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Business Services

Gift Cards

Customize a gift card with your business name. Rewarding loyal customers and creating new customers are priorities for any business. The Gift Card paves the way to meet these goals, driving profits and cash flow. The Gift Card replaces paper gift certificates and punch cards. The card can be activated at the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal in all of your locations, and is capable of being reloaded.
Benefits include:

  • Balance remains on card (no cash back)
  • Increased customer loyalty
  • Store credit can be placed on a gift card
  • Accounting done electronically - not by hand

For more information, check out the Gift Card Frequently Asked Questions section.

 

GIFT CARD FAQ

 

 

GIFT CARD FAQ

 

What is a gift card?
A gift card is also known as a stored value card. It is a plastic card that is issued by a company in which a customer can purchase credit to be used only at that business location. In essence, it's the modern day paper gift certificate.

Why would I use a gift card when I can issue a paper certificate?
The gift card has many benefits over paper certificates. Some of them include:

  • Eliminates time-consuming processes of issuing and tracking paper gift certificates and the back-room accounting functions that are required to control the paper-based program.
  • Paper gift certificates cost the retail industry approximately 8% of total gift certificate sales. With a gift card program, sales for an amount less than a gift certificate are not lost. Instead of giving change back, the remaining value stays on the card driving future purchases and providing the opportunity to prompt the consumer to 're-load' the card.
  • Consumer loyalty is a unique feature of the gift card. Unlike paper gift certificates, consumers can 're-load' the card, using credit or cash to maintain a positive balance. This instant loyalty drives incremental sales opportunities, building your revenue.

What happens if the gift card recipient doesn't use all the money on the card?
Unlike paper gift certificates where a customer can spend $5.00 of the $25.00 gift certificate and receive the remaining $20.00 in cash, a gift card deducts the $5.00 and leaves the remaining $20.00 "on account". As a result, if a gift card holder does not redeem the full amount of the gift card in merchandise, you do not lose the remaining balance of the initial sale.

If a person wants more money on their card, do I issue a new card?
No. Your customer can continue to use the same card. As the merchant, you will have the ability to 're-load' the card with the new dollar amount.

What type of equipment do I need?
The gift card program is compatible with many of the POS terminals.

What do the cards look like?
There are many pre-designed options available from which to select. If your business would prefer to have a custom designed card, Peoples Bank can accommodate that request as well.

Can I have my business logo on the card?
Yes you can! At the time you complete the application for the gift card program, you can provide us with ready made art work or with the specifics you would like custom designed. Once the design has been created onto the card, you will receive a proof to validate the information and design. There are additional fees for custom designed gift cards. For additional information, please contact Card Services at 1-800-374-6123.

How does it work?

  • Swiping the gift card through the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal activates the card.
  • The cashier enters the dollar amount to be "loaded" onto the card and a receipt is printed for the consumer.
  • Cardholder uses the card when paying for merchandise/service.
  • The cashier swipes the card through the terminal and enters the sale amount.
  • A receipt prints out with the transaction information and displays the card's remaining balance.
  • Card balances can also be obtained through the POS terminal.
  • All information is stored on the host system.

How do I get billed for this service?
Your account will be debited each month based on the transactions conducted through the gift card program.

What does it cost?
Fees for the service will be discussed at time of the application. For an application, please contact Card Services at 1-800-374-6123.

How long does it take to set up an account for gift cards?
The time varies depending on whether you will use a design from the card stock or if you need a custom card designed. There is an option to rush the setup with an additional fee.

What do I need to do to get set up for gift cards?
You will need to have a merchant account with Peoples Bank. A separate application for the gift card program will need to be completed and returned to Card Services, c/o Peoples Bank, P.O. Box 738, Marietta, OH 45750.

Can I do gift cards only through Peoples Bank and Merchant Services through another processor?
No. We will not sell the gift card program to merchants who do not have their credit card programs processed by Peoples Bank.

I have more than one location. Can I set up both locations on the gift card program?
Yes. You would have the option of setting up only one or both locations.

How do I track the sales and balances on the cards?
That is one of the advantages to the gift card program - you don't! All transactions and activity are captured and is available through a unique secure website. You can view the transactions in real time and monitor activity of the gift card program. This ability will be set up for use upon approval of the application and implementation of the program.

 

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