Offering e-gift cards at your restaurant is a clever strategy for several reasons. They provide quick cash flow, attract more customers, and can increase your earnings, as people usually spend extra when using a gift card. While it’s clear that selling gift cards is a good idea, you still need to decide if you want to offer physical cards, digital ones, or a mix of both.
What are restaurant E-Gift cards?
Restaurant gift cards are either physical or digital cards that customers buy, loaded with a specific amount, like $50 or $100. The main idea is for customers to gift these cards to others so they can enjoy a meal at your restaurant. Offering gift cards is a smart strategy for boosting sales since they can attract new diners and keep regulars coming back for more. A survey found that 80% of people planned to buy gift cards each year, and 46% said they prefer gift cards over traditional gifts.
Restaurant E-Gift Cards
Digital gift cards for restaurants are essentially electronic cards that can be purchased online and sent via email to someone special. They can be easily redeemed using a smartphone. These online gift cards are gaining popularity for several reasons, which we’ll explore shortly. Plus, a 2022 study found that people tend to spend more on e-gift cards compared to traditional ones.
Benefits of E-Gift Cards
1. Super simple to buy, send, and use
If you’re all about instant gratification, e-gift cards are perfect for you. They’re incredibly easy to buy and send, arriving in the recipient’s inbox with just a click. Guests can even schedule the delivery of their gift cards, making it easier to plan ahead. As for redemption, diners can use their e-gift cards either in the restaurant, via the restaurant’s app, or when ordering online from the comfort of their homes.
2. Cheaper and Eco-Friendly
E-gift cards are a more budget-friendly option for restaurants compared to physical cards, as they don’t require plastic production. Moreover, since no plastic is involved, they help reduce waste, making them a greener choice for the environment.
3. Contactless Cards
After the COVID-19 pandemic shook things up, people are increasingly seeking contactless options. E-gift cards are perfect for both buyers and recipients, as no physical contact is required. What’s more, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of new payment technologies, so more people are now comfortable using contactless payment methods than ever before.
4. Personalisation
Personalisation is important to today’s shoppers. A whopping 90% of consumers find personalised experiences appealing. Fortunately, many e-gift card platforms allow customers to customise their gifts for various occasions or holidays. This opens the door for restaurants to enhance their holiday gift card promotions, enabling customers to share that personal touch for birthdays, Mother’s Day, and beyond.
Using gift cards at your restaurant is a fantastic way to boost sales and improve the customer experience. By offering both physical and e-gift cards, you can enjoy the benefits of each. Whether you’re looking to attract new diners, delight regulars, or streamline operations, e-gift cards offer a range of advantages that can give your restaurant a competitive edge.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your guest experience and increase your earnings. Contact us today to learn how we can help you implement a successful marketing strategy tailored to your restaurant’s needs.