How to Make Gift Cards for Your Business: A Complete Guide

Christmas is coming up, and here’s the truth: there’s nothing more awkward than opening a gift that screams “I have no idea who you are and what you like.” The forced smile. The overly cheerful, “Oh, I love it!” in that fake, high-pitched voice we all know too well. It’s painful. We’ve all been there, and it’s exactly why gift cards are absolute lifesavers.

Last year, 50% of people said they planned to buy gift cards because of their sheer convenience. This shows how helpful they are for busy shoppers and picky recipients alike. Think about it: gift cards guarantee freedom. Freedom to choose, freedom to avoid the dreaded return line, and freedom for your business to stand out.

So, how do you create custom gift cards that actually make an impact? That’s exactly what we're going to be answering today.

Key takeaways

• Gift cards boost revenue, as most customers spend more than the card’s value when they redeem it.
• They bring in new customers, because every card you sell is an invitation for someone new to try your business.
• You can choose from physical or digital, monetary or experience, single-use or reloadable, and in-house or third-party cards.
• Your POS system should track every gift card sale, redemption and remaining balance.

Why gift cards are so important in today’s business world 

Now, before we get into our tips and tricks, let’s talk about why gift cards are so brilliant. Because there’s a reason why the gift card market hit a staggering $1.12 trillion this year and is projected to grow to more than $2.72 trillion by 2035. Here’s some benefits:

Increases your revenue

When someone's redeeming gift cards, they’re not always limiting their spend to what's on the gift card program alone. They’re browsing. They’re adding a little extra here. Upgrading there. That’s because, psychologically, gift cards feel like free money.

Let’s break it down. Imagine a customer, let’s call her Sandy. She’s got a $100 gift card to spend in-store. She’s walking around when she finds a coat she absolutely has to have. It’s $130. Now, without the gift card, she might hesitate. Maybe she’d second-guess herself or decide to wait for a sale.

But with that gift card she doesn’t even blink. She’s already mentally spent that $100, so the coat only feels like $30 out of her pocket. And, $30 for a coat feels like a complete steal, right? So she’s at the checkout before she’s even had a chance to overthink it.

Sandy isn’t the exception. 61% of consumers spend more than the value of their gift card, with an average overspend of $31.75 (USD). That’s a direct boost to your revenue, driven by the psychology of guilt-free spending.

Attracts new customers

You’ve got a favourite brand. You shop there, talk about it, maybe even dream about it. So, when the holidays hit, and you’re trying to find the perfect gift, what do you do? You grab a gift card from there. 

And just like that, your favourite brand is no longer just your favourite. It’s now someone else’s new discovery. That's brand awareness in action. When someone buys a gift card, they’re handing over an invitation to explore your business.

Think about the power in that. A gift card is a pass for someone who’s never been in your store to check you out, without any risk or hesitation. They’re already equipped with the potential to spend, and all you need to do is deliver an unforgettable experience.

With 30% of consumers discovering new brands through recommendations from friends or family, a gift card is your opportunity to grow your customer base, one recommendation at a time.

Can be used in promotions or deals

Gift cards can also be used as a tool you can leverage for bigger, better sales. Want to push a new product? Need to clear out some stock? Offering a gift card with a purchase is a clever way to get people to spend more and feel like they’re getting something extra in return.

Say you run a promotion where customers get a $25 gift card for every $100 they spend. What happens? They start looking at their cart and thinking, “Well, I might as well add one more item to use that gift card.” That’s a higher cart value, more sales, and happy customers who feel like they’re getting a deal.

Builds customer loyalty

Loyal customers are the lifeblood of your business. They’re not just coming back. No, they’re singing your praises, bringing their friends, and driving your growth. But loyalty isn’t built on a flimsy discount. It’s about creating a connection that really matters, and gift cards are the perfect way to do it.

Think about it. What carries more weight? A forgettable 10% off coupon buried in their inbox, or a digital gift card that feels like cash ready to be spent? It’s no contest. Gift cards are tangible. They’re personal. They scream, “We value you enough to give you real buying power.”

60% of consumers feel the same way stating that they prefer digital gift cards over discount codes or bonus “dollars” because they’re practical and exciting. A gift card creates another touchpoint with your brand. It invites customers back to shop, explore, and remember exactly why they love your business.

Personalisation drives higher customer satisfaction

Customers don’t want to feel like just another number. They want to feel seen. Valued. Understood.

81% of customers in a recent State of Customer Service and CX study said they prefer companies that offer personalised experiences. Not only that, but 70% of them believe it’s crucial for a company to know who they are - their history, their preferences, their quirks.

Gift cards can deliver that personal touch. Think customisable designs, the option to add heartfelt messages, or even suggesting gift cards based on customer preferences or shopping habits. When a customer can gift something that feels personal and thoughtful, it becomes an experience.

Types of gift cards available to customers 

Physical vs digital

Physical cards are something to hold, wrap and hand over, which makes them ideal for in-store sales and traditional gifting. Digital gift cards (or e-gift cards) are delivered by email or text, so they’re perfect for online shoppers and anyone who’s left it to the last minute. Many businesses offer both, so customers can choose whichever suits the occasion.

Monetary value vs experience vouchers

A monetary gift card holds a set amount, like $25, that can be spent on anything. An experience or product voucher is tied to something specific, like “afternoon tea for two,” “a 60-minute massage” or “a cocktail masterclass.” Experience vouchers work brilliantly for restaurants, salons and venues, because they feel more thoughtful than a number on a card and give the recipient a clear reason to book.

Single-use vs reloadable

Single-use cards are loaded once and spent until the balance runs out. Reloadable cards can be topped up again and again, which turns them into a mini loyalty tool. Think of a café where regulars load up a card and tap it every morning.

In-house vs third-party

In-house gift cards are ones you sell yourself, in your shop and on your website. You keep full control over pricing, design and the customer relationship. Third-party gift cards are sold through someone else, such as a gift card provider like Loyalzoo or LoyaltyDog, a POS company that has created one for their platform, like Epos Now. You could also be part of a local town or high street gift card scheme or corporate rewards platform. You’ll usually pay a fee or commission, but you get in front of buyers who might never have found you otherwise.

How to make gift cards for your business in 7 steps

1. Choose physical, digital or both. Start by deciding what format your gift cards will take. Physical cards are great for in-store impulse buys and feel like a “proper” present to unwrap, giving the recipient something to hold onto. Digital gift cards are perfect for last-minute shoppers and can land in someone’s inbox in seconds. Can’t decide? Offer both. The more ways customers can buy, the more they’ll buy.
2. Set your values and terms Next, decide how much your gift cards are worth. You can offer fixed amounts like $10, $25 and $50, or let customers choose their own value. Then get your terms in writing. Do your cards expire? If so, when? Can they be refunded or swapped for cash? What happens if one gets lost or stolen? Gift card laws vary by country (in the US, for example, most gift cards can’t expire within five years of purchase), so check what applies where you trade. Clear terms upfront save you awkward conversations at the till later.
3. Design your gift cards. Your gift card is a mini billboard for your brand, so make it look the part. Use your logo, brand colours and a design that matches the feel of your business. Think about seasonal versions too, like a festive design for Christmas or a floral one for Mother’s Day, making your cards feel like proper gifts when they're given to the recipient. And don’t forget the practical bits: a card number or barcode, the value (if fixed), and a short line on where to find your terms.
4. Print or set up digital delivery. For physical cards, work with a printer that specialises in plastic or card gift cards. They can add barcodes, magnetic strips or scratch-off PINs for security. For digital cards, set up a system that emails the gift card straight to the buyer or recipient, ideally with the option to add a personal message and schedule delivery for a specific date.
5. Set up selling in-store and online. Make your gift cards easy to find and easy to buy. In-store, display them near the till, where they’ll catch the eye of last-minute shoppers. Online, give them a dedicated page on your website and feature them on your homepage during busy gifting seasons. If you sell through social media, add them there too. Every extra sales channel is another chance to make a sale.
6. Set up redemption and balance tracking in your POS. This is the step you can’t skip. Your POS system needs to know when a gift card is sold, when it’s redeemed, and exactly how much balance is left. That way, customers can spend their card over several visits, your staff aren’t doing maths on the back of a receipt, and your accounts stay accurate. Remember, unspent gift card balances are money you owe customers, so you need to track them properly.
7. Promote your gift cards. Your gift cards won’t sell themselves if nobody knows they exist. Shout about them in your emails, on social media, on receipts and on signs in-store. Ramp up the promotion ahead of key gifting moments like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. You can also train staff to mention them at checkout. A simple “Did you know we do gift cards?” goes a long way.

How to create gift cards for your business with the Epos Now POS system

Creating gift cards for your business has never been easier with the Epos Now POS system, you just need to integrate it with apps like Vouchercart or Epos Now Loyalty. This powerful sales engine lets you sell your products and services as gift cards, vouchers, and tickets, streamlining the entire process with cutting-edge automation.

Here's how it works:

1. Quick setup: Creating your gift cards is simple. Just select the type of voucher you want, add a name, description, and price, and you're good to go.
2. Premium design options: Choose from a range of professionally designed templates that reflect your brand’s personality.
3. Automation: With our gift card system, the entire process (from selling to redeeming) runs on autopilot.
4. Checkout: Once your gift cards are created, they integrate seamlessly with your Epos Now POS system and integrated payment processing system, allowing customers to easily purchase, redeem, and manage their gift cards in-store and online.

Start selling gift cards today, and elevate your business with a simple, automated solution.

Tracking gift card transactions in your management system 

Gift cards are cash, plain and simple. You can’t afford to be sloppy with them. If you're not tracking every single transaction, you're flying blind.

Imagine your customer walks into your store with a $100 gift card. They make a purchase. If your POS system isn't capturing that data, how do you know when they've redeemed the full value? How do you know if there’s still balance left? What if there's an error, and your customer gets charged wrong?

Gift card tracking protects your revenue, your customers, and your brand. It ensures you’re not losing out on valuable data that helps you plan for the future. Tracking transactions via POS reports also lets you monitor trends, like how often gift cards are being redeemed, which products customers are purchasing with them, and, let’s be real, how much more they’re spending once they use them.

So, do yourself a favour. Make sure your POS system tracks every gift card transaction to the letter.

Factors to consider when choosing a gift card program

Choosing the right gift card program isn’t just about picking a pretty design and slapping a logo on it. No, it’s about understanding how this tool will work for your business and customers. Get this right, you're going to set yourself up for success. So here's a few factors you're going to want to get clear on:

• Flexibility: The more ways your gift card can be used, the better. Whether you’re selling gift cards for a physical location, or offering digital gift cards online, make sure your gift card program can cover all bases. For instance, a gift card that’s only redeemable at a single location or for a limited selection of products? That’s a missed opportunity. Make it easier for customers to spend, not harder.
• Gift card sales channel: Do you have an online store? Are you selling in-store only gift cards, or offering multichannel cards? The channels you sell your gift cards through matters a lot. If you’re only selling them in-store, you’re limiting your audience. But if you’re selling digital gift cards through your website, or even via social media or other sales channels, you’re broadening your reach exponentially.
• Easy integration with other systems: If your gift card program doesn’t seamlessly integrate with your POS system or existing ecommerce platforms, you’re setting yourself up for headaches. No one wants to deal with systems that don’t talk to each other, especially when it comes to redeeming gift cards or tracking transactions.

7 tips to create successful gift cards

You know what they are. You know why they're great. You even know the different types you can choose from. Now, let's talk about how to actually create successful gift cards that make your customers feel like they’re getting something truly special.

Prioritise customisation to provide a personal touch to your customers

If you want your gift cards to stand out, customisation is non-negotiable. Customers want to feel seen, heard, and valued - selling gift cards is a great way to deliver that. Offering customisable options allows customers to make the gift card feel personal, like it was made just for the recipient. Whether it’s a custom design, a personal message, or even a specific value, adding that personal touch elevates the experience. You can go beyond just the aesthetics. Think about additional features like offering options like custom messages, birthdays, or special occasions that make the gift card feel unique to the recipient.

Discount your gift cards to drive repeat sales

Offering a discount on your gift cards isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a smart, strategic move. When you discount gift cards, you’re not only giving your customers more bang for their buck, but you’re also setting yourself up for repeat business.

People love deals. Discounting gift cards creates a sense of urgency, driving customers to purchase gift cards sooner rather than later. They’ll feel like they’re getting something extra for their money, which encourages them to come back to your business to redeem those cards. And when they redeem those gift cards, you’re almost guaranteed to see them spending more than the value of the card.

Integrate gift cards into your loyalty program

When you offer gift cards as rewards for loyal customers, you're doing two things: first, you’re giving your existing customers something they can actually use. Second, you’re encouraging them to come back for more. After all, who doesn’t love the feeling of getting a gift card as a reward? It feels like a freebie, and everyone loves those. So, integrate gift cards into your loyalty programs. 

Collaborate with other brands

Collaborations can be mutually beneficial to those that participate in them. The Skims x North Face partnership took the fashion world by storm when those two got together, and don’t get us started on Wendy’s x SpongeBob. Selling the infamous Krabby Patty in store? Pure genius! The point here is that collaborations are a cultural phenomenon. And you can harness them for your gift card program.

Why stick to just your own brand’s gift cards? Team up with another brand. Create something that your customers can’t ignore. For example, imagine you’re a local coffee shop teaming up with a nearby yoga studio. You could offer a coffee + yoga combo gift card - perfect for those who need a caffeine boost before hitting the mat.

The possibilities are endless. You can create exclusive offers, bring together complementary products or services, and tap into new customer bases. The point is: don't limit yourself to just one brand. Teaming up amplifies your reach and makes your gift card even more desirable.

Use them as rewards in social media contests

Look, everyone loves a good giveaway, especially when there’s a gift card involved. So why not take advantage of this by using gift cards as prizes in your social media contests?

When people see a gift card on offer, they get excited. They’ll tag their friends, share your posts, and create buzz around your brand. It’s a win-win: you get new followers, and they get the chance to snag a gift card for your business. Plus, it’s an easy way to boost visibility and increase brand awareness without a huge budget.

Offer them as a response to customer complaints

63% of customers leave after just one bad experience. Let that sink in for a second. One slip-up, and they’re gone. So, how do you save the relationship? You don’t just apologise. You don’t just send a generic email. You offer them something that shows you genuinely care - a gift card.

When you do this, you're saying: “Hey, we get it. We messed up, and we want to make it right.” It’s a tangible way to show your commitment to customer satisfaction. Plus, the bonus? They’re now more likely to return, redeem that gift card, and maybe even spend more than they initially intended.

Make the most of them during holiday seasons

The holidays are here, and if you’re not leveraging gift cards, you’re missing out.

64% of consumers buy gift cards as holiday gifts. That’s a huge chunk of your audience, ready to spend. That same study found that 72% of holiday gift card buyers want their recipients to have the freedom to choose their own gifts. So why not give them exactly what they want?

Promote your gift cards aggressively and position them as the perfect holiday gift, easy to buy, personal to give, and always the right size.

Looking to improve your customer loyalty? Try Epos Now's in-house tools!

Every year, especially around the holidays, your business will see hordes of new customers, many of which you'll only see once or twice. But with an effective customer loyalty scheme, you can convert those new faces into repeat sales that power your business throughout the year.

From offering gift cards to loyalty rewards to offering a more personal service that anticipates what your customers will like, Epos Now is designed to capture and convert customer data while giving you access to tools you can use to shape your customer journeys!