The Benefits of Gift Cards

Have you ever wondered why so many merchants issue and accept gift cards? It’s not hard to do when you consider the following. Gift cards earn additional revenue from the “uplift” (increased spending) upon card redemption. Merchants report that 69% of gift card recipients spend more on purchases than the value on the card.* Gift cards also increase foot traffic and increase spending per visit and frequency of visitations by people who reload their cards.* It is also reported that using gift cards means a higher likelihood that the customer will buy non-sale items.** By adding your name, logo and artwork on the card, you improve your brand exposure. You also reduce cash returns, gain interest from outstanding balances, lower administrative costs and enjoy improved security compared to paper gift certificates.

Gift cards have the benefit of real-time transaction processing, which ensures that card account balances are accurate. New cards contain no funds until activated and redemptions occur quickly and easily. Convenient reporting is available online, on your merchant processing statement, or through your terminal’s receipt paper, making it easy to have information available when you need it.

First DataSM Gift Card solutions are available in bundled packages that include gift cards and merchandising material and instructions on how to create your own customized gift card design – or you can select from a wide variety of standard designs. A welcome kit includes a merchant guide with helpful, proven marketing tips to help you establish an effective gift card program and trained service specialists provide you with live support 24/7.

Merchants of every type are always looking for an affordable gift card program that is easy to implement and manage. Our gift card solutions allow you to cash in on the ever-broadening popularity of the cards without complexity or significant costs. With simple order forms, an intuitive point-of-sale (POS) application, and the bundled packages we offer, you can quickly and easily establish and manage your store-branded gift card program. Don’t wait another day.

For more information ongift card solutions and how they can increase your profits, please call your First Data Independent Sales (FDIS) representative at (800) 616-1899.

* Source: 2008 U.S. Gift Card Consumer Insights Survey. First Data.
** Source: 2007 U.S. Gift Card Consumer Insights Survey. First Data.

Based on your payment processing needs a customized quote is just a phone call away at 1-800-616-1899.  You can also email us at: info@fdis21.com with a brief description of your processing needs and we can come up with the best solution for you.

First Data Independent Sales (FDIS) is a leading provider of secure payment technology and services. So whether your business is brick-and-mortar, on the web, or mobile, FDIS allows you to offer your customers nearly every type of payment option, so you may never turn away a sale.

FDIS uses First Data’s processing engine. First Data makes buying and selling easier. Many of you do business with First Data everyday, although you may not realize it. Whether you're writing a check at the gas station, using your ATM/debit card to pay for groceries, buying a book online, getting cash out of an ATM, paying for dinner with your credit card or using a gift card to purchase something special, chances are your transaction is moved quickly and securely by First Data.

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