Plastic gift cards give a small business a way to take payment now for a visit later. They are also a gift that puts your name in someone else’s wallet. Short-run printing means you can order as few as 15 cards, so you do not need a big budget or a big shop to offer them.
Why plastic rather than paper vouchers
- They last in a purse or wallet without creasing or tearing.
- They look like a proper gift, which matters when someone is paying £25 or £50 for one.
- They can carry a barcode, magnetic stripe, number or contactless chip, so your till can read them.
For a fuller comparison, read plastic vs paper gift cards.
Choose how the card will be read
- Printed number or barcode: good for most small shops. Staff key in or scan the number.
- Magnetic stripe: for tills that swipe cards.
- NFC contactless or RFID: for systems that tap to read.
Ask your till or booking-system provider which format it supports before you order. See how barcode and magnetic stripe gift cards work.
Keep track of balances
Many till and booking systems include gift card tracking. If yours does not, a simple spreadsheet works: record each card number, the value loaded, the date sold and each redemption. Numbered cards make this much easier.
Set clear terms
Decide before you print: how long the card is valid, whether it can be used online, and whether it can be topped up. Print the key terms on the back, or point to a page on your website.
When to promote them
Christmas is the obvious peak, but Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day and end-of-term teacher gifts all drive sales. Corporate customers buying staff gifts are worth a direct approach. More ideas in gift card marketing ideas.
What gift cards cost
Plastic gift cards are sold in packs: 15 for £30, 30 for £45, 60 for £80 and 120 for £160, with 45, 75 and 90 packs in between. Magnetic stripe, NFC contactless and RFID cards cost the same. Prices are for full-colour print from supplied artwork and exclude delivery. We are not VAT registered, so no VAT is added. For larger runs, contact us for a quote.
Ready to start? Order plastic gift cards.
See all gift card options, features and prices on our Gift cards page.