Setting up an international gift card program can be an excellent way for your brand to enter and conquer new markets. This strategy helps attract new consumers while fostering customer loyalty in countries where your brand is present.
To develop a successful international gift card program, several steps are necessary: defining the terms and conditions of your gift card program, choosing a gift card management platform, implementing a tracking system, and optimizing customer support.
Here are our recommendations to guide you in expanding your single-brand gift card program to other countries.
1. Define the terms and conditions
Gift card laws and regulations can vary significantly from one country to another. Usage conditions, such as validity periods, refund policies, and product restrictions, depend on local legislation.
“For example, in Germany, an e-gift card may be valid for up to 3 years, whereas in Switzerland, it can last up to 5 years.”
Marie-Laure TELLIEZ, Product Owner at Global POS
Before launching your international gift card program, conduct thorough research to understand local requirements. Seeking expert guidance can be highly beneficial.
Once this research is completed, clearly define the terms and conditions for each country you plan to expand into. This includes geographical restrictions, expiration dates, and potential fees.
2. Choose the right solution for deploying your international gift card
The next step is selecting a gift card solution that is both omnichannel and international, such as Easy2Play. This will help streamline implementation and avoid costly mistakes.
However, ensure that the chosen solution includes essential features to support your project effectively:
- The tool should enable the creation, issuance, and management of international gift cards while complying with the legal, regulatory, and security constraints of each country you operate in.
- Regarding distribution, the platform should allow gift card delivery via physical mail, email, or SMS, depending on customer preferences. It should integrate with one or more international gift card providers or be capable of issuing physical cards in target markets.
- The platform should offer APIs or third-party integrations, enabling seamless connectivity with your payment systems, point-of-sale software, website, and loyalty program.
- The system must support multiple countries and currencies, ensuring compatibility with international payment methods.
Discover our omnichannel and international gift card solution
Petit Bateau’s omnichannel and international gift card
At Petit Bateau, the gift card is available for purchase in-store and via a white-label website connected to the brand’s e-commerce platform. The recipient can activate it in one or multiple transactions, both in-store and online. This system ensures a seamless purchasing experience and guarantees optimal customer satisfaction.
3. Implement a tracking system for gift cards
To ensure security and efficient management of your gift card program, set up a real-time tracking system for balances, transactions, and refunds. Many gift card solutions already include these core functionalities.
Additionally, choose a platform that generates detailed reports and statistics so you can monitor your program’s performance. Opting for a multilingual back-office can also facilitate collaboration with international teams.
4. Optimize your customer support
For a successful international launch, your brand must have a multilingual customer support team to answer inquiries and resolve issues encountered by your global customers.
5. Don’t forget GDPR compliance!
GDPR applies beyond borders! Ensure that your platform protects customer data and transaction security.
By following these steps, you can efficiently set up and manage an international gift card program for your brand!
