What exactly is a gift card?
A gift card (sometimes known as a “stored-value” card) is similar to a debit card in form and function. Many people think of it as a pre-paid debit card. A gift card retains the value placed on it by the consumer at the time the card is purchased. Unlike a paper gift certificate, a gift card may be used for one or more purchases. It is not necessary to refund the unspent value on the gift card. The value stays on the card until the cardholder uses it.

Will it have our company name and logo on it?
Yes! It’s like having a small billboard for your company in your customer’s billfold. You can create your own graphic design for your cards or you can place your company logo on one of the graphic designs that we have for you to choose from.

Is theft a problem if they are displayed at the point of sale?
No. The cards cannot be used until they have been activated by one of your customer service representatives. If someone tries to use a card that has not been activated, the transaction will be declined.

Will I receive some kind of reporting on how many cards were issued and redeemed?
Yes. We provide you with a variety of audit friendly reports that allow you to track card balances and all transaction activity on the cards. We will soon have Web-based reporting systems and fax-on-demand systems in place that will provide you with real-time access to all of your transaction data.

What if a customer loses their gift card? Can it be replaced like a credit card? If so, can the unused balance be tracked, and whom would I call?
Gift cards work the same way as gift certificates in this area. A lost gift card is like lost cash. Once activated, anyone can use a gift card. It cannot be canceled or replaced.

Will gift cards work in my current credit card equipment?
That depends on the type of equipment that you are currently using. Your sales representative can help you to determine what the most cost-effective option is.

Has employee theft of gift cards ever been a problem?
Employee theft has not been a problem because gift cards provide a more complete audit trail than paper gift certificates. The E-gift system gives us the ability to track the full life cycle of every card in the system.

Is it difficult to operate? Will your company train my employees?
Processing gift card transactions is easier and faster than processing paper gift certificates. With 10 minutes or less of training, your employees will be processing gift card transactions faster and more efficiently than they ever could have with paper certificates.

If I decide I want this system, how long does it take to get set up?
It only takes a few days to get you activated in the E-gift program. However, you should plan on 3 – 4 weeks for your cards to be printed from the time that you give us your final approval on your card design.