subject: How To Accept Gift Cards [print this page] Selling and accepting gift cards can be just as simple and secure as accepting credit cards for business. With the right software, equipment and PCI compliant security features in place, merchants can provide and accept gift cards for increased profits and improved business. In order to start accepting gift cards, the first step involves understanding the benefits of gift cards and loyalty cards to determine if the program is right for you. Next, you should contact a reliable merchant account provider to go over the features and process in detail. Read on to learn more about how to accept gift cards for business.
The Benefits of Gift Cards and Loyalty Cards:
Many businesses, especially retail stores and restaurants, benefit from gift cards and loyalty cards. While gift cards are often bought by customers to give to others, loyalty cards can be given to customers in the form of rewards programs. Gift cards can help to acquire new customers, and loyalty cards can encourage current customers to visit more frequently and make more purchases. Both types of cards work as marketing tools in the consumer's wallet by building brand awareness, as the cards can be customized to display the business' brand, logo and colors. Gift cards also help to eliminate cash back, providing customers with store credit balance on a card for exchanges and returns, thereby reducing fraud.
Electronic Gift Card Program:
An electronic gift and loyalty card program offered by your merchant account provider can help simplify gift card transactions for more efficient business operations. You can set up your current merchant account and existing credit card terminal to accept gift cards, reload gift cards and manage account balances. An effective gift card program can also automate electronic fund transfers between stores and simplify promotional opportunities.
A Reliable Merchant Account Provider:
If you already accept credit and debit cards for business, you can find out if your current merchant account provider offers gift card programs. When choosing a merchant account provider, be sure to find a processor that offers comprehensive services compliant with PCI DSS standards. Credit card fraud is a real risk with any type of electronic payment processing, whether accepting credit cards, gift cards or electronic checks. Be sure your merchant account provider has the industry experience and expertise needed to keep you and your customers safe from fraud, as well as excellent customer support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
