Gift cards remain a household name in various countries whenever gifting is involved. As technology advances, they keep evolving into different forms more convenient and flexible for users.
In New Zealand, this concept of gifting is not complete without gift cards. The large population of the country has continued to utilize them in various sectors of the economy. This article aims to carefully study the gift card industry in New Zealand and know the types available, the advantages of using them, and their examples.
History of Gift Cards in New Zealand
In the early days, New Zealanders engaged in a barter system, exchanging goods and services as gifts to show appreciation and build social connections. This system laid the foundation for the exchange of gifts in various cultural contexts.
Before gift cards came into existence, gift vouchers and certificates were in use. These paper-based vouchers allowed one to redeem gifts from specific stores or service providers, offering a taste of what was to come with modern gift cards.
Most retailers in the country were the first set of persons to embrace the modern cards and prominent brands recognized their potential as a marketing tool and a convenient gifting alternative.
Benefits of Gift Cards to New Zealand
Generally, there are lots of economic benefits associated with the use of gift cards in New Zealand.
1. Promotes Constant Product Purchases
This is one of the significant roles gift cards play in the economy. They reduce the likelihood of gifting unwanted products to eliminate returns.
2. Boosts the Economy
Gift cards are resources that boost the economy through the inflow of cash. The New Zealand gift card market is very viable and keeps thriving as people patronize local businesses that offer the cards.
3. Corporate Rewards Program
Corporate organizations in New Zealand use them for their gifting programs, to show appreciation for outstanding performances among employees, clients, and partners.
4. Cash Flow Management
For businesses, selling gift cards provides an upfront flow of cash without the immediate need to deliver products or services. This helps improve cash flow, providing additional capital that can be used for operational expenses, and investments.
6. Enhances Charitable Contributions
The use of gift cards simplifies gifting in the social welfare sector. You can make donations from the comfort of your home with the use of these cards. This helps to ensure that no one is deprived from contributing to social welfare because of distance.
Read Also: How to Sell Gift Cards on Cardcash
Different Gift Cards Available in New Zealand
1. Retailer- Specific Gift Cards
As the name goes, they are specifically for the purchase of all goods and services offered by a particular retailer. In most cases, they are an excellent choice for a retailer’s value-added services like discount offers, etc.
Advantages of using Retail Gift Cards
- Suitable for Corporate Gifting: These cards are also popular among businesses for employee incentives, rewards, and corporate gifting. They grant employees the freedom to choose their desired rewards, boost their motivation, and enhance a healthy work environment.
- Convenient for Distant Gifting: In terms of long-distance gifting, they are a perfect alternative. They can be easily purchased online and sent electronically to recipients, bridging the gap between the gift-givers and the receiver regardless of location.
- Perfect for Last-Minute Gifting: These cards come to the rescue when time is limited. They are readily available at stores and online, making them a perfect last-minute gifting solution. They also help to improve a brand’s visibility and awareness.
Some popular brands in New Zealand that issue them include; Woolworths Gift Card and Countdown Gift Card
2. Multi-Retailer Gift Cards
These types of cards are not restricted to one retailer. They can be used for purchases in more than one retail store. They can be used in multiple stores provided they are accepted there.
Advantages of Using Multi-Retailer Gift Cards
- Flexibility and Freedom of Choice: One of the primary advantages of multi-retailer gift cards is the flexibility they provide to you. Unlike retailer-specific gift cards, which limit you to a single store, they allow you to choose from different participating stores. This flexibility empowers you to select products or services that you need.
- Diverse Shopping Options: They open up a world of shopping possibilities. You can explore a wide range of retail categories, including fashion, electronics, home essentials, books, beauty products, and more. This diversity ensures that the gift card grants you access to your various interests.
- Suitable for Various Occasions: They are versatile and present a suitable choice for various occasions, including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, holidays, and more. Some of their examples are: Prezzy Visa Cards and One4all Gift Card
3. Gaming and Entertainment Gift Cards
For game and entertainment lovers, these cards grant access to popular gaming platforms and streaming services.
Advantages of Gaming and Entertainment Gift Cards
- Access to lots of Entertainment Content: These cards provide you with access to a wide range of content. From video games, movies, TV shows, and music to e-books, audiobooks, and podcasts, they offer an extensive library of entertainment options to suit various tastes.
- Perfect for Game Enthusiasts: They grant access to popular gaming platforms, allowing game lovers to explore new games, expansions, or in-game purchases. Examples are Prezzee Smart E-gift cards for computer games and New Zealand Steam gift cards.
4. Travel and Adventure Gift Cards:
These cards help to create experiences such as weekend getaways, outdoor activities, and tours. They grant you the gift of exploration and adventure.
Advantages of Travel and Adventure Gift Cards
- Gateway to Memorable Experiences: They open up a world of opportunities for travellers to embark on memorable journeys and experiences.
- Perfect for Adventure Lovers: If you yearn to explore new destinations and cultures within New Zealand, travel gift cards are the perfect present for you.
- Flexible for Travel Choices: They provide flexibility in choosing your travel destinations and experiences. They can be used for flights, accommodation, tours, or other travel-related expenses. The following are some examples; Flight Centre gift cards and Helloworld gift cards New Zealand.
5. Restaurant Gift Cards
They are specifically used to access restaurants within the country and their culinary services.
Advantages of Restaurant Gift Cards in New Zealand
- Freedom to Choose Dining Preferences: These cards come with the advantage of freedom and flexibility to choose any culinary preferences of your choice.
- Best for Group Celebrations: They are a great choice for group celebrations and gatherings. In New Zealand, people used them to share dining experiences with friends and family, making it a joyous and memorable occasion.
- Culinary Delight for Foodies: They provide recipients with the opportunity to indulge in delicious meals at their favourite dining spots. They also offer you a delightful culinary experience for your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
How to Activate Your Gift Card
Once you purchase a gift card, find out if special policies are guiding their redemption in your country and follow the instructions, if not, you can follow these steps to activate your cards:
Step 1: Check for Activation
Some gift cards are activated at the time of purchase, while others may require activation before use. When purchasing them, confirm with the retailer or staff whether the card is pre-activated or if you need to activate it separately.
Step 2: Activation at Point of Sale
For pre-activated ones, the activation process is completed at the point of sale. When you buy them, the cashier will scan or input the card’s barcode into their system, to activate it for use.
Step 3: Online Activation
If the card requires separate activation, it would be done online through the retailer’s or issuer’s website. Look for the website address or instructions on the back of the card. Visit the provided website and follow the prompts to activate the card.
Step 4: Phone Activation
Alternatively, some cards can be activated over the phone. Look for a toll-free number or instructions on the back of the card. Call the provided number and follow the automated prompts to activate your card.
Step 5: Register your Gift Card ( if required)
Depending on the type of card you bought, you may have the option to register it with the issuer. Registering the gift card can offer added benefits, such as protection against loss or theft. Follow the provided instructions to register the card, if applicable.
Step 6: Check Your Card Balance
After activation, it’s a good idea to check the remaining balance on the card. You can do this online, through the issuer’s website, or by calling the customer service number provided on the card.
Can Gift Cards be Sold in New Zealand?
Yes, they can be sold. Before you embark on your gift card sales, consider the following factors:
1. Study the Legal Policies Involved
You must be aware of the legal requirements and policies guiding gift card sales locally and internationally. Also, find out about the validity periods and expiry dates of the cards you want to sell.
2. Prioritize Convenience
Based on your target market, you need to determine the forms you want to sell whether physical, digital, or E-Gift Card forms. This would give you insights into your customers’ behaviour concerning buying and redeeming the cards.
3. Use a Reputable Platform
You can easily earn trust and credibility when you partner with platforms that have already built it within their years of operation. It would help to expand your customer base, as buyers are more likely to purchase gift cards associated with brands they know, like, and trust.
4. Offer Multiple Denominations
You should also consider selling different values of the cards to make them flexible to suit your customers’ budgets.
5. Prioritize Safety in Transactions
Make security a top priority in your gift card business to protect against fraudulent activities. Also, make sure you have strict authentication measures to prevent unauthorized use or tampering with details.
6. Establish Customer Care Service
You should consider having responsive customer support for your customers. Always respond promptly to inquiries and issues to help to ensure a positive customer experience with buyers.
7. Reward Customer Loyalty
It is important to boost your business and retain your customers. One of the ways to do so is to implement loyalty programs that reward them.
Best Place to Sell Gift Cards in Nigeria
It is very crucial to consider the above tips for choosing a reliable platform for your gift card sales. If you are in Nigeria, always consider a platform that provides you with all the important factors listed above and even more.
One of the best platforms to sell all your gift cards in Nigeria is Snappy Exchange.
About Snappy Exchange
We are a leading E-currency & Gift Card trading platform in Nigeria, with a thorough knowledge of the Nigerian and International Gift Card Market. Our customers can trade their Gift Cards, and cryptocurrencies, buy airtime, and data, and pay bills on our friendly User Interface platform.
There are many benefits to doing so and some of them include the following:
1. Best Sales Rate
We offer you the best rate for any sales you make with us. This is because we are poised on helping you to maximize the value of your cards. You can check them out on our website and start your exciting journey in Gift Card sales.
2. Prompt and Responsive Customer Service
We do not leave our customers stranded. That is why our contact channels are available 24/7 to ensure that we are at your reach any day, anytime. You can contact us via our website or download our mobile App to know more about us.
Also, we have built trust with all our customers, maintained transparency, and always addressed any customer concerns or complaints promptly.
3. Safe Transaction Platform
We have implemented measures to ensure that all transactions you make on our platform are not just safe but also that your details are secured.
4. Referral Bonuses
We reward you for all referrals who complete their orders on our platform. This has also helped us to build long-term relationships with our customers who keep coming back and referring others to us. You can register with us today and share your referral link to keep your cash rewards rolling in.
5. Swift Funding
Our payments are fast, and there are no delays with our payouts. Our orders are processed with speed. We are best when it comes to selling your Gift Cards, payments are fast after confirmation and completed within a few minutes.
How to Sell Your Gift Cards On Snappy Exchange
The following steps would help you to sell your gift cards on our platform:
Step1: Visit our website or download our mobile app
Step 2: Click on “Login” at the upper right-hand of the menu bar
Step 3: Enter your email and a password, then go ahead and sign in
Step 4: On the next page, click on “Sell Gift Card” at the upper right-hand of the page
Step 5: Select the type of Gift Card you want to sell on the next page
Step 6: Select the country, card type, and quantity you want to sell and submit
Step 7: Upload a high-quality image of your card and submit
Once your card is uploaded, your account would be credited immediately, in less than 10 minutes.
Conclusion
While gift cards have modernized the art of gifting, the essence of thoughtful giving remains unchanged. The use of gift cards in New Zealand expresses the country’s adaptability and appreciation for meaningful gestures, ensuring that the act of giving will continue to flourish in the years to come.
While purchasing the cards, it’s crucial to understand the laws and policies governing their use and redemption. Snappy Exchange is here to help you with all your gift card transactions in Nigeria. Our platform provides you with a seamless experience in gift card sales even if you are a novice in the gift card business.