Gift card tracking software simplifies gift card management, sales, and redemption. It makes it easier to provide the perfect gift for your customers, whether in-store or online.
It ensures that no gift goes unused and accurately accounts for every transaction.
Advanced gift card management software like PassKit provides a comprehensive solution for creating, managing and distributing digital gift cards for mobile wallets. It offers an intuitive visual editor called the Pass Designer to create visually appealing gift cards tailored to your brand.
No-code automation and integrations can connect Passkit with your tech stacks, like Mailchimp, Salesforce, and WooCommerce, to optimize workflows.
Passkit also allows sharing of digital gift cards through various online and offline channels, such as email, social media, and QR codes on printed materials.
Its analytics tools track gift card usage, measure customer retention, monitor redemption rates, and calculate your ROI automatically.
Start a 45-day free trial to test all features.
In this article, you’ll discover the key features to look for in gift card tracking software, the main benefits of implementing these systems, and best practices to get the most out of your investment.
We will also explain how PassKit helps engage your customers and boost your store’s performance.
What is gift card tracking software?
Gift card tracking software offers a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to optimize their gift card strategy, making it an important component of modern retail and e-commerce operations.
It helps you manage gift cards, vouchers, and certificates and track their sales, activation, and redemption. It ensures you can manage gift cards efficiently and provide a seamless experience for your customers.
Many businesses use a gift card incentive program to improve promotions, marketing campaigns, and customer retention efforts. A well-organized gift card management system simplifies the process, making it easier to handle gift cards across both online and physical stores.
A gift voucher management system also includes tools for creating and distributing digital vouchers, making your business more versatile.
Why is a gift voucher management system important?
Using a gift voucher system offers several benefits for your business compared to physical gift cards. It helps you sell gift vouchers online and provide better customer service.
A key benefit is the ability to track sales. Detailed analytics lets you see which gift vouchers perform best and adjust your strategy accordingly. It leads to improved decision-making and better results.
Another advantage is reducing administrative tasks. Automating the gift certificate management, issuance and redemption of gift vouchers saves you and your employees time. This leaves room for focusing on more important tasks and customer interactions.
You also benefit from fraud prevention. These systems come with security features that reduce the risk of fraudulent activities. It means a more secure environment for your business and customers when they purchase gift cards.
The system improves customer data management. Better tracking of customer preferences and behaviors lets you offer more personalized services. It makes for happier and more loyal customers. Gift cards become more than just a gift.
Lastly, gift card platforms help improve your customer experience. They ensure smooth transactions and seamless interactions with your brand, which keeps customers coming back.
Key features to look for in online gift card software
Let’s outline 15 key features when selecting gift card program software and real-life examples from small businesses in various industries to illustrate their importance.
User-friendly interface
An intuitive, user-friendly interface allows both novices and experienced users to navigate the system easily. It ensures that creating, managing, and redeeming gift cards is straightforward.
For example, a local bakery can implement a gift card system with a simple dashboard that allows staff to quickly process gift card sales and redemptions during busy holiday seasons.
Customizable gift card designs
Customization options let you design gift cards that match your brand’s look and feel. This feature is important for maintaining brand consistency across your e-gift cards.
A small plant nursery can use customizable gift card templates to create designs featuring their best-selling plants and logo, which can resonate well with their eco-conscious customers.
Integration capabilities
Look for software that integrates seamlessly with your existing systems. This includes POS systems, e-commerce platforms, and CRM systems, which helps streamline operations.
An independent bookstore can choose a gift card solution that integrates with their existing inventory management system, allowing for real-time updates of gift card balances and easy tracking of redeemed books.
Multi-channel support
Gift card software for small businesses should support the sale and redemption of gift cards across multiple channels, including in-store, online, and mobile. It allows customers to purchase and redeem gift vouchers conveniently.
A local gym can implement a gift card system that allows members to purchase digital gift cards online and redeem them for classes or memberships both in-person and through their website.
Real-time reporting and analytics
Real-time analytics help you track gift card sales, redemptions, and balances. These insights can inform business decisions and improve marketing strategies.
A family-owned restaurant can use their gift card software’s analytics to identify peak digital restaurant gift cards purchasing times, allowing them to run targeted promotions during these periods.
Security and fraud prevention
Effective security measures, such as tracking and reporting suspicious activity, protect against unauthorized use of gift cards. Features like fraud detection and QR code validation are essential.
A local jewelry store can prevent counterfeit gift cards, protect their high-value inventory from potential fraudulent redemptions, or get alerts on any unusual patterns in gift card purchases or redemptions.
Flexible redemption options
Ensure the software allows flexible redemption options. Customers should be able to redeem gift cards partially, fully, or combine with other payment methods.
A craft supplies store can allow customers to use gift cards for partial payments, making it easier for hobbyists to manage their budgets.
Scalability and flexibility
Choose a platform that scales with your business. As your business grows, the gift card system should handle an increasing volume of transactions without performance issues.
For example, imagine a small-batch coffee roastery offering gift cards only for in-store purchases. As its online presence grows, it needs a solution that includes e-commerce gift card sales.
They must choose a scalable platform that accommodates their growing online sales and integrates with their subscription service, allowing customers to give coffee subscriptions.
This flexibility enables the roastery to adapt its gift card program to new business models and expand customer demands without overhauling its entire system.
API access and developer tools
APIs and developer tools enable you to customize and extend the software’s functionality. This is crucial for businesses looking to integrate specific features or build custom solutions.
A pet grooming salon can work with a local developer to integrate their gift card system with a custom appointment booking app, creating a seamless experience for pet owners.
Customer support and training
Reliable customer support and training are essential for smooth operations. Look for platforms that offer comprehensive support and onboarding training.
A vintage clothing store can choose a gift card provider that offers personalized onboarding and 24/7 support, which can be invaluable during their busy holiday season.
Mobile compatibility
Ensure the software is accessible on mobile devices. Mobile compatibility allows customers to purchase, manage, and redeem gift cards on the go.
A local juice bar can implement a mobile-compatible gift card system that allows customers to store and redeem digital gift cards directly from their phones, increasing convenience and repeat visits.
Automated notifications and alerts
Automated notifications for card activation, expiration dates, and low balances keep customers informed, improving their experience.
A small wellness center can use automated email reminders to notify customers of their gift card balances, resulting in increased redemptions and repeat business.
Multi-currency and multi-language support
Support for multiple currencies and languages is vital for businesses operating in diverse markets. This feature enables you to sell gift cards internationally.
A small specialty food importer based in a border town can implement a gift card system that supports US dollars and Canadian dollars, as well as English and French. This feature allows them to cater to customers on both sides of the border, significantly expanding their market reach.
Payment gateway integration
The software should integrate with various payment gateways for seamless transactions. This ensures customers can use their preferred payment methods easily.
An artisanal product maker can integrate their gift card system with multiple payment options, including local mobile payment methods, significantly increasing gift card sales.
Compliance with legal and regulatory standards
Ensure the software complies with relevant legal and regulatory standards, including data protection and financial regulations. This helps avoid legal issues and build customer trust.
A small organic skincare company can implement a gift card system with a compliance-focused approach, including features such as data encryption, user consent management for marketing communications, and the ability for customers to request deletion of their personal information associated with gift cards.
Remember to prioritize features based on your specific business model and customer expectations to ensure the best possible experience for everyone involved in the process.
How to use PassKit as a gift card management software
PassKit is a comprehensive customer loyalty software designed to help businesses create, manage, and distribute digital cards, including gift cards, loyalty cards, membership cards and mobile tickets.
It serves as a mobile wallet service provider, allowing businesses to leverage the convenience of digital transactions without the need for extensive coding or design skills.
Start a 45-day free trial to see how it works.
Now, let’s explain how to use PassKit as a gift card tracking software.
Sign up and create an account
PassKit offers a 45-day free trial, allowing businesses to explore all features without immediate financial commitment. This period provides ample time to test the system’s compatibility with your business needs.
The sign-up process is straightforward, and once completed, you will gain access to the PassKit Portal, the central hub for managing your gift card program.
Once the trial expires, you can subscribe and use our pay-as-you-grow model and trigger discounts based on your usage.
Design your gift cards
The Pass Designer offers a user-friendly interface for designing gift cards. It provides various templates, including coupons and scannable membership cards, as starting points.
The extensive customization options allow you to integrate brand elements such as logos, color schemes, and a hero image. This ensures that your gift cards align perfectly with your brand identity.
You can also personalize each card by adding relevant customer details such as their name, gender, birthday, and tier points.
Set up and add details
This feature allows for comprehensive gift card configuration. You can set monetary values, define expiration dates, and specify terms of use.
The portal provides flexibility in managing these details, allowing you to create different types of gift cards for various purposes or promotions.
This granular control helps in creating targeted gift card campaigns.
Distribute your gift cards
PassKit’s multi-channel distribution capability is a standout feature. It supports digital distribution via online channels such as email and SMS, reaching customers through their preferred communication media.
You can also print a QR code on promotional materials, receipts, in-store signage or near-store visuals. This code contains a link to your gift cards, making downloading your cards fast and
simple.
Integrating with mobile wallets like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet improves customer convenience, increasing the likelihood of gift card usage and improving the overall customer experience.
Integrate with your systems
PassKit’s integration capabilities with Zapier and Make are crucial for seamless business operations. By connecting with your existing POS and CRM systems, PassKit ensures that gift card data is synchronized across all platforms.
You can also integrate PassKit with various email management tools and marketing automation tools or use it as one of the best Shopify loyalty apps.
It eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and provides a holistic view of customer interactions and sales data related to gift cards.
Track and manage
PassKit offers robust tracking and management tools. The ability to set expiration dates helps manage the gift card lifecycle, and the bulk order management feature is handy for businesses dealing with corporate clients or large-scale promotions.
Real-time redemption tracking provides instant insights into gift card usage, allowing for quick adjustments to your strategy.
Engage customers
PassKit’s customer engagement features go beyond basic gift card functionality.
The ability to send push notifications, location-based alerts or add personalized messages to gift cards adds a touch of uniqueness to each transaction.
Secure barcodes facilitate easy redemption and provide an additional layer of security.
Monitor performance
PassKit’s comprehensive reporting and analytics features provide valuable insights into your gift card program’s performance.
You can track diverse metrics such as sales trends, customer interaction patterns, preferred digital wallets, best customer acquisition channels and gift card balances.
These insights are crucial for data-driven decision-making. They allow you to refine your gift card strategy, identify successful campaigns, and optimize your overall approach to gift card marketing.
Start a 45-day free trial to experience the platform.
Benefits of using gift card tracking software
Gift card tracking software offers several advantages, making it a valuable tool for businesses.
- Improved efficiency: Track and manage gift card sales easily. Automate tasks that save time and reduce errors. Improve the overall workflow with less manual effort.
- Improved customer experience: Offer a seamless process for gift card purchases. Increase customer satisfaction with quick and easy redemptions. Provide personalized experiences that make customers feel valued.
- Better financial management: Effectively monitor gift card usage and cash flows. Track sales and redemptions to prevent fraud. Use detailed reporting to make informed financial decisions.
- Marketing opportunities: Use data to better understand customer behavior. Target marketing campaigns to boost sales. Use gift card promotions to attract both new and regular customers.
- Boosted gift voucher sales and revenue: Increase gift voucher revenue with targeted strategies. Encourage purchasing with attractive promotions. Enhance customer loyalty and engagement through gift card programs.
Gift card tracking software can streamline your processes, improve customer satisfaction, and boost your bottom line.
Best practices for implementing gift card tracking software
Let’s outline key strategies to ensure successful integration and management of your gift card tracking software.
- Develop a comprehensive implementation plan: Create a detailed plan before integrating gift card tracking software. Outline all the steps and assign responsibilities. It helps streamline operations and ensures a smooth transition.
- Monitor and analyze performance regularly: Use the software’s analytics tools to track user behavior and redemption patterns. Regular monitoring helps you adapt your marketing efforts and meet customer expectations. It, in turn, enhances your overall strategy.
- Maintain robust security protocols: Ensure the software meets high-security standards to protect customer data. Implement measures like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular audits to maintain security. It builds trust and safeguards sensitive information.
- Gather and act on customer feedback: Collect feedback through surveys, email marketing campaigns, or direct communication. Use this insight to improve your offers, address issues, and meet customer behavior trends. Addressing customer needs improves their shopping experience.
- Optimize the user experience: Simplify processes within the software to make it user-friendly. A seamless experience encourages usage and boosts customer satisfaction. Easy navigation and clear instructions help achieve this goal.
- Keep software and systems updated: Regularly update the software to incorporate new features and address bugs. Keeping the system current ensures its effectiveness and reliability. Updates also help in meeting customer expectations and industry standards.
By following these best practices, you can effectively implement and manage your gift card tracking software, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Final words about gift card tracking software
Gift card tracking software has become an integral tool for businesses of all sizes. By implementing a robust gift card management system, companies can boost their ability to track gift card sales and engage new customers.
This technology streamlines operations and opens up new avenues for growth and customer retention.
As we look towards the future, it’s clear that gift card programs will continue to evolve, driven by advances in technology and changing consumer preferences.
Businesses that leverage the right software solutions like PassKit will be well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering seamless experiences across multiple channels and gaining valuable insights into customer behavior.
Ultimately, the success of a gift card program hinges on choosing the right software and implementing it effectively. By following best practices and staying attuned to industry developments, you can harness the full potential of gift card tracking software to drive sales, improve customer loyalty, and gain a competitive edge in your respective market.
Remember, PassKit’s gift cards are one of the best marketing tools you can use. With the right approach and technology, they can become a powerful engine for business growth and customer satisfaction.
FAQs about gift card tracking software
What is the best way to keep track of gift cards?
Using gift card tracking software is the best way to manage your gift cards. This software tracks sales, activations, and redemptions in real time. It also helps prevent fraud and provides detailed reports on card usage.
How do I track my gift card?
You can track your gift card using an online portal provided by the merchant or through gift card management software. These tools display up-to-date card balances, expiration dates, and transaction history information.
What is the app that tracks gift card balance?
Several apps are available for tracking gift card balances. Popular options include Gyft and WalletHub, which enable you to store and monitor the balances of multiple gift cards in one place.
Can you track what a gift card is used for?
Yes, gift card tracking software can provide detailed information on where and when a gift card was used. This helps monitor spending patterns and identify suspicious activities.
