Adding a gift card to your Shopify business is a great way to expand its products and give customers more choices regarding shopping. Including a Shopify gift card can revolutionize your business, whether your goals are to increase revenue, draw in new clients, or enhance cash flow. In this blog, we’ll walk you through setting up gift cards on Shopify with 99minds so you can easily manage and personalize your gift card program. Let’s get started by delving into the matter.
What is a Shopify Gift Card?
1. What are Gift Cards?
Gift cards are prepaid cards that customers can purchase at online stores and use as a means of payment. Shopify gift cards are a popular choice for many online stores. Customers buy a digital gift card, which they can later use to shop online. This digital gift card offers a convenient and flexible payment method for both the buyer and the recipient, enhancing the shopping experience in Shopify stores.
2. What does Shopify do?
Shopify is one of the top e-commerce platforms for creating and running online stores. It offers many features and capabilities, such as integrated payment gateways, fully customizable store designs, and numerous app connections, to assist businesses in selling goods and services online.
3. Gift Cards for Shopify
Shopify-built e-commerce shops can employ 99minds, an advanced gift card platform, or Shopify's built-in gift cards. Shopify gift cards enable customers to buy digital gift cards that can be used to redeem goods in your online store. They operate perfectly within the Shopify ecosystem.
These digital gift cards improve the purchasing experience for both purchasers and receivers by providing a practical and adaptable payment option. Shopify’s built-in gift card capability or sophisticated gift card networks like 99minds can be used by Shopify online retailers. The following are the salient features of Shopify gift cards:
Digital Format: Gift cards are purchased and sent digitally by customers.
Redemption: You can use these gift cards to make purchases from the store.
Integration: They function flawlessly within the Shopify network.
Convenience: They give the buyer and the recipient a useful and flexible payment alternative.
How do Shopify Gift Cards Work?
Purchase: Customers can purchase Shopify gift cards issued in the Shopify store or from merchants using the Shopify platform. These gift cards can be physical or email codes sent to the recipient.
Redemption: Beneficiaries can redeem the gift card's value at checkout at any store that accepts it as payment. They only accept specialty gift cards sent via mail or email.
Usage: The Shopify gift card's value is subtracted from the total purchase amount. If the purchase exceeds the gift card amount, the buyer may pay the balance using another valid payment method.
Balance check: Beneficiaries can check their gift cards through the card issuer or by entering the gift card on the store's website.
Advantages of Using Shopify Gift Card
Integrating gift cards into your shopping cart can provide various benefits beyond revenue. Let's look at each benefit to understand why gift cards are such an important tool for e-commerce businesses.
1. Boost Sales
Immediate revenue: Gift cards are prepaid cards that customers can purchase and use. This means you'll get the money upfront and get a quick boost to your money. During shopping seasons like holidays or special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, gift card sales can increase, adding significantly to your overall sales.
Upselling opportunities: When customers come to use gift cards, they often spend more than the card's value. This presents a golden opportunity to market or sell additional products. For example, if a customer has a $50 gift card and finds items worth $60, they can purchase them and pay the difference out of pocket.
2. Customer Retention
Repeat visits: Gift cards encourage your customers to return to your store to redeem their money. This not only increases traffic to your website or physical store but also provides more points to connect with customers and showcase products or marketing.
Increases loyalty: Customers are more likely to build a relationship with you when they use gift cards to shop at your store. An emotional connection can lead to greater loyalty, with customers choosing your store over the competition for their next purchase.
Example: Let’s say a customer buys a gift certificate from your store for his birthday. They have a better shopping experience, find products they like, and choose to become regular customers. Over time, they become loyal to your brand, recommend it to friends and family, and buy again and again.
3. Flexibility
Personalized shopping experience: Customers can choose exactly what they want, ensuring they get something they'll love. A unique shopping experience can lead to more satisfied customers and better reviews.
Easy gift giving: Gift cards are beneficial for both the giver and the recipient. They take the stress out of choosing the perfect gift for gift-givers while giving the recipient the pleasure of choosing what they want or need.
Example: Imagine a customer who wants to buy a gift for a friend who loves fashion but is unsure of her taste. They can give a gift of their choice with a gift card at your store, ensuring their friend gets something they’ll love.
Difference Between Adding to a Gift Card vs. Creating a Gift Card
1. Create an account on Shopify
You must have a live Shopify account to sell gift cards on the platform. This is how to begin:
Register: Visit Shopify's website to create an account. Inputting your store name, setting up a password, and supplying an email address are required.
Select a Plan: Choose a pricing plan based on your requirements. Shopify provides a variety of plans, each with unique features.
Setup Your Store: Enter your store details, including your address, currency, and time zone, by following the setup instructions. Tailor the theme and style of your store to reflect your brand.
2. Add vs. Create Share Their Difference
To manage your store effectively, you must know the difference between adding and creating gift cards in Shopify.
Add Gift Cards: Adding gift cards usually means turning on your Shopify store's gift card feature. This entails setting up things that people can buy with gift cards. How to add gift cards is as follows:
Go to Products: Select Gift Cards under Products in your Shopify admin.
Activate Gift Cards: To sell gift cards, click the link. You might need to update your Shopify plan to one that accepts gift cards if you can't see this option.
Add a Product Gift Card: To add a gift card product, click Add. Add the required information, including the image upload, denominations (values), title, and description.
Save and Release: Once you have saved your edits, publish the gift card product. Customers will be able to buy it from now on.
3.Create Gift Cards
In order to create gift cards, gift cards must be manually issued for customer service or promotional purposes. Straight from the Shopify admin is where you do this. This is how one makes a gift card:
Go to Products: Go to Gift Cards under Products.
Give out gift cards: Select "Gift card issue" by clicking.
Add Information: Enter the gift card's information, such as the starting value, the recipient's details, and any personalized notes. If necessary, you can also define an expiration date.
Save and Send: After entering all the information, save the gift card. You can email the gift card's unique code which Shopify will generate to the recipient.
How to Get Started with Shopify Gift Cards?
There are several steps involved in getting started with Shopify gift cards. Here is a thorough how-to to assist you with the procedure:
1.Enable Gift Cards
It's simple to enable gift cards in your Shopify store. You can alter them once they're turned on to appear like your brand. You can also restrict gift cards to specific products or collections to increase sales and inventory control.
To enable gift cards on Shopify, follow these steps:
Log in to Shopify: Go to your Shopify admin dashboard.
Navigate to Products: Click on "Products" from the sidebar menu.
Choose Gift Cards: Select "Gift Cards" from the list of product types.
Enable Gift Cards: Check the box that says "Enable Gift Card Support" to activate gift cards for your store.
Save Settings: Click "Save" to confirm your changes.
Set Up Your Gift Card Products: After enabling gift cards, you can create and manage gift card products like any other product in your store. This includes setting denominations, customizing designs, and managing sales.
2. Customize Your Gift Cards
Adding your store's logo, colors, and a customized message to your gift cards will make them look more appealing. Shopify provides gift card layouts, so you can make gifts that look great.
Add Gift Card on Shopify
Adding gift cards to your cart is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. In this section, we’ll walk you through the detailed process of adding gift items to your store.
- Go to Shopify Admin > Products.
- Go to Products, then select Gift Cards.
- Select the Add Gift Card Product Option.
- Fill in the Gift Card Product details such as:
Gift Card Product Title
Description: The name of the gift card.
Usage: Displayed on the product page, store catalog, and search results.
Gift Card Product Description.
Description: Details about the gift card, including value, terms, and redemption process.
Usage: Provides customers with necessary information on the product page.
Upload an Image
Description: Visual representation of the gift card.
Usage: Shown on the product page, store catalog, and search results.
Status
Description: Indicates if the gift card is active or inactive.
Usage: Controls whether the gift card is available for purchase.
Publishing
Description: Sets when the gift card is available to customers.
Usage: Determines the visibility of the gift card in your store.
Product Organization
Description: Categories, tags, and collections.
Usage: Helps organize products, making it easier for customers to find and for you to manage inventory.
- On the same screen also define the denominations for your gift card. **Denomination: **The specific value or amount assigned to a gift card, such as $10, $25, $50, or $100.
- You can even update the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) parameters for your gift card.
- Once you have shared all the needed information. You can update the card’s status as active or draft.
- Choose where you want to publish this gift card from the publishing section.
- Fill out the product organization fields
In this, you need to enter -
Gift Card Product Title
Description: The name of the gift card.
Usage: Appears on the product page, store catalog, and search results.
Gift Card Product Description
Description: Details about the gift card, such as value, terms, and redemption process.
Usage: Provides essential information on the product page.
Upload an Image
Description: A visual representation of the gift card.
Usage: **Displayed on the product page, store catalog, and search results.
**Status
Description: Indicates whether the gift card is active or inactive.
Usage: Controls availability for purchase.
Publishing
Description: Sets when the gift card will be available to customers.
Usage: Determines the visibility of the gift card in your store.
Product Organization
Product Type
Description: The label describing your product category, e.g., "Gift Card".
Usage: Helps categorize the product for better organization and searchability.
Vendor:
Description: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
Usage: Useful for tracking inventory and for customers to filter by brand.
Collections:
Description: Groups of products that are organized together, e.g., "Holiday Specials.".
Usage: Helps customers find related products and improves navigation.
Tags:
Description: Keywords that describe the product, such as "gift, holiday, birthday".
Usage: Enhances searchability within your store, making it easier for customers to find the product through search filters.
- After filling up all the fields, select the button save the gift card product. Shopify will make your gift card live on your store.
Create Gift Card on Shopify
Creating a gift card is a simple process that involves generating a unique code, customizing the design, and creating a shopping cart. In this section, we'll walk you through each step to ensure you can seamlessly create and manage gift cards on your Shopify store.
- Go to Shopify Admin, then go to “Products.”
- Select “Gift cards”.
- A page will appear on your screen where you have to select the create Gift Card button.
- After selecting the option, you will be redirected to a page. Where the gift card code field will already have an automatically generated code and the gift card’s initial value. You can edit both these fields if you want to.
- If you want to set an expiry date for the Gift Card, You can select either of the options.
Shopify selects the no expiration date option by default, but you can change it if needed.
- If you want to issue this Gift Card for specific customers, You can do it too, From Here.
- After Filling In All The Fields, Select The Activate Button And Activate The Gift Card.
Use of Creating Gift Cards on Shopify
Creating gift cards on Shopify allows you to manually issue gift cards for various purposes without direct sales. These gift cards can be used in scenarios such as:
Promotions, Incentives, or Rewards: Offer gift cards as part of marketing campaigns or loyalty programs.
Custom Denominations: Issue gift cards in specific amounts not available in your standard gift card products.
Refunds or Store Credit: Provide gift cards as compensation for returns or customer service issues.
How to Disable Gift Cards?
Shopify offers an easy way to temporarily or permanently block gift cards. Below, we’ll show you in detail how to block gift cards on your Shopify store.
1. Delete the Added Gift Card Products
Step 1: Click on ProductsAdmin to Product
Step 2: Clicks on Gift CardsGIFT CARD
Step 3: Click the gift card code you want to deleteGIFT CARD CODE
Step 4: Click on view gift card productsView gift card product
Step 5: Click on the 3 dots option.Click on 3 dots
Step 6: A dropdown will appear from which you select the Delete Products option.DELETE PRODOUCT
And done. The gift card products are deleted.
2.Disable the Gift Cards
Step 1: Click on ProductsAdmin to Product
Step 2: Clicks on Gift CardsGIFT CARD
Step 3: Click the gift card code you want to disableGIFT CARD CODE
Step 4: Click on disable selected gift cardDEACTIVE GIFT CARD
Step 5: Click on disable gift cardClick on deactive
Step 6: Click on disabled
What is Shopify Gift Card Balance?
Understanding the concept of gift card fees is important for both merchants and customers. The remaining balance on a gift card is the remaining amount that a customer can use with their gift card. It’s like a wallet that’s attached to a gift card that holds the money until it’s used up or until the gift card expires.
1. How Does It Work?
When a customer purchases or receives a gift card from your Shopify store, the total value of the gift card is loaded onto the card as its initial balance. As the customer makes purchases using the gift card, the balance decreases accordingly.
2. Tracking Balance
Shopify automatically tracks and updates the gift card balance for each card. Customers can check their gift card balance at any time by visiting your store's gift card page or during the checkout process. The remaining balance is displayed, allowing customers to know how much they have left to spend.
3. Expiry and Refunds
It's important to note that gift card balances may have expiration dates, depending on your store's gift card policy. Additionally, some jurisdictions require merchants to refund the remaining balance in cash under certain circumstances, such as when the balance falls below a certain amount or when the gift card expires.
4. Managing and Redeeming
Merchants can also view and manage gift card balances through Shopify's admin panel. This allows you to keep track of gift card sales, redemptions, and remaining balances, ensuring accurate accounting and customer service.
Promote Your Shopify Gift Card
When your gift cards are prepared, advertise them via email newsletters, social media pages, and the homepage of your website. To increase sales, create a sense of urgency with time-limited discounts or free shipping offers.
1. Offer Gift Card Discounts:
Reduce the cost of gift cards to boost sales. For instance, provide a 20% discount on a $50 gift card or sell a $10 gift card for $5. These sales incentives persuade clients to purchase additional gift cards, increasing your earnings.
Monitor the usage of your gift cards by keeping track of your transactions. Determine whether collections or products are well-liked by gift card holders. Make changes to your pricing and inventory strategy based on this data.
2. Use Gift Cards for Marketing:
- Include gift cards in the promotions you run. Customers who spend a specific amount or subscribe to your email newsletter can receive a gift card. Sales can rise and new clients can be drawn in using this tactic.
3. Utilize for Refunds:
- When compared to cash returns, gift cards can be a great substitute. Giving customers a gift card as a reimbursement when they return things helps keep the money in your business and promotes repeat business.
4. Apply as Retail Credit
- Give gift cards as store credit in exchange for kind customer service or loyalty points. This encourages repeat business and raises client satisfaction.
5. Sales During the Holiday Season
- The best time to promote gift cards is over the holidays. Make unique gift cards with holiday themes and run time-limited sales to take advantage of the purchasing frenzy.
Building a Gift Card Program With 99minds vs Shopify's Default Gift Card Features
While Shopify offers a robust platform for managing gift cards, which can effectively function as store credit, there are several areas where Shopify’s default gift card features may fall short, especially for businesses looking for more tailored solutions:
Feature Shopify’s Default Gift Cards 99minds Gift Card Program
Customization Limitations Basic customization options, limited alignment with brand identity Advanced customization for tailored branding and marketing strategies
Advanced Marketing Tools Basic functionalities, lacks advanced promotional tools Supports complex promotional strategies like gamified rewards
Integration and Flexibility Limited flexibility, basic integration within Shopify’s platform High flexibility, seamless integration with other marketing tools such as Bigcommerce, Woocommerce, SquarePOS, etc.
Refund Options Allows gift cards as refunds but with limited management flexibility More straightforward and flexible refund management
For businesses aiming to provide a more tailored, engaging, and integrated store credit or gift card experience, 99minds offers significant advantages over Shopify’s default capabilities. To explore how 99minds can enhance your store credit program, visit 99minds.
Conclusion
Integrating gift cards into your Shopify store can revolutionize your eCommerce strategy. Its benefits range from increasing sales and customer loyalty to providing personalized shopping opportunities and promoting brand flexibility. It's the right tools and platforms like 99minds.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your reach, gift cards are a versatile and effective way to connect with customers and generate revenue. So take the plunge and set up your gift cards on Shopify today to see how it can take your business to the next level.
Top comments (0)