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Despite the trend to social media and electronic communication cards, and in the UK it is estimated to reach 3 billion pounds, there is one time-proven means of communicating that has held whereas in the United States, about $80 billion was paid for gift its ground for over a millennium and that is the gift card. So cards in 2006. In Australia the demand for gift vouchers or cards what is so special about gift cards and what do we know about are so popular that all major stores and all service businesses their history and their contribution to trading? consider them as one of their most staple business items. Their

popularity is due to the fact that the recipient can use it at his or her discretion within the restrictions set by the issuing agency.

A gift card or voucher is a restricted monetary equivalent or script that is issued by retailers or banks to be used as an alternative to a non-monetary gift. Highly popular, they rank as Although gift cards have been around since the 1900s, the first the second-most given gift by consumers in the United States mention of a Gift Card is on December 5, 1916 for gloves at (2006) and the most-wanted gift by women, and the third-most Hampton's quality store in The Eugene Daily Guard, number wanted by males. Gift cards have become increasingly popular 144, based in Eugene, Oregon, in the USA on the editorial page . as they relieve the donor of selecting a specific gift. According it reads:to formal statistics in Canada, $1.8 billion was spent on gift “A Gift Shortcut - and a shortcut to certain satisfaction. Give

HOW POPULAR ARE GIFT CARDS?

HISTORY AND OVERVIEW

Gift Cards & VouchersHow to use this tool to grow your business

merchandising

APJ 31

gloves. No worry about style, size, or colour - just step into our Centeremi Glove Department and Buy a Christmas Glove Gift Two beautiful Christmas designs to entice your clients to Card for the price, which you desire to pay for the gloves. Give purchase just the right gift from a friend or family member.or send the card to her and she cashes it in for just the kind of This is a generic gift voucher in earthy gloves she wants. Simple? Try it.” tones that would suit male or female. It is simple, classy and

modern.This is the earliest and most accurate account in describing the idea behind gift cards, and in fact they are still used in the same This card is blank on the back way today after over 110 years. This is because there is and can be used for clients or staff members alike. It’s always something magical, thoughtful and romantic about someone appreciated when someone remembers your birthday – giving you a gift that you can enjoy, redeem and in some especially if the family has forgotten!instances you can actually pick what you want for the value of the gift card.

The two promotional cards should be used as a targeted mailout Gift cards can also be custom-tailored to meet specific needs. in a specific demographic that you believe you should be getting By adding a custom message or name on the front or the back of more clients from. Even though it may not be addressed to an the card, it can make for an individualised gift or incentive to an individual, research confirms that 95% of the people who employee, a family member or a client to show how greatly they receive cards will read them even if they are not addressed to are appreciated. them personally, whereas flyers have a very low readership and

are often treated as junk mail with only a 2-5% response. They To assist our members and the industry APAN has produced a are therefore a more sound investment and furthermore because lovely selection of 12 cards designed with thought, care and of their quality presentation they give the receiver the sensitivity and printed with a high glossy finish to reflect impression that you provide a quality and professional service.luxury, quality and class. After a thorough study of the latest elements of design and style, we have produced some incredible All clients who refer business to you should be properly options for you to chose from. thanked. Send them a special hand-written Thank You Card

and make sure you reward them with something special as well. After all, their referral in essence cost you nothing, so you can afford to give something back and encourage them to get you As valuable tools to attract new clients and reward existing ones further business.we have produced the following items:

We have created two Displaying are not different cards beautifully designed for you to promote your only attractive, because of their quality, they also serve as a gift services and to invite new clients to trial them. The cards card and can make an attractive invitation for investing in them present an attractive image on the front in full colour and high on your front desk.gloss finish, and carefully worded on the back is a warm

invitation to visit your establishment. A space is left at the Clients you have not heard from for some time should be bottom for you to place your logo and contact details. As a call contacted with a We have missed you card. This shows that they to action the cards request the receiver phone and request the have not been taken for granted and if they have let the weeks Special Offer, which you will determine what it is.and months slip by, they know with this personal gesture that We have created two very someone is looking forward to seeing them again. You can send different cards this time for clients that have not visited for them newsletters, and they are great, but there is nothing like some time. The cards on the front state We have missed you and getting a card from someone saying they have missed you!on the back we have placed some very caring words to show

appreciation and interest in inviting your past client to return for further services.

This Producing quality cards such as these is very costly and you beautiful card is designed to extend your personal gratitude to may not be able to afford to create such a diverse range. someone. As protocol indicates this card should be hand Purchasing your APAN cards means that you have a wide written, so we have not included any writing on the back so you selection of industry-specific professional cards. If you are a can add your own words. This is a must-have card for every member you can purchase them at a discount price and business.furthermore, you can purchase small quantities to suit your This is a beautiful gift needs. You can purchase small quantities of 50, 100, 200 or 300 voucher that could be used for a Birthday, Valentine’s Day or for lots. The larger the quantity the cheaper the rate, and if you are a friend or loved one. It has the words With Love on the front an APAN member you also qualify for the discounted rate. Unit and on the back it has provision for the value of the gift, who it is costs starts from $0.70 each and can drop to as low as $0.45 from, expiry date and number.depending on the quantity you purchase. This

is a gorgeous gift voucher that is designed especially for men, to We can also produce large runs exclusively for you with your make a gift of a salon visit tailored just for him. On the back the own message and logo printed for you. standard voucher details are included. This card we know will

be a great seller!

This gift voucher has been designed to be used For information contact us direct on 07 5593 0360 or exclusively during Mother’s Day. It is simple, but very email info@apanetwork.com. To view the full range feminine. Just the right one to attract someone to consider visit www.apanetwork.comgiving their mother a gift from your establishment.

7. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR –

8. GIFT VOUCHER –

9. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — WE JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW YOU ARE SPECIAL –

WAYS OF GENERATING BUSINESS WITH YOUR GIFT CARDS

OPTIONS

THE APAN CARDS SELECTION

1. NEW CLIENT INVITATION – GIFT VOUCHERS WITH A THEME

2. WE HAVE MISSED YOU –

WHY SHOULD YOU INVEST IN APAN’S GIFT CARDS?3. THANK YOU – YOU ARE APPRECIATED –

4. WITH LOVE – GIFT VOUCHER –

5. GIFT VOUCHER FOR A VERY SPECIAL MAN –

6. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY BECAUSE YOU ARE SPECIAL –