Last-minute holiday shopping is not for the faint of heart. Anybody who’s been in that situation knows the nail-biting suspense of racing against the clock to find the perfect gift.
This year, it’s going to get even trickier.
The 2024 holiday season will have a shortened shopping period of just 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s a whole week less than usual.
In other words, there’ll be even more pressure this time around to get those gifts in time.
Fortunately, there is a great option for last-minute shoppers on the hunt for quick, convenient, yet meaningful gifts.
Digital gift cards for small businesses!
They are increasingly popular because of their convenience and practicality.
Digital gift cards eliminate the risk of presenting someone with a disappointing gift. Instead, they give your loved ones the freedom to pick something they actually want.
In this article, we discuss how digital gift cards can save the day for last-minute shoppers. We also explore how small business owners can integrate gift cards to boost sales and make the most of the holiday season.
What Makes Gift Cards for Small Businesses Ideal for Last-Minute Shoppers?
- Instant gratification: No waiting, no wrapping—send instantly via email or text.
- Total flexibility: Recipients get to pick exactly what they want and avoid unwanted gifts.
- Stress-free shopping: Perfect for last-minute gifting without foraging through crowded stores.
- Guilt-free spending: It feels like bonus money, allowing recipients to indulge without buyer’s remorse.
- Digital wallet-friendly: Easy to store and use, given the wide popularity of mobile wallets.
Why Businesses Should Offer Digital Gift Cards
Digital gift cards aren’t just a quick fix for last-minute shoppers—they’re a brilliant strategy for small businesses looking to grow.
Here’s why:
- Increased Revenue Without Extra Effort: When someone receives a gift card, they usually end up spending more than the card’s value. If a customer has a $50 gift card, for instance, they're prone to impulse buying or purchasing a higher-value item. That means more money in your register without having to push additional sales.
- Higher Customer Retention: Gift cards give people a reason to visit your business, and they’re likely to return as long as they have a good experience. Someone coming in to spend their gift card at your local cafe, for instance, would love to come back if they like the coffee, the atmosphere, or even just the service. One good visit can turn a first-time guest into a loyal customer.
- Competitive Edge Over Big Retailers: You’re not just competing with local shops anymore—you’re up against big-name retailers too. Offering digital gift cards for your small business gives your brand a significant edge. They enable you to provide the same convenience that customers expect from big companies, with the added bonus of a personal, local touch. Many shoppers prefer the idea of a small business offering big business perks.
- Build Your Email List: It’s a golden opportunity for business owners every time someone buys a digital gift card and enters their email. You can use it to stay connected by sending promotions, updates, or personalized offers. It keeps your business ‘top of mind’ for future purchases and gives you a fantastic way to keep in touch with gift card buyers.
- Boost Customer Loyalty: Pair your digital gift cards with exclusive deals or loyalty points, and you’ve got a recipe for repeat business. You could offer double loyalty points for purchases made with a gift card, for instance, or run a special promotion where gift card users get early access to a sale. Small incentives like these make customers feel valued and inspire them to keep returning.
- Drive Holiday Traffic: The holiday season is already a busy time, but gift cards can take it to the next level. Try hosting events or offering special deals for customers who use gift cards, like an extra 10% off if they shop with a gift card during a certain period. Not only does this drive more sales but it also gives last-minute shoppers a reason to choose your store over others.
What Types of Gift Cards Are Last-Minute Shoppers Seeking?
Now that we know why digital gift cards are a favorite among last-minute shoppers, let’s look at what exactly they might be looking for.
Understanding the types of gift cards customers are likely to seek during those last-minute panics can help business owners refine their marketing strategies and capitalize on this trend.
Essentials: Groceries, Gas, Household Items, and More
When it comes to last-minute shopping, practicality is often key.
Essentials like groceries, gas, and household items are gifts that are always needed, especially during the holidays when people are hosting or preparing for gatherings.
Digital gift cards in these categories allow recipients to stock up without the pressure of making an immediate purchase.
Who Can Offer It?
Small local grocery stores, bakeries, gas stations, or kitchenware stores can all benefit from offering digital gift cards. These cards are not just convenient for last-minute shoppers but also encourage repeat purchases, making them a great fit for businesses offering everyday essentials.
Experience: Travel, Salons, Spas, and Photoshoots
Travel, salon visits, spa days, and holiday photoshoots are experiences people may not think to treat themselves to but will jump at the chance if it’s a gift. A spa session to unwind after the holiday rush or a photoshoot to capture family memories makes for a meaningful, personal gift.
Who Can Offer It?
Travel agencies, photographers, salons, spas, and local fitness centers can jump on this opportunity. With a digital gift card, the shopper doesn’t have to know the recipient’s availability—they simply gift the experience and the recipient can redeem it whenever it suits them.
Tech and Electronics
Digital gift cards for gadgets and electronics are always a popular choice. From laptops to smartwatches, tech gifts are not only practical but often high on people’s wish lists. They also work for those harder-to-buy-for folks who already seem to have everything.
Who Can Offer It?
Local electronics shops, phone accessory stores, and tech repair businesses could offer digital gift cards as an option. It’s an easy way for shoppers to gift without having to worry about choosing the exact item, size, or style.
Health and Wellness
The holiday season often brings a lot of indulgence, and once it’s over, many people are looking to get back on track with their health and wellness goals. A digital gift card for a local gym, yoga studio, or wellness retreat can be the perfect nudge toward self-care, making it an ideal last-minute gift.
Who Can Offer It?
Gyms, yoga studios, health food stores, and meditation apps can provide digital gift cards as a quick and easy gift option. This not only promotes healthy habits but also keeps customers coming back long after the holiday season.
Toys and Games
When it comes to kids, toys and games are often at the top of last-minute shopping lists. Parents, grandparents, and even friends can be found scrambling for that perfect plaything to delight the children in their lives. A digital gift card to a toy store can be the ideal solution when they’re running out of time.
Who Can Offer It?
Local toy shops, board game stores, and video game retailers can benefit from offering digital gift cards. The cards allow shoppers to purchase something fun without needing to know exactly what the recipient wants.
Books and Stationery
For the bookworms and stationery lovers in your life, gift cards for local bookstores or specialty stationery shops make thoughtful and practical presents. The beauty of gifting a digital card for books is that it allows the recipient to choose something they’re genuinely interested in.
Who Can Offer It?
Local bookstores, stationery boutiques, and art supply stores can use digital gift cards as a way to attract last-minute shoppers. For businesses that sell niche or specialized products, these cards offer a personalized touch.
Restaurants From Dining Experiences to Takeout
Who wouldn’t want a gift card that buys them an amazing meal? Nobody! Whether it’s a fancy dining experience or their favorite takeout, a restaurant gift card lets recipients munch down on something they like for free.
Who Can Offer It?
Local restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and bakeries can offer digital gift cards. They can be tailored for different occasions, like a weekend family dinner or a quick coffee break. Gift cards help restaurants attract new customers and encourage repeat visits.
How to Integrate Digital Gift Cards into Your Marketing Strategy
Here’s a straightforward guide to help you implement digital gift cards effectively.
- Assess Your Business Needs: Determine how digital gift cards for small businesses can fit into your current offerings and what goals you want to achieve, be it increasing foot traffic or boosting online sales.
- Choose a Platform: Consider your long-term goals and choose a platform that best fits your needs, whether that’s through your website or a gift card aggregator.
- Set Up Digital Gift Cards for Small Businesses: Create a user-friendly process for customers to purchase and send gift cards on your website. Make sure it’s visually appealing and aligns with your brand.
- Market Your Gift Cards: Use your social media, email newsletters, and in-store signage to promote digital gift cards. Highlight their benefits, especially for last-minute shoppers.Train your staff to encourage customers to buy or sign up for these gift cards. It’s an easy and effective way to drive more sales and enhance customer loyalty.
- Incentivize Purchases: Consider offering promotions or bonuses for customers who buy gift cards, such as a small discount on future purchases or bonus amounts on higher-value cards. With DataCandy, for instance, businesses get to offer a bonus amount when someone buys an eGift card. For example, a $10 promo card for the purchase of a $50 gift card. Incentives like these encourage higher spending and increase the likelihood of repeat visits. 👇
- Leverage Holidays and Events: Promote gift cards heavily around holidays and special occasions, when people are most likely to be looking for quick gift solutions.
- Collect Data: Use analytics to track how well your gift cards are performing. Look at sales data and customer feedback to make adjustments to your strategy.
- Engage Customers: After someone purchases a gift card, follow up with emails or texts thanking them and providing ideas on how to use it. This adds a personal touch and encourages spending.
- Promote Social Sharing: Encourage customers to share their gift card experiences on social media. User-generated content can amplify your marketing efforts.
Partner with DataCandy to Optimize your Digital Gift Cards
If you're looking for a hassle-free way to implement and manage digital gift cards, consider powering your eGift card program with software like DataCandy.
Our all-in-one gift card and loyalty software is easy to manage and simple to set up, so you can focus on growing your business instead of dealing with the nitty-gritty of gift card management.
With DataCandy, you can get set up in as little as 10 business days. And it easily integrates with your existing terminals and equipment.
We help you drive sales with instantly deliverable digital gift cards, making them perfect for last-minute gifting. These cards enhance both online and in-store experiences to ensure your customers have a seamless shopping journey.
Ready to thrive this holiday season? Contact DataCandy today to elevate your digital gift card strategy.
Grow your digital gift card program now
Use the DataCandy Gift Card platform to boost customer spending and drive repeat visits.
