional): For added urgency, you can specify an expiration date for the gift card.
5. Internal Notes (Optional): These notes are for your reference and won't be visible to the customer.
6. Preview and Save: You can preview the email that will be sent to your customer with the gift card. Once satisfied, click Save.
7. Send the Gift Card: After saving, you have the option to immediately send the gift card to the chosen customer.

It’s worth noting that gift cards in Shopify can be treated as a particular type of product. This unique nature allows you to manage them effectively and tailor their attributes to fit your specific business needs.

Managing Gift Card Sales on Shopify

Once you have created and issued gift cards, Shopify provides robust tools to manage and track these sales. Understanding the nuances of your gift card sales can give you insight into customer behavior and preferences. Importantly, Shopify offers detailed reporting on gift card sales, which distinguishes between paid and complimentary (free-issued) gift cards. Keeping a finger on the pulse of your gift card balance sheet can alert you to potential cash flow from unredeemed cards and help you plan marketing strategies accordingly.

Tips for Using Gift Cards to Drive Sales and Customer Loyalty

• Custom Gift Card Designs: Creating a branded gift card that aligns with your store’s aesthetic can enhance the customer experience.
• Seasonal and Promotional Strategies: Leveraging gift cards during peak holiday seasons or through targeted promotions can significantly increase their appeal.
• Incorporating Gift Cards into Your Loyalty Program: Reward loyal customers with gift cards as part of your loyalty program to encourage repeat business.
• Social Media Contests and Giveaways: Utilize gift cards as prizes in social media contests to increase engagement and reach.
• Collaboration with Complementary Brands: Partner with other brands to offer bundled gift cards. This strategy can broaden your customer base and provide added value to your offers.

FAQ

Q: Can I set different denominations for gift cards on Shopify? A: Yes, you can create different denominations by adding variants to your gift card product in Shopify. This flexibility allows customers to choose the amount that best suits their budget and needs.

Q: How can I promote my gift cards? A: Promote your gift cards through your website, social media channels, email marketing campaigns, and in any physical locations. Highlighting their availability during the checkout process can also drive sales.

Q: Do gift cards expire? A: Whether gift cards expire is up to your discretion as a store owner. However, it’s crucial to align with local laws and regulations regarding gift card expiry.

Q: Can gift cards be redeemed in person? A: If you have a brick-and-mortar store or a point-of-sale system that’s integrated with your Shopify store, customers can indeed redeem gift cards in person.

Conclusion

Gift cards are an undeniably powerful tool in the ecommerce toolkit, offering a unique avenue to increase revenue, attract new customers, and foster loyalty. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can tap into the potential of gift cards and significantly boost your Shopify store’s performance. Always remember, the success of your gift card program hinges not just on the creation and distribution of the cards but also on strategic promotion and management. So, get creative, stay strategic, and watch your business grow through the effective use of gift cards.