Shopify

How to Set Up Shopify Gift Cards for Your Store

Amarnath Barpanda

• 4 min read
How to Set Up Shopify Gift Cards for Your Store

Gift cards are vital for businesses of all sizes. Persistence Market Research forecasts the global gift card market to reach $1.9 trillion by 2027, with an 11.8% CAGR from 2020 to 2027. This growth emphasizes the need for online stores to offer gift cards.

For Shopify merchants, understanding how to set up gift cards on Shopify can boost sales and customer engagement. This guide will walk you through the process, helping you leverage this lucrative market and potentially increase conversion rates on Shopify.

Understanding Shopify Gift Cards

Before diving into setup, let's explore Shopify gift cards and their benefits.

Shopify gift cards are prepaid cards, digital or physical, that customers buy and redeem in your store. They offer several advantages:

  1. Increasing sales and average order value
  2. Attracting new customers
  3. Enhancing cash flow
  4. Boosting brand loyalty
  5. Offering flexible gifting options
  6. Reducing return rates

Gift cards are particularly popular during holidays and special occasions, providing a convenient solution for indecisive shoppers.

Now, let's explore how to add gift cards to Shopify in detail.

How to Set Up Gift Cards on Shopify: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Activate Gift Cards in Your Shopify Store

To start, enable gift cards in your Shopify admin. Here's how to add gift card to Shopify:

  1. Log into Shopify admin
  2. Go to "Settings" > "Payments"
  3. Find "Manual payment methods"
  4. Click "Activate gift cards"
  5. Review terms and conditions
  6. Confirm activation

After activation, gift cards will be a checkout payment option.

Step 2: Create Your Gift Card Product

Next, set up a gift card product. Here's how to issue a gift card on Shopify:

  1. In Shopify admin, go to "Products" > "All products"
  2. Click "Add product"
  3. Set product title (e.g., "$50 Gift Card")
  4. Select "Gift card" as "Product type"
  5. Write a detailed description
  6. Set price (create variants for different amounts)
  7. Upload a gift card image
  8. Adjust inventory settings
  9. Create variants if needed
  10. Save your product

For efficient organization, consider collections on Shopify to group your gift cards effectively.

Step 3: Customize Your Gift Card Design

Shopify offers customizable gift card templates:

  1. Go to "Online Store" > "Themes"
  2. Click "Customize" on your theme
  3. Navigate to "Templates" > "Gift card page"
  4. Personalize the design:
    • Adjust colors and fonts
    • Add your logo
    • Customize the message
    • Modify layout
  5. Preview changes
  6. Save when satisfied

An attractive design can significantly impact gift card appeal.

Step 4: Set Up Gift Card Notifications

Configure email notifications for gift cards:

  1. Go to "Settings" > "Notifications"
  2. Find "Gift card created" and "Gift card sent"
  3. Edit each notification
  4. Customize email templates:
    • Modify subject line
    • Adjust content
    • Add brand elements
    • Include clear redemption instructions
  5. Save changes

Proper notifications ensure a smooth experience with gift cards Shopify.

Advanced Gift Card Strategies

Now that you know how to set up gift cards on Shopify, let's explore advanced tactics.

1. Offer Multi-Channel Support with Headless Shopify

Multi-Channel Support with Headless Shopify can enhance your gift card program, allowing seamless purchase and redemption across platforms. This approach is one of the advantages of headless Shopify, offering flexibility and improved customer experience.

2. Create Gift Card Collections

Create gift card collections for various occasions or values. Consider:

  • Holiday Gift Cards
  • Birthday Gift Cards
  • Anniversary Gift Cards
  • Thank You Gift Cards
  • Corporate Gift Cards

Organizing gift cards can improve navigation and boost sales.

3. Implement a Gift Card Marketing Strategy

Effectively promote your gift cards:

  • Feature them on your homepage
  • Create email campaigns
  • Offer special promotions
  • Use social media to showcase designs
  • Create blog posts about gift card uses
  • Partner with influencers for promotion

4. Leverage Gift Cards for Customer Retention

Use gift cards to enhance loyalty and increase conversion rates on Shopify:

  • Include gift cards in loyalty programs
  • Use as referral incentives
  • Offer as compensation for issues
  • Create a "Gift Card Registry" for events

How to Make Gift Cards for Your Business: Best Practices

When considering how to offer gift cards for my business, follow these practices:

  1. Offer various denominations: Provide different values to suit various budgets.
  2. Create appealing designs: Use high-quality images and branding elements.
  3. Offer digital and physical options: Cater to different preferences.
  4. Set clear terms: Communicate expiration dates and usage restrictions.
  5. Train staff: Ensure they know how to issue a gift card on Shopify and handle redemptions.
  6. Implement security measures: Use unique codes and secure redemption processes.
  7. Track metrics: Monitor sales, redemption rates, and average order values.

Starting a Gift Card Business on Shopify

For those wondering how to start a gift card business, Shopify is an excellent platform. Tips include:

  1. Research your market: Understand your potential customers and their needs.
  2. Choose a niche: Specialize in specific gift card types.
  3. Set up your store: Follow earlier steps to set up gift card offerings.
  4. Develop partnerships: Collaborate with other businesses for diverse offerings.
  5. Implement marketing: Use SEO, social media, and email marketing.
  6. Offer excellent support: Provide prompt assistance for gift card queries.
  7. Stay compliant: Understand and follow gift card regulations.

Troubleshooting Common Gift Card Issues

Solutions to common problems:

  1. Gift cards not appearing: Verify activation and correct product setup.
  2. Redemption issues: Check code validity and previous usage.
  3. Email problems: Review notification settings and check spam filters.
  4. Balance discrepancies: Regularly audit and reconcile gift card usage.
  5. Fraud prevention: Implement security measures and monitor for suspicious activity.

Conclusion

Setting up Shopify gift cards is straightforward and beneficial. This guide has shown you how to set up Shopify gift cards for your store, from activation to advanced strategies. Continuously monitor and optimize your program for success.

Gift cards can boost sales, attract customers, and improve cash flow. Whether adding to an existing store or starting a gift card business, Shopify provides the necessary tools.

Need Expert Help?

The awesome folks at F22 Labs are Shopify wizards who can take your gift card game to the next level. Whether you need help with custom designs, fancy features, or coming up with a killer strategy, you've got you covered. Why not Hire Shopify Experts for Seamless e-commerce Solutions and watch your gift card sales soar? Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Now go forth and conquer the gift card world! Your Shopify store (and your bank account) will never be the same again.