As the holiday season approaches, eCommerce businesses everywhere are preparing for one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
To capitalize on this season, offering gift cards is one strategic move that can significantly boost holiday sales.
For businesses using Freestyle Software’s Multichannel Order Manager (M.O.M.), incorporating gift cards into your holiday strategy can not only streamline operations but also accelerate growth by reaching new customers and increasing purchase frequency.
Let’s dive into the ways gift cards can drive holiday sales and how they work seamlessly with your order management system to maximize profits.
Why Gift Cards Are a Holiday Essential
Gift cards are immensely popular, especially during the holiday season. They are often chosen by last-minute shoppers or those looking to give recipients the freedom to choose their gifts. According to recent studies, gift cards are one of the most requested items during the holidays, with billions of dollars spent annually on them. Here’s why gift cards make a smart addition to your product lineup:
- Encouraging Higher Spending
Shoppers using gift cards frequently spend more than the card’s value. This trend offers a huge advantage to eCommerce businesses, especially when users have an extensive catalog of products to choose from. Gift cards can turn a one-time holiday shopper into a long-term, loyal customer. - Attracting New Customers
Gift cards can act as a gateway for new customers who might otherwise be unfamiliar with your brand. When someone receives a gift card, they’re incentivized to explore your site and see what products you offer, providing a golden opportunity to make a lasting impression. - Reducing Holiday Returns
Gift cards can reduce the risk of returns since recipients have the freedom to select the items they truly want or need. Fewer returns mean less strain on your team, helping you streamline post-holiday operations. - Generating Repeat Business
When customers use gift cards, they’re more likely to return to your store and make additional purchases. This could be especially beneficial for those with an expansive product range, as customers may return to try other offerings.
Integrating Gift Cards with M.O.M. for Optimal Performance
With Freestyle’s M.O.M. platform, adding gift cards to your eCommerce site is straightforward. Here’s how gift cards work seamlessly within your existing order management system and boost efficiency:
- Streamlined Redemption and Fulfillment
M.O.M. allows you to integrate gift card transactions directly into your order management process, making tracking and fulfilling orders effortless. Since M.O.M. supports multi-channel orders, gift cards can be redeemed online, providing a seamless experience for both customers and your fulfillment team. - Advanced Reporting and Insights
One of M.O.M.’s standout features is its robust reporting capabilities. Track sales from gift cards, monitor usage patterns, and evaluate the impact of gift cards on average order values and repeat purchase rates. This insight can help you fine-tune future promotions, inventory, and sales strategies. - Enhanced Customer Experience
With M.O.M., your customers can seamlessly redeem their gift cards across channels. This flexibility not only makes it easy for shoppers to use their cards but also supports your brand’s omnichannel strategy.
Holiday Tips to Maximize Gift Card Success
- Promote Early and Often
Start marketing your gift card options early in the holiday season. Use banners, emails, and social media ads to ensure customers are aware of the convenience gift cards offer for holiday shopping. - Offer Digital and Physical Gift Card Options
Some customers prefer the instant delivery of digital cards, while others like the personal touch of a physical card. By offering both options, you meet the needs of more shoppers and increase the likelihood of gift card sales. - Consider Special Holiday Packaging
If offering physical gift cards, festive packaging can add a personal touch that makes your gift card feel like a special present. - Incentivize Gift Card Purchases
A popular tactic is to offer a small bonus, like a $5 card for every $50 gift card purchase, to encourage customers to choose your gift cards over competitors. M.O.M.’s integrated promotions features make it easy to implement these incentives seamlessly.
Boost Sales and Simplify Operations with Gift Cards
Gift cards are more than just a holiday product; they’re an opportunity for increased sales, new customer acquisition, and enhanced customer satisfaction. With Freestyle Software’s M.O.M., implementing a gift card strategy is simple, effective, and highly profitable. Whether you’re seeking to streamline your holiday operations or grow your customer base, incorporating gift cards could be the strategic move that makes this season your most successful yet.
Ready to take your holiday sales strategy to the next level? Contact us to learn how we can support your growth and efficiency goals this holiday season.
