Restaurant gift cards that are sold online are an easy way to drive sales. Customers can purchase them anytime, anywhere, making it convenient to give them as gifts or buy them themselves. By offering gift cards online, restaurants can reach a wider audience and encourage people to spend more at their businesses. Whether during the holidays, special events, or just as a treat, online gift cards can attract new customers and boost repeat visits, helping restaurants grow their sales even when times are tough.
Why Restaurant Should Use Gift Cards Online
Offering gift cards online can be a strategic move for restaurants, providing a range of benefits that enhance customer engagement and boost revenue. Gift cards act as a form of prepaid revenue, allowing customers to purchase them in advance. This can lead to immediate cash flow and encourages customers to spend more than the card's value when they redeem it.
Gift cards can introduce new customers to your restaurant. Recipients of gift cards may not have dined at your establishment before, providing an opportunity to showcase your menu and service. Offering gift cards can foster customer loyalty. Customers who receive gift cards are likely to return, and if they enjoy their experience, they may become repeat patrons.
Gift cards are a convenient gift choice for customers looking to give a present without the hassle of selecting a specific item. This convenience can drive more sales during holidays and special occasions.
Benefits Of Restaurant Gift Cards In Challenging Times
Gift cards have always been a helpful way for restaurants to make extra money. However, in times of high inflation and rising food costs, gift cards have become even more important. They offer several key benefits that can help restaurants during difficult periods, especially when recovering from crises like the pandemic.
Immediate Cash Flow Relief
One of the biggest benefits of selling gift cards is the immediate cash flow they provide. Restaurants often have small profit margins, and many are still working to recover from financial losses during the pandemic. Gift cards work like mini loans, giving restaurants quick access to money without the cost of making and selling goods. When customers buy gift cards, restaurants can use that cash immediately to pay for important things like rent, supplies, and employee wages.
Increased Brand Awareness
In today’s busy world, staying in customers' minds is essential. Gift cards help with this by reminding people to visit your restaurant. When customers buy gift cards, they are planning a future visit and helping your brand stay visible. You can even use gift cards to showcase your restaurant’s unique style and branding. This ensures that your place will be at the top of people's minds when they want to dine out, helping to bring in business over your competitors.
Boosting Sales Beyond The Gift Card Value
Another great benefit of gift cards is that customers often spend more than the card’s value. Studies show that around 72% of people spend more than what their gift card is worth. This means that gift cards bring customers to your restaurant and increase sales. Even if customers don’t pay the entire amount on their first visit, they are more likely to return to use the remaining balance, giving your restaurant another chance to earn.
Attracting New Customers
Gift cards are also a great way to bring in new customers. Regular customers who enjoy your restaurant can buy gift cards for friends and family, introducing them to your food and service. In fact, 44% of consumers say gift cards encourage them to try new places they wouldn’t have visited. This can help you grow your customer base and attract new guests to your restaurant.
Supporting Small And Local Businesses
Since the pandemic, more people want to support small, local businesses. Gift cards provide an easy way for loyal customers to do just that. Many independent restaurants have regulars happy to support them, and gift cards offer a simple and effective way for those customers to show their support. According to a 2021 study, 82% of consumers planned to spend more money to help local businesses recover after the pandemic.
How To Use Online Gift Cards To Boost Restaurant Success
Restaurants can effectively use online gift cards to boost sales and build customer loyalty, creating a win-win situation for the business and its patrons. Here are some strategies:
Encourage Staff To Promote Gift Cards
Involving your staff is one of the best ways to increase gift card sales. Start by providing training sessions explaining the advantages of gift cards to customers and the restaurant. For instance, gift cards can help the restaurant gain new customers and improve cash flow. Equip your team with talking points and marketing materials they can use during customer interactions.
Consider implementing an incentive program where employees earn bonuses or rewards for every gift card sold. This motivates staff to promote the cards and creates a sense of ownership and pride in their sales efforts. When employees believe in the product and understand its value, they are likelier to encourage customers to purchase gift cards. Regularly recognize and celebrate staff members who excel in promoting gift cards, which can foster a competitive and enthusiastic atmosphere.
Offer Digital Gift Card Options
In today's digital age, providing digital gift card options is essential. Customers appreciate the convenience of purchasing and redeeming gift cards online, especially when looking for last-minute gifts or personal treats. Ensure your restaurant's website or mobile app is user-friendly, allowing customers to navigate the gift card section easily.
Promote the availability of digital gift cards through your website and social media channels. Highlight features such as instant delivery via email, customizable amounts, and the ability to schedule delivery for future dates. When customers can buy and send gift cards without leaving their homes, it significantly increases the likelihood of purchases.
Launch Targeted Email Campaigns
Email marketing is a powerful tool for driving gift card sales. Create targeted email campaigns that remind customers about gift cards, especially around holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. Personalize these emails by addressing customers by name and recommending gift card amounts based on their previous spending patterns.
In your email campaigns, highlight current promotions or special deals on gift cards, such as bonus amounts for specific purchases. For example, an email could say, “Buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus! Perfect for the holiday season!” Make sure to include clear calls to action that direct customers to the purchase page for gift cards. Consistently engage with your email list to keep your restaurant top-of-mind for potential buyers.
Utilize Social Media For Gift Card Promotions
Social media platforms are excellent channels for promoting gift cards. Create engaging content highlighting their benefits, such as convenience and versatility. Share eye-catching images and videos showcasing your gift cards, and encourage customers to tag friends or family members they would like to treat.
Leverage customer testimonials by sharing stories of satisfied customers who used gift cards at your restaurant. You can also run social media promotions that encourage followers to share posts or stories about gift cards for a chance to win prizes or discounts. Targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can further enhance your reach, attracting new customers who may not have considered purchasing a gift card.
Promote The Idea Of Self-Gifting
Self-gifting is a growing trend, and promoting this idea can significantly boost sales. Marketing campaigns highlighting the joy of treating oneself can encourage customers to buy gift cards for themselves. Special discounts or rewards can also make it an attractive option.
For example, you might run a campaign stating, “Treat yourself with our gift cards! Enjoy an additional 10% off your next purchase when you buy one yourself!” This approach increases gift card sales and builds customer loyalty, as customers will likely return to redeem their gift cards.
Add Value With Special Offers
To enhance the attractiveness of your gift cards, consider adding extra value when customers purchase them. This could be in the form of small rewards, such as a complimentary appetizer, dessert, or drink with the purchase of a gift card. These offers make the idea of buying a gift card more appealing and encourage customers to make a purchase.
You can also create limited-time promotions, such as “Buy a gift card this month and receive a 20% discount on your next meal.” These special offers can create urgency and incentivize customers to act quickly.
Create Gift Card Bundles
Bundling gift cards with other items can be an effective strategy for boosting sales. For instance, you could offer a gift card along with a meal package, dessert, or a drink for a special price. This adds value for the customer and encourages them to spend more at your restaurant.
Promote these bundles through your website, social media, and in-store displays. Highlight the savings customers will receive by purchasing the bundle rather than buying items separately. This approach can help increase gift card sales while driving more traffic to your restaurant.
Expand Your Digital Growth With Checkmate
Purchasing and utilizing restaurant gift cards online brings numerous benefits, including convenience, instant delivery, and flexibility for buyers and recipients. Using Checkmate's platform, restaurants can streamline operations and maximize gift card sales. Implementing strategies like encouraging staff to promote gift cards, running targeted email campaigns, and leveraging social media will help boost your sales potential.
With Checkmate, you can easily navigate common challenges such as loss, redemption issues, and expiration dates, ensuring a seamless customer experience. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your restaurant's digital presence and increase revenue through effective gift card management!
