The biggest drawback consumers (and employers) have with gift cards is that some say they are impersonal. The stigma is, when giving a gift card, you are essentially giving cold hard cash, only good at one location. However, with the mainstream advent of digital gift cards and digital gifting, personalizing gift cards is easier than ever, not to mention a big hit with recipients. With companiesl ike Gift Card Impressions, both consumers gifting to each other and employers gifting rewards to employees have the opportunity to personalize this $118 billion gift card industry. And with the 50% year-over-year growth shown specifically in the digital gift card industry, personalization could be key to even steeper growth and better end results for retailers. Imagine the opportunity for employers to attach a photo, video or personal message while giving their "employee of the month" a reward for their awesome behavior and performance. It provides a lasting impression on the receiver and frankly makes the gift given look even better and more caring than if they had just given the gift alone. Gift card personalization goes back to one of the most basic constructs of gift card incentives. Trophy value. Gift cards provide greater trophy value than cash, they leave a lasting impression. Personalizing that trophy value only increases it. How are you giving your employee rewards? Are they personalized? Let us know in the comments.
