a) Why electronic gift cards versus paper?

b) What are the benefits of this program to a merchant?

c) What is the difference between a GIFT CARD and a STORED VALUE CARD?

d) How does the Gift/Stored Value card work?

e) Will I be able to utilize my existing equipment?

f) What type of reporting will I receive with this program?

g) How soon can the card be redeemed at a participating store location after value has been added to the card?

h) When should cards be reordered?

i) How do I get the customer with an existing card to add more value?

j) How do I get my employees fired up about the Gift / Stored Value Card Program?

k) What are the hours of your Customer Support?

l) What is the standard gift card size?

m) In creating my card design, what dimensions do I have to work with?

n) What types of electronic format do you accept for artwork?

o) Do you accept camera ready artwork?

p) What media is utilized for transferring data to you?

q) How long does it take to develop a gift card proof?

r) What is the time frame for receiving my completed gift card order?

s) What is the minimum number of gift cards I can order?

t) Can I order a larger quantity of cards in order to get a price break and have them stored until needed?

u) What type of magnetic stripe is applied to the gift cards?

a) Why electronic gift cards versus paper?

The electronic gift card concept is quickly becoming the medium of choice for retailers across the county. Among the significant reasons are No Cash Back (value remaining after partial redemption stays on the card, ensuring additional opportunities to solidify the customer relationship or retain funds) and real time Data Capture (virtually eliminates both the losses associated with paper gift certificates and costly tracking and accounting).  (Back to Top)

b) What are the benefits of this program to a merchant?

Electronic gift/stored value cards are convenient (carried in wallet with other plastics), secure (cannot be photocopied) and as a branded "billboard in a wallet" establishes the merchant as the destination. With this product, a merchant will gain more name recognition and exposure in the marketplace, further widening its existing customer base.  (Back to Top)

c) What is the difference between a GIFT CARD and a STORED VALUE CARD?

There is no difference in the functionality of the cards, both are pre-paid value cards. With the gift card, the customer is excited about a slick, state of the art gift-giving solution that allows the receiver to actually choose the gift. The merchant benefits from replacing an obsolete paper gift certificate program with today's technology, electronic processing. With the stored value card, an emphasis is placed on enhancing the individual customer relationship through the use of incentives and an optional, associated rewards program.  (Back to Top)

d) How does the Gift/Stored Value card work?

A customer enters the merchant's establishment and asks to purchase a gift/stored value card. The merchant takes a gift/stored value card from inventory and activates it for the dollar amount desired, by swiping the card through the POS terminal. The card is now ready to be used at any participating store locations.  (Back to Top)

e) Will I be able to utilize my existing equipment?

At this time, our gift/loyalty applications run on a variety of stand-alone terminals and POS systems. (Please refer to our hardware/software page for details.) The use of a printer is recommended for production of receipts and reports. (NOTE - Our processors continue to certify additional terminals and software programs for integration of their "Gift" and "Loyalty" card programs.)  (Back to Top)

f) What type of reporting will I receive with this program?

Merchants receive daily and monthly reports. The Daily Batch report produces a chronological list of all transactions, a total count and total dollar amounts by transaction type, occurring since the terminal was last cleared. We also generate a monthly Corporate Summary statement which reports all transactions captured in the database during that time period, as well as, total fees billed. This report aggregates transactions at the corporate level and by location. We also offer real-time, web-based reporting!  (Back to Top)

g) How soon can the card be redeemed at a participating store location after value has been added to the card?

The gift/stored value card may be used immediately after activation. Gift/Stored Value card transactions are processed real time.  (Back to Top)

h) When should cards be reordered?

Merchants should always be aware of their card supply so as not to deplete their inventory during their peak season. Keep in mind that when reordering cards, the process will take 15 days from the time of order plus time for shipping and handling. If cards have been pre-produced and stored, the only time involved will be the shipping of cards.  (Back to Top)

i) How do I get the customer with an existing card to add more value?

This is a very important revenue generator and can be very profitable for your business. The use of incentives with the program will entice consumers to add value to the card. For example, if a customer adds $50.00 to his existing card, offer to give that customer $55.00 worth of value or offer discounts or additional services specific to gift card users. The "add-value" feature of this card program offers limitless marketing opportunities to enhance customer relationships and build brand awareness.  (Back to Top)

j) How do I get my employees fired up about the Gift / Stored Value Card Program?

Incentives, incentives, incentives - a concept that works with customers and employees alike! A reward program encouraging friendly competition between employees will build a strong, goal-oriented team while promoting your new and dynamic gift card program.  (Back to Top)

k) What are the hours of your Customer Support?

Our customer service division is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  (Back to Top)

l) What is the standard gift card size?

Standard (CR 80) gift card size is 3 3/8" (width) x 2 1/8" (height) x 0.30 mil (thickness).  The card’s dimensions are the same as a standard credit card.  (Back to Top)

m) In creating my card design, what dimensions do I have to work with?

Finished card size: 3 3/8" (3.375) x 2 1/8" (2.125).  Magnetic Stripe: Starts 3/16" from edge of card.  Art work that bleeds must extend 1/16^th" beyond the edge of card.  (Back to Top)

n) What types of electronic format do you accept for artwork?