Gift cards today are easier to use than ever thanks to numerous advancements in modern technology. In reality, no shopper wants to have to deal with a clutter of half-used gift cards when they arrive at a mall. As a result, many innovators have found various ways of not only removing the clutter from wallets, but also boosting customer loyalty in the process. Custom gift cards are one way in which that’s being done, with smartphone use being another. Read on to learn about how technology is changing the way gift cards are perceived nowadays:
Smartphone Apps
When it comes to GPS devices in general, they can actually do much more than simply pinpoint your location on a map. Nowadays there is a plethora of shopping apps that use this technology to send gift cards tailored to your location. This is pretty much tailored to small and local retailers, with the added benefit of there not being any limitations on what kinds of gifts you have to buy.
Emails/Texts
A number of custom gift cards can now be transmitted electronically through text or email. You also have the option of getting rid of plastic by sending someone a gift card through Twitter or Facebook. If you want to send electronic gift cards to recipients directly from many retailers’ websites, you can do that too. This eliminates the needs to push through crowds at the mall on Christmas Eve and is ideal for last-minute giving.
Mobile Wallets
If you’re looking to steer clear of plastic altogether, apps like Google Wallet or Apple Pay have the ability to replace gift cards completely. It uses the phone to store gift card information and uses NFC (near-field communication) to allow shoppers to pay by tapping their phone on the check-out counter or a terminal. It is a very convenient option that saves time and means you don’t have to sign a credit card receipt or pull out a card from your wallet.
QR Codes
There is also an option to use the camera on your phone as a scanner in order to quickly download gift card giveaways, coupons and other product information. This is a technology that many retailers are increasingly catering to by adding scannable QR codes to billboards, catalogues, and even other gift and loyalty cards. These are easy and quick to use and will take you directly to the information you need, unlike pulling out a pen and paper or hunting online.
Looking to Benefit from Custom Gift Cards? Get in Touch with Quickcards
When it comes to making the most of your custom gift card program, as well as benefiting from everything modern technology has to offer when it comes to gift cards, getting in touch with Quickcards is the way to go. Quickcards has been behind some of largest gift card programs in Canada for more than 16 years and we understand the advantages of using modern technology all too well. Our company is capable of manufacturing the most creative, unique and eye-catching gift cards from a variety of materials, in large and small volumes with very “quick” turnaround times. It is THE perfect choice for any custom gift card program, so get in touch with Quickcards today and ensure your business benefits from a great partnership with us.
