Coffee shop gift card programs

Gift cards can be one of the most profitable items a coffee shop or coffee shop can offer. These are some of the various questions that any coffee shop or coffee shop owner should ask when implementing a system in their store.

Where are the rates? Hopefully, there are no sliding fees or monthly fees. When fess is added to a gift or prepaid card, the program becomes as expensive as a credit card to the retailer. If there are fees, what are they? Are they charged per load, per purchase? Is there a charge for the consultation? Paying $ .10 to $ .25 per swipe for someone to check the balance can hurt the bottom line for the retailer.

Where do I get the cards? Based on national averages for the coffee industry, the average coffee shop goes through 1,000 cards a year. It is important to ensure that the retailer can purchase cards from your provider at a rate that is in line with the rest of the industry. Some providers force the retailer to buy cards at two or three times the normal rate. Retailers want to make sure the cards they buy are personalized cards with full color front and back.

Can customers tip the gift card? Tipping is extremely important for baristas who work in a coffee shop or coffee shop. The system being used should also be able to receive tips. Employees may resist using a gift card system that reduces their chance of receiving tips. Being able to tip is also something customers like. Don’t make your customers feel guilty about not being able to tip an employee because they use the card.

Does the card system allow split payments? In other words, does the system allow for an easy way to use a partial payment? Customers want to be able to use the money that is left on a card. Being able to pay with gift cards and cash or credit cards makes it convenient.

Is it a gift and loyalty card? Even if you don’t plan to implement a loyalty or rewards system currently, you want to make sure the system is capable of handling it. It is important to be able to have the same card as a gift and as a loyalty. Customers certainly don’t want to carry two cards. Also, make sure you know what loyalty systems are possible. Buy 10 get 1 free? Is every dollar spent a point? Return percentage?

Will it work in multiple locations? While you may not be a multi-store operator now, it doesn’t hurt to think like one. It is important that customers easily use their gift cards at their locations. If you are considering franchising in the future, then you need to know if your system can accommodate corporate gift card bundling.

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