The year-end period and seasonal holidays often account for more than 30% of annual revenue for a local business. In this context, the Gift Card stands out as the ultimate sales tool. It addresses two key challenges: simplifying the decision for undecided customers and guaranteeing immediate income for the merchant. At Avomark, we transform this traditional product into a powerful transactional data lever to ensure the long-term success of your business well beyond the holiday season.
The meteoric rise of the Gift Card in 2026
The gift market has changed. Consumers now prioritize freedom of choice and the assurance of getting it right. For a merchant, offering a Gift Card means securing immediate cash flow: the amount is collected today, but the product or service is only delivered later. This is a significant financial advantage for managing inventory and investments.
Steps to deploy your Gift Card solution
To successfully launch your offer, speed of execution is key — especially as Christmas approaches. Here are the pillars of an effective rollout:
Choosing the format: Will you go with an elegant physical card, a digital e-gift card sent by email, or a hybrid solution?
Payment processing: Your payment terminal (POS) must be able to credit and debit these cards seamlessly.
Accounting tracking: It is essential to have a centralized dashboard to monitor outstanding balances and expiration dates.
Visual marketing: A display stand at the checkout or a banner on your website to let customers know about this new option.
Turning gift recipients into loyal customers
The real secret of the Gift Card lies in customer acquisition. Did you know that 70% of Gift Card recipients spend more than the initial amount during their visit? It’s the perfect opportunity to capture the details of this new visitor through our POS Terminal Loyalty solutions. By adding the recipient to your customer database, you turn a one-off gift purchase into a lasting relationship.
Sales strategies to maximize your ROI
Don’t just wait for customers to ask for a card. Be proactive in your marketing communications:
The promotional bundle: “Buy a €50 Gift Card and get €5 for yourself.” This drives immediate purchases.
Last-minute SMS Marketing: Send a targeted SMS on December 23rd to remind last-minute shoppers that your Gift Cards are available for instant download.
Dynamic checkout display: Use the screen on your PAX or Ingenico terminals to promote the Gift Card with every payment.
Table: Impact of the Gift Card on business performance
| Performance Indicator | Without Gift Card | With Avomark Solution |
| New customer acquisition | Ad-based | Organic (via existing customers) |
| Available cash flow | After the sale | Immediate (from the moment of purchase) |
| Average in-store basket | Standard | +25% (spend exceeds card value) |
| Post-holiday return rate | Low | High (visit to redeem the card) |
The Gift Card: a major asset for franchise networks
For a franchise network, the Gift Card is a tool for cohesion. A card purchased in a store in Bordeaux should be redeemable in the Lyon location.
Interoperability: A robust technical system that manages financial settlement between the different franchisees.
National brand image: A well-designed Gift Card reinforces the perception of a major brand while supporting local business.
Consolidated reporting: Network headquarters can analyze which store sells the most cards and which attracts the most new customers through this lever.
Going digital: the urgency of the “Last-Minute” moment
In 2026, the e-gift card has become indispensable. It enables sales right up to Christmas morning. Thanks to our digital tools, your customers can buy, personalize, and send a gift voucher from their smartphone in seconds. This flexibility is the best way to capture the budget of busy shoppers who would otherwise turn to a global e-commerce platform.
Conclusion: An immediate growth lever
Launching a Gift Card is one of the most profitable investments a merchant can make, especially during peak periods. It’s a product that requires no inventory, generates cash flow, and brings new faces into your store. With Avomark solutions, you have reliable technology to manage this activity with complete ease.
Frequently asked questions about setting up Gift Cards
1. How should Gift Card sales be recorded in accounting?
The sale of a Gift Card is not immediate revenue in the accounting sense, but a liability (a deposit). VAT is generally only collected at the time the card is redeemed for a product or service. This is a major cash flow advantage for your business.
2. What is the legal validity period of a Gift Card?
There is no legally mandated validity period, but common practice is 12 months. It is essential to clearly state the expiration date on the card to inform the consumer.
3. Why offer a digital version (e-gift card)?
The e-gift card eliminates printing costs and delivery times. It is the perfect tool for last-minute sales and allows you to reach customers who cannot visit your physical point of sale.
4. Are Gift Cards compatible with my current POS terminal?
Avomark solutions are designed to integrate with most modern payment terminals (PAX, Ingenico). This allows you to scan or enter the card code directly on your existing hardware with no additional equipment required.
