The Best Gift Card Providers for Small Businesses
Gift cards have become a must-have tool for small businesses looking to boost revenue, attract new customers, and enhance customer loyalty. Be it digital or physical, it provides an easy way for people to support their favorite businesses while also serving as a powerful marketing strategy.
For small business owners, a gift card program is a revenue-driving asset. When customers purchase gift cards, businesses receive immediate cash flow, and statistics show that most customers spend beyond the card’s value when redeeming them. This makes them a profitable investment, helping businesses increase sales without adding inventory or services.
However, choosing the right gift card provider is crucial. The best providers offer easy integration with point-of-sale (POS) systems, allow businesses to customize their cards, and support both digital and physical formats. A well-implemented gift card system can enhance brand visibility, improve customer retention, and open new revenue streams.
Why Do Gift Cards Matter for Small Businesses?
Gift cards are more than just a convenience for customers. They offer significant benefits for businesses:
- Immediate Revenue: Customers pay for the gift card upfront, providing businesses with instant cash flow.
- Increased Sales: Many customers spend more than the value of the gift card when redeeming it.
- Brand Awareness: Each card acts as a marketing tool, keeping your business top-of-mind.
- Loyalty & Retention: Encourages repeat business by giving customers a reason to return.
- Reduced Returns: Unlike traditional purchases, gift cards don’t get returned, minimizing refund hassles.
Offering these cards can help small businesses build a steady stream of revenue while enhancing customer relationships.
5 Top Gift Card Providers for Small Businesses
1. DuraCard: High-Quality Custom Gift Card Printing
DuraCard specializes in gift card printing, offering durable plastic cards with full customization options. It provides high-quality designs and compatibility with most POS systems, making it ideal for businesses that want professional-looking gift cards.
Key Features:
- Custom plastic gift cards for business with magnetic strips, barcodes, or numbering
- High-quality, full-color printing for brand visibility
- Design support with easy-to-use templates or custom uploads
- Bulk order discounts for businesses needing large quantities
- Compatible with most major POS systems
Why It Stands Out:
- Offers long-lasting, premium-quality cards
- Provides complete control over design and branding
- Ideal for businesses that want a professional, physical gift card option
DuraCard is a great choice for businesses looking for physical gift card printing with top-tier quality.
2. Square: All-in-One Digital & Physical Gift Cards
Square provides an easy-to-use gift card solution for businesses already using Square POS. It offers both digital and physical gift cards with seamless tracking and transaction management.
Key Features:
- Digital and physical cards
- Customizable designs with business branding
- QR codes and barcodes for simple redemption
- Automated tracking of gift card balances
- Integration with Square’s marketing tools for promotions
Why It Stands Out:
- Easy to set up and manage for businesses already using Square POS
- Allows businesses to sell these cards both online and in-store
- No extra hardware required for redemption
3. GiftFly: Best eGift Card Solution for Online Businesses
GiftFly offers a fully digital card system, allowing businesses to sell electronic gift cards that customers can send via email or text. This is a cost-effective alternative to traditional plastic cards.
Key Features:
- 100% digital gift card solution
- Mobile-friendly platform for quick purchases and redemptions
- No printing or shipping costs, making it highly cost-effective
- Real-time tracking of transactions and balances
- Simple integration with websites and social media
Why It Stands Out:
- Eliminates the need for physical cards for business, reducing expenses
- Works well for businesses that rely on online sales
- Provides a quick and eco-friendly way to offer cards
GiftFly is an excellent choice for businesses that want an entirely digital gift card system.
4. 99minds: Best for Businesses with Online & In-Store Sales
99minds is a gift card provider that supports both physical and digital cards, making it a great option for businesses with multiple sales channels.
Key Features:
- Works with Shopify, BigCommerce, Square, and other platforms
- Customizable designs for branding
- Supports multiple business locations for seamless integration
- Digital and physical options
- Built-in analytics for tracking sales and usage
Why It Stands Out:
- Great for businesses that need a unified gift card solution across different sales channels
- Helps businesses manage multi-location gift card programs efficiently
- Provides valuable insights into customer spending habits
5. Merchant Services Gift Cards: Best for POS Integration
Merchant services providers often include gift card solutions that integrate with existing payment systems, making it easy to track and redeem gift cards directly from a business’s POS.
Key Features:
- Full integration with existing POS systems
- Custom branding options for gift card printing
- Centralized reporting for tracking balances and redemptions
- Bulk ordering options for high-volume sales
Why It Stands Out:
- Works seamlessly with existing merchant services
- Provides an easy way to manage these cards alongside other transactions
- Ideal for businesses that want a simple, built-in gift card program
How to Choose the Right Gift Card Provider?
When selecting a gift card provider, consider these factors:
- Digital vs. Physical Cards: Some businesses benefit from both options, while others may prefer a fully digital or physical system.
- Customization & Branding: A customized gift card reinforces your brand and looks professional.
- POS & eCommerce Compatibility: Ensure your gift card provider integrates with your sales system.
- Costs & Fees: Some providers charge setup fees, transaction fees, or per-card fees. Compare pricing before choosing.
- Compliance & Regulations: Some regions have laws regarding expiration dates and fees on gift cards for business.
How To Promote Your Business’s Gift Cards?
Once you’ve chosen a gift card provider, it’s essential to market them effectively.
- Display gift card signage at checkout counters.
- Promote gift cards on your website and social media.
- Send marketing emails highlighting your gift card program.
- Offer special deals, such as a discount when customers buy multiple cards.
- Create seasonal promotions around holidays and special events.
A well-marketed gift card program can generate significant revenue and attract new customers.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right gift card provider can help small businesses grow, retain customers, and boost revenue. Whether you need printed gift cards, digital options, or a system that integrates with your POS, there are excellent solutions available. Investing in a well-planned gift card program can create lasting customer loyalty and drive long-term business success.
FAQs
1. Can gift cards increase customer spending?
Yes, customers often spend more than the gift card value, leading to higher sales.
2. Do I need a POS system to sell gift cards?
Not necessarily. Digital gift card providers like GiftFly allow you to sell them without a POS system. However, if you want physical gift cards, integration with a POS is beneficial.
3. How much should I charge for gift cards?
Most businesses offer flexible amounts, such as $10, $25, $50, or $100. It’s best to align your gift card pricing with your typical transaction amounts.
4. Do gift cards have expiration dates?
This depends on local laws. Some regions prohibit expiration dates, while others allow them with proper disclosure. Always check regulations in your area.
5. Are there extra costs for setting up a gift card program?
It varies by provider. Some charge a setup fee, while others only charge per transaction or per card ordered. Always review pricing details before committing.