November 8th, 2011 • Posted by Seth Gardenswartz • Permalink
Independent restaurants struggle to get a tiny sliver of the $91 billion in gift card sales. One of the reasons small businesses miss out on their share is that they get beaten to the punch by mega brands like Pizza Hut who is staying ahead of the curve offering services like e-gift cards. E-gifts, unlike plastic cards, can be delivered instantly via email, text or a social medium with no delay or charge for shipping. Pizza Hut spokesman Chris Fuller was quoted as saying "[w]e added the (e-gift card) option because we increasingly see our customers access our brand through mobile and online means."
Pizza Hut is not alone. Fox Business reports that mega brands including Starbucks, Pizza Hut and 55 other chain restaurants and other businesses are now offering instant, online gift certificates or e-gift cards. Rebekka Rea, quoted in the Fox Business story said "if retailers don't have [e-gift cards] now they are behind."
Big brands and mega retailers have budgets, marketing departments and teams of IT geeks to make things like this happen. How is an independent restaurant or small business supposed to compete? CoverBoom can get any restaurant or small retailer in the game with a professional branded e-gift card for as little as $99. A small business can double their gift card sales with a combination of e-gifts and a smart marketing strategy that includes mobile. Click here for ideas on how to double your December sales or call CoverBoom for more information.
