How to Sell Gift Cards: A Complete Guide for Online and In-Person Sales

Introduction

Selling gift cards is one of the smartest ways to boost revenue, attract new customers, and build long-term loyalty. Whether you run a local salon, restaurant, retail shop, or eCommerce store, gift cards can generate instant cash flow while promoting your brand.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to sell gift cards — both online and in real life — step by step. We’ll cover setup, tools, pricing, legal rules, and practical marketing tips to help you start selling confidently.

1. Understand the Two Main Types of Gift Cards

Gift cards come in two main forms — digital and physical.

• Digital gift cards: Sent instantly through email or text. Ideal for online stores and last-minute shoppers.
• Physical gift cards: Printed and handed out in-store. These work well in local businesses, cafes, spas, and retail spaces.
• Hybrid approach: The best of both worlds — offer digital cards online and physical cards for walk-in customers.

2. Choose the Right Platform to Sell Gift Cards

Online Options

1. WooCommerce on WordPress
   • Use plugins like PW WooCommerce Gift Cards or YITH WooCommerce Gift Cards.
   • Customize denominations and add email delivery.
   • Works perfectly for businesses running WordPress sites.
2. Shopify
   • Offers built-in support for digital and physical gift cards.
   • Easy checkout process with email templates.
3. Square or Toast POS
   • Great for restaurants, salons, and small retail shops.
   • Sell and redeem gift cards both online and offline.

In-Person Options

If you sell mainly at a physical location:

• Use POS gift card systems like Square, Clover, or Lightspeed.
• Display gift cards near the checkout counter or in visible racks.
• Train staff to explain gift card options clearly to customers.

3. How to Set Up Gift Cards on WordPress (WooCommerce)

1. Install and activate WooCommerce.
2. Add a plugin like PW WooCommerce Gift Cards.
3. Create a “Gift Card” product.
4. Set price options — fixed amounts like $25, $50, or custom values.
5. Customize the email design or downloadable PDF.
6. Test the purchase and redemption process.
7. Create a dedicated “Gift Cards” page in your site’s main menu.

This setup ensures a seamless user experience and builds trust with your buyers.

4. Pricing, Terms, and Legal Considerations

• Offer flexible denominations — e.g., $10, $25, $50, $100.
• Avoid hidden fees or short expiration periods (some regions legally prohibit expiration).
• Clearly display redemption terms and refund policies.
• Most states require unredeemed balances to be treated as deferred revenue — consult your accountant for local tax rules.

5. Marketing Strategies to Sell More Gift Cards

Make Them Visible

• Add a “Gift Cards” link in your main website navigation.
• Feature them on your homepage and checkout page.
• Create banners or pop-ups promoting gift cards during holidays or special events.

Seasonal Promotions

• Offer limited-time deals like “Buy a $50 Gift Card, Get $10 Free.”
• Create campaigns for Mother’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and birthdays.

Email and Social Media

• Send newsletters highlighting gift card options.
• Post about them on Instagram, Facebook, and Google Business Profile.
• Use gift card giveaways to engage your audience.

Local Collaborations

Partner with nearby businesses. For example, a spa can team up with a café to offer a joint gift card package.

6. Offline Selling: In-Store and Event Sales

• Display physical gift cards near the register or service desk.
• Offer beautifully designed cards with envelopes for gifting appeal.
• Sell them at local markets, pop-ups, or holiday fairs.
• Use QR codes that link directly to your online purchase page.

Train your staff to explain how customers can use and reload their cards.

7. Prevent Fraud and Keep Transactions Secure

• Generate unique gift card codes for each order.
• Use HTTPS encryption and trusted payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal.
• Limit redemption attempts to prevent brute-force fraud.
• Monitor for suspicious bulk purchases.
• Always verify high-value transactions before delivery.

8. Track Your Results

Measure your gift card program performance with:

• Total gift card sales per month.
• Redemption rates.
• Average order value after redemption.
• New vs. returning customer ratios.

You can view these metrics directly inside WooCommerce Analytics or your POS dashboard.

9. SEO Tips for Your Gift Card Page

To align with Google’s latest 2024–2025 algorithm updates focused on helpful content and user intent:

• Write detailed, original content that explains how to buy and redeem gift cards.
• Add an FAQ section (use FAQ schema for rich snippets).
• Include Product schema for your gift card page.
• Optimize for mobile devices and fast loading speed.
• Use natural keywords like:
  “Buy gift cards online,” “gift cards for local businesses,” “sell digital gift cards,” “gift cards near me.”
• Maintain clear authorship information and trust signals (contact info, about page, return policy).

10. Launch Checklist

✅ Add “Gift Cards” page to your website menu.
✅ Set up WooCommerce or your chosen gift card plugin.
✅ Customize delivery emails and printable designs.
✅ Add structured data and internal links.
✅ Promote through social media and email.
✅ Monitor analytics monthly.

Conclusion

Selling gift cards isn’t just about convenience — it’s a powerful business strategy that increases cash flow, attracts new customers, and strengthens brand loyalty.

With the right setup and promotion, your online store or physical shop can turn gift cards into a consistent revenue stream.

Start today: create your “Gift Cards” page, promote it across your channels, and make giving easier for your customers — whether they shop online or in person.