Gift vouchers have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide a flexible gift option that allows the recipient to choose something they really want. Digital gift vouchers take this one step further by providing a virtual voucher that can be delivered instantly via email or SMS.
Creating a digital gift voucher is a relatively simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Here is an overview of how to create a digital gift voucher for your business or as a personal gift:
Decide on the voucher value and brand
First, you’ll need to decide how much your gift voucher will be worth. Popular amounts for gift vouchers range from $10 up to $100 or more. Determine the specific value based on the occasion and your budget.
You’ll also need to brand the gift voucher with your business name and logo, or simply create an elegant personalized design if it is for personal use. This turns a standard digital voucher into a memorable gift.
Choose a platform to create and deliver the voucher
There are many online services that provide simple tools to create professional digital vouchers. Here are some top options:
- GiftUp – Provides customizable e-gift cards from top brands that can be scheduled and delivered via email or text.
- Giftly – Allows you to create a branded “gift card” to any business, which is delivered digitally.
- Swych – Enables creating digital gifts and vouchers for top retailers that are delivered through mobile messaging.
- Gyft – Sources electronic gift cards from major retailers that can be customized and scheduled for delivery.
Each platform provides templates to design the look and feel of your voucher as well as tools to deliver it digitally via email, SMS text message, mobile wallet pass, or social media. Delivery is virtually instant after you complete the creation process.
Personalize the gift voucher
One of the best parts about digital gift vouchers is that they can be completely personalized for the recipient. Here are some ways to personalize it:
- Include a greeting with the recipient’s name
- Add a custom message congratulating them or for the special occasion
- Use a fun background theme or colors that matches the recipient’s personality
- Incorporate photos, logos, or designs that relate to the recipient’s interests
Adding a personal touch makes the voucher unique and more meaningful compared to a standard gift card. Most digital voucher platforms provide customization tools to make this easy.
Choose delivery method and date
Digital vouchers provide flexibility in when and how they are delivered. Consider the following delivery options:
- Email – Simple and instant, ideal for online vouchers. Include a nice greeting in the email body.
- SMS/text message – Provides instant delivery if you have the recipient’s phone number.
- Social media – You can send digital vouchers via platforms like Facebook messenger.
- Mobile wallet – Platforms like Apple Wallet and Google Pay allow you to deliver vouchers to a digital wallet.
You also have the option to schedule voucher delivery in advance for a certain date such as a birthday or holiday. Or send it instantly to celebrate an occasion or achievement.
Finalize purchase and send the voucher
Once you complete the voucher personalized design and information on the platform, finalize the process by making payment. Gift voucher platforms generally accept all major credit cards and PayPal.
After confirming your payment, you will be able to send the digital voucher directly to the recipient’s email/phone/digital wallet. Some platforms also allow you to print a physical gift voucher if you prefer to hand out a card.
Be sure to include a personal note encouraging the recipient to enjoy the gift and explaining how/where they can redeem it. They will be excited to receive the flexibility and convenience of a digital gift voucher!
Redeeming Digital Gift Vouchers
For recipients, redeeming a digital gift voucher is straightforward. Here is an overview of how gift vouchers are redeemed:
- The recipient receives the voucher via their preferred digital delivery method – email, text message, social media, etc.
- To use the voucher, the recipient simply shows the barcode, gift code, or mobile wallet pass to the merchant at the time of purchase.
- The merchant validates the voucher using the provided gift card number and PIN or barcode.
- If the voucher balance covers the purchase amount, the transaction is completed and the voucher balance decreases accordingly.
- Any remaining balance stays on the digital voucher to be used toward future purchases.
Redemption is quick and easy from the customer’s side. For retailers, accepting and validating digital vouchers is a seamless process integrated directly with their point-of-sale system.
Benefits of Digital Gift Vouchers
Why have digital gift vouchers become such a popular gifting option? Here are some of the key benefits:
- Convenience – Digital delivery provides instant access for the recipient and eliminates shipping wait times.
- Flexibility – Recipients can redeem at their convenience toward whatever they choose.
- Customization – Vouchers can include personalized messages and branding.
- Tracking – You and recipient can check the voucher balance and activity online.
- Cost – Minimal fees and accessible price points to suit any budget.
Both the gift giver and recipient appreciate the combination of thoughtful gestures and practicality that digital vouchers offer. They have become a win-win gifting solution.
Key Points and Takeaways
Here are some key points to keep in mind on creating digital gift vouchers:
- Decide on the voucher value, brand/design, and delivery platform that suits your needs
- Personalize the voucher with the recipient’s name, message, special theme, and photos
- Select the delivery method (email, text, social, wallet pass) and schedule date
- Finalize purchase, send the voucher, and let recipient know how to redeem
- Recipient simply shows voucher barcode/code to the merchant at time of purchase
- Benefits include convenience, flexibility, customization, and accessibility
With the right digital gifting platform, it is easy to create personalized e-gift vouchers your recipients will love. The digital format makes gift giving fun, convenient, and instantly accessible to redeem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of digital gift vouchers are available?
Popular options include:
- Open-loop gift cards (redeemable at multiple merchants)
- Closed-loop gift cards (for specific stores/brands)
- Product/service specific vouchers
- Experiential vouchers (spas, hotels, tours, etc.)
- Flexible monetary gift cards
- Subscription service vouchers
Can I customize an existing retailer’s gift card?
Many digital gifting platforms allow you to customize the delivery of an existing retailer’s gift card. You can include personalized messages, select delivery date, and brand the email/landing page while still delivering the official retailer gift card.
How are digital vouchers secured?
Reputable digital voucher platforms utilize secure encryption and voucher numbers to protect purchases. Vouchers must be activated prior to use and balances are validated at time of redemption to prevent fraud.
Do digital vouchers expire?
Expiry policies vary by the merchant. Open-loop gift cards and flexible monetary cards often have longer expiry periods (5-10 years), while store gift cards typically expire within 1 year. Check expiry and redemption policies before purchasing a voucher.
Can I get a physical gift card instead?
Some platforms provide the option to mail a physical gift card if preferred over digital delivery. However, physical cards take 1-2 weeks to ship. Digital delivery is instant for last-minute gifting needs.
Conclusion
Digital gift vouchers provide the best of both worlds: the personalization and thoughtfulness of a traditional gift, with the convenience and flexibility of digital gifting. By following the simple steps to create and customize a digital voucher, you can send meaningful gifts instantly that will delight any recipient.