Increase your profits with gift cards

Gift cards and gift certificates have been around for many years and they offer a huge opportunity to dramatically increase your sales, acquire new customers and encourage return visits during holidays.  Here are five steps you should try right away:

1. Display your gift card and certificate advertisement around your restaurant at multiple places where customers can actually see them. Post colourful signs on your windows and front door as well as signs by the cash register and restrooms.
2. Be more proactive with mentioning and selling these cards; train your staff to advise your customers about them when they are paying or picking up an order.
3. Enclose a small gift card/certificate promotion piece inside your menu and inside the bill/credit card holder.
4. Mention them not only on your website but also across various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest and other online resources. Print a message on their receipt; put the information on your table tents, in your email messages, on your newsletter, flyers and newspapers. List them on your advertising and marketing materials as well as in your direct mail promotions.
5. Add a small advertisement with your to-go client’s orders, thank you letters and any other type of communication with your customers. 

Courtesy of Diane Chiasson, FCSI, President of Chiasson Consultants Inc. a restaurant, foodservice and retail consulting firm in Toronto. Contact Diane at 416-926-1338 or email her at [email protected].