How to make a gift certificate for your business
Use a gift certificate template with the amount or service, recipient and sender names, a unique certificate number and any terms, then print it on card stock. Keep a simple log of every number you sell and redeem, and check your state's rules before adding an expiry date.
What to include
- Your logo and business name
- Amount or service (for example "$50" or "One 60-minute massage")
- To and from lines
- A unique certificate number
- Terms: how to book or redeem, and any expiry
Tracking
Number every certificate and keep a log (a spreadsheet works) with the number, amount, date sold and date redeemed. That stops copies being used twice and tells you how much gift money is still outstanding.
Expiry dates
In the US, federal rules generally don't allow gift cards and certificates to expire within five years of purchase, and some states don't allow expiry at all. Check your state's rules before printing an expiry date.
Selling more
- Put a sign by the register before holidays.
- Offer a bonus (for example a $10 card with every $50 bought) in December.
- Donate certificates to local raffles: winners often become regulars.
Questions
- What paper should I print gift certificates on?
- Card stock gives a gift-like feel; a matte finish is easy to write on.
- Should gift certificates have numbers?
- Yes. A unique number on each one lets you track sales and redemptions and stops copies being used.
- Can gift certificates expire?
- It depends on where you are. In the US, federal rules generally require at least five years, and some states ban expiry dates; check before printing one.