Gift Card Giveaways: Big Rewards in Small Packages

Gift cards are essentially your golden tickets to a shopping spree. Whether treated as a convenient solution for last-minute gift dilemmas or as rewards for employees and customers, they promise big rewards packaged in small, plastic cards. 

But have you ever wondered how these could turn giveaways into bountiful rewards? Let's look into what makes them so irresistible. 

Flexible and User-friendly 

Gift cards are desirable because of their flexibility and user-friendliness. Unlike a specific gift item, a gift card allows the recipient to choose what they want according to their tastes and needs. Whether it's clothes, electronics, or a spa day, the choice is all theirs! This flexibility adds a layer of personalization to your gifts, making them feel more thoughtful and curated. 

Boosts Brand Engagement 

Giving away gift cards can also lead to increased brand engagement. Firstly, it encourages the recipient to visit the store or website, providing an opportunity for them to explore all the options available and perhaps discover new products or services. Secondly, it creates an association between the brand and a positive experience – the excitement and pleasure of shopping without having to worry about the cost! 

Generates Repeat Business 

Gift cards can form the bedrock of a smart customer retention strategy. When you give a customer a gift card, you're not just making them happy for a day; you're inviting them to come back, establishing an ongoing dialogue with them. In some cases, the balance left on the gift card after an initial purchase even encourages a second visit. Yes, gift cards can inadvertently create repeat customers! 

Realizing The Potential of Gift Cards 

So, the next time you're considering how to reward your loyal customers, think about gift cards. Think about the flexibility they offer, the brand engagement they boost, and the repeat business they generate. Remember, big rewards sometimes come in small packages!

What type of gift cards are usually given away?

Gift card giveaways vary significantly, addressing different business needs and targets. With the advent of online gift card platforms, the diversity of gift cards has increased notably. Depending on the objective of the giveaway, the sponsor, or the type of company, a business can choose different kinds of gift cards for giveaways, contests, promotions, or rewards. 

• Retail Gift Cards: These are perhaps the most common type of cards. They are specific to a retailer or a group of retailers, such as a department store or a shopping center. This allows the card bearer to purchase anything from the retailer within the card value.

• Restaurant Gift Cards: These are similar to retail cards but are specific to a restaurant or a chain of eateries. They can range from fine dining establishments to fast-food chains, allowing the recipient a free meal or discount on their bill.

• Experiential Gift Cards: These cards provide the recipient with a unique experience rather than a physical or digital product. It could be for a spa treatment, a concert ticket, a cooking class, or a hot-air balloon ride, offering the gift of unforgettable memories.

• Prepaid Cards: These are standard-issue cards by banks or credit card companies, often branded with a major card network like Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. They're accepted by any merchant that takes those brands, providing ultimate flexibility to the recipient.

• E-Gift Cards: These digital or virtual gift cards can be sent via email, app, or SMS. Being hassle-free and instantly deliverable, they are increasingly gaining popularity.

To pick the perfect gift card for your specific campaign or giveaway, it's crucial to identify your intent for the giveaway, understand your audience's preferences, and align it with your business offerings. To receive the best results, always consider your brand positioning and the image you want to portray with your gift card.

Popular websites or platforms that host gift card giveaways

Now, let's look into some of the popular platforms that regularly host gift card giveaways. These platforms range from social media sites to dedicated sweepstakes websites, offering you ample opportunities to score big in small packages. 

1. Amazon Giveaways: Amazon, the giant online retailer, is not just a place for purchasing gift cards but also a platform for giveaways. Amazon often hosts giveaways where free gift cards are up for grabs. Participants can enter these giveaways for a chance to win.

2. Facebook and Instagram: Many local and international brands leverage the power of social media to engage their customers with giveaways. The likelihood of coming across a gift card giveaway while scrolling through your news feed is high, so keep your eyes peeled.

3. Sweepstakes Websites: Websites dedicated to listing sweepstakes, such as Sweepstakes Advantage and Giveaway Frenzy, often feature various gift card giveaways. These listings provide an array of opportunities to win free gift cards from a multitude of brands.

4. Reddit: Gift card giveaways are also prominently hosted on subreddit forums, specifically under the subreddit 'r/giveaways'. A wide range of individuals and corporations use this platform to announce their giveaways, enriching your chances of winning.

5. Brand Websites: Many brands often host giveaways, including gift card ones, on their official websites as part of promotional campaigns. Don't forget to regularly check your favorite brands' pages for a chance to participate and win.

With so many platforms hosting gift card giveaways, the odds are ever in your favor. In the end, remember to participate responsibly and never provide your personal information on sources that you deem untrustworthy. Good luck!

Can you give away a gift card that you won in a giveaway?

Yes indeed, the beauty of gift cards is in their versatility. Whether you won it in a giveaway or received it as a gift, the power to pay it forward lies within your hands. As long as the gift card is still valid and the full value is intact, you can certainly give it away, making them big rewards in small packages. 

Consider the joy you can spread by giving away a gift card you have no use for, instead of letting it gather dust somewhere in your drawer. You could brighten someone's day by providing them with the opportunity to purchase something they love or need but may not have the financial means at that particular moment. 

A Few Points to Keep in Mind: 

• Before giving away a gift card, make sure to check its expiration date. Most gift cards typically have a validity period, usually a couple of years from the purchase date. Some gift cards never expire, but it's still important to confirm.

• Ensure the full value is intact. If you've used some of it, it may be considered discourteous to give it away without informing the recipient about its partial usage.

• The gift card needs to be universally usable. Some gift cards are store-specific and can only be used at specific locations, so when giving the gift card away, ensure that it can be redeemed by the new holder at their convenience.

The act of giving away a gift card that you won in a giveaway is not just permissible but can also bring joy to the recipient. It allows the spirit of giving to continue and spreads happiness to a wider circle. Remember, it’s not about the cost of the gift; it’s the thought that counts!