When Gift Cards are a Good Thing
In Australia, gift cards have become increasingly popular, with many businesses offering them as a way to reward loyal customers or as part of marketing campaigns. They have been around for decades, and while some may see them as a last-minute gift or a less personal option than other presents, gift cards can actually be a great thing – especially when customers are the ones winning them.
Gift cards can be redeemed for products or services, and often have a set value that can be spent over time. But what are the benefits of winning a gift card, and why should customers be excited when they receive one?
Free money
Everyone loves the feeling of winning something, and gift cards are no exception. It’s a small victory that can make customers feel good about themselves and their shopping choices.
The most obvious benefit of winning a gift card – it’s essentially free money. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional or just someone who loves a good bargain, having a gift card to spend can be a welcome surprise. It’s like winning a small lottery, and customers can often use them to purchase items they may not have been able to afford otherwise.
A gift card with stored value may be a wonderful thing as far as “free cash” is concerned. A Federal Treasury 2012 report accounted for data from Retail Decisions Australia pointing out that 62 percent of 1,295 respondents have received a gift card in the year preceding the survey.
Convenience of gift cards
With many businesses now offering e-gift cards, customers can have their prize delivered directly to their email inbox. This means no more waiting for physical gift cards to arrive in the mail, inviting the danger of mailbox theft in some cases, or having to go in-store to pick them up.
It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a little something extra. In some aspects, presenting a gift card instead of an actual present avoids the awkwardness of the recipient deciding to “regift” that present because they know the item might not be practical or could just become clutter.
A First Data Corp study noted that 93 percent of respondents would want to have a gift card valued at $25 instead of receiving an item worth $25. Even with the prospect of getting an item worth $50, 50 percent of respondents will still prefer the $25 gift card. When you note the reward cards available from partner merchants, that chance to score more benefits from a single card can be immense.
New products or services
Winning a gift card can also be a great opportunity to try out new products or services. Maybe you’ve been curious about a particular restaurant, but haven’t had the chance to go yet. With a gift card, you can enjoy a meal without having to worry about the cost. Or perhaps you’ve been eyeing a new outfit at your favourite store, but didn’t want to splurge on it. A gift card gives you the perfect excuse to treat yourself.
It can also be a great way to celebrate a special occasion or milestone, like a birthday or anniversary. Scoring a gift card, especially something you won but prefer to let a friend or loved one use it, embodies a sense of thoughtfulness as others experience it even without actual cash being used.
Save money
Gift cards can also help customers save money, especially when they win them as part of a rewards programme. For example, UBOMI and its UWIN rewards programme offer gift card raffles as part of their loyalty programmes, giving customers the chance to win from a variety of brands. This means that customers can save money on their purchases, while also having the opportunity to win even more rewards.
UWIN rewards
Australian finance app UBOMI takes advantage of all those benefits with the UWIN rewards programme. Based on an UBOMI user’s membership tier, the programme offers them multiple chances to win one gift card worth $250 in the daily raffles and a $1,000 gift card in the weekly draws. This is on top of each membership tier’s existing features and rewards.
Gift cards are not just a last-minute gift or a less personal option. They can actually be a great thing, especially when customers are the ones winning them. From receiving free cash to saving money, gift cards offer a range of benefits that can enhance the shopping experience. So, the next time you win a gift card, be sure to embrace the opportunity to treat yourself and explore all the exciting options available.
If you liked our “When Gift Cards are a Good Thing” and find it useful, check our blogs regularly for more information to get updates on UBOMI’s budget app and expense tracker.
DISCLAIMER: The above article is for informational purposes only. UBOMI has no relationships with any company or organisation mentioned in the article.