Incentive programs play a critical role in driving employee performance, engagement, and retention. But managing one internally can be time-consuming and complex—especially for HR teams juggling multiple priorities. That’s why outsourcing certain aspects of your incentive program can be a smart, scalable solution.
According to an Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) report on outsourcing, 36% of organizations use external support to manage their incentive programs and 81% feel confident that an external partner would provide valuable insights to improve program results. The good news? You don’t need a full-service agency to unlock the benefits of outsourcing. In fact, many organizations find that partnering with a gift card provider gives them all the tools they need at a fraction of the cost.
Why Gift Card Providers Are a Smart First Step
The IRF found that 75% of employee programs use gift cards and prepaid cards. Gift card providers like GiftCard Partners offer flexible ordering, discount pricing for bulk orders, and minimal integration hurdles. For organizations looking to drive meaningful behavior change through rewards, this model delivers immediate value without the commitment or cost of an end-to-end agency.
Gift cards also offer employees choice, which makes rewards feel more personal and satisfying. Whether you’re incentivizing wellness, safety, performance, or participation, branded cards allow recipients to redeem their reward how and when they want—online, in-store, or on mobile.
Digital Self-Service vs. Dedicated Account Support
With today’s technology, ordering rewards is easier than ever. In fact, 60% of global consumers say they prefer digital self-service tools when interacting with companies.
But when it comes to managing larger or recurring incentive programs, having a dedicated account representative can still add tremendous value. Companies working with outside partners still rely on a human account manager to navigate bulk discounts, custom branding, and shipping preferences. These reps often unlock perks—like waived fees or expedited delivery—that aren’t available through a self-serve portal.
At GiftCard Partners, our clients get the best of both worlds through the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform, which allows you to:
- Order physical or digital gift cards in bulk
- Customize delivery with branded messages, logos, and media
- Access real-time reporting and analytics
- Pay securely via credit card or ACH
- Choose self-service or work directly with an experienced rep
New in 2025: Meet Bianca AI – Your 24/7 Incentive Strategist
Still deciding between self-service and customer support? If you're unsure where to start or how to build the best incentive structure, our new proprietary tool, Bianca AI, is here to help. Available 24/7, Bianca AI acts like an extension of your HR or operations team—guiding you through the strategy, selection, and execution of gift card-based programs tailored to your goals.
Whether you’re designing a one-time campaign or an ongoing rewards program, Bianca AI provides:
- Smart recommendations for reward types and values
- Industry-specific best practices
- Budget-conscious gift card mixes
- Instant support without the wait
Bianca AI combines human-level strategy with real-time convenience, making incentive outsourcing more accessible than ever.
→ Start strategizing with Bianca AI now. 
Looking to scale your recognition or engagement efforts?
Let GiftCard Partners and the Engage2Reward Platform simplify your incentive program—with expert support, powerful technology, and flexible reward solutions your employees will appreciate. Book a demo or explore our catalog of 300+ brand gift cards today.
