Digital gift cards are transforming the way Australians send and receive gifts – here’s why you should start using them!
Digital gift cards are gaining popularity, and the advantages they have over their predecessors make it easy to see why.
As a tech company that abides by a ‘paperless policy,’ it’s a no-brainer that we’re advocates of this new way of gifting! Conn3cted have been working with companies to deliver digital gifting platforms – MicroGifts being one of the first.
Here, we briefly explore what a MicroGift is as an example, and why we believe digital gifting is the way forward.
First of all, what is a digital gift card?
Just like a physical gift card, a digital gift card has a specified spend amount. However, that’s where the similarities start to end. Digital gift cards are sent via email or text and once activated, are loaded to your mobile wallet.
Next-gen digital gift cards use smartphone technology. Integrated with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, you spend them via tap‘n’go, or by purchasing online.
The benefits
Without further ado, let’s explore some of the many benefits of digital gift cards!
Easy to store and remember
Digital gift cards live in your phone wallet – so as long as you have your phone, you have access to your gift card. This also eliminates the need to carry physical cards, which many of us leave at home and forget.
Access to card balance
Unlike physical gift cards, you don’t need to visit a website and enter your reference number to view your remaining balance. Instead, you can easily access balance information in the brand’s mobile app, such as the MicroGifts app.
A bonus feature with a MicroGifts digital gift card is that any subsequent MicroGifts you get, the new amount gets added to the existing balance.
More personal
Unlike physical gift cards, digital gifting platforms allow you to give a personalised gift to someone. For example with MicroGifts, you can send a personalised message with a company logo and include an image.
Easy to give
Many physical gift cards can only be purchased in-store. If purchased online, you need to wait for them to arrive. Digital gift cards can be given at any time, making them perfect for when you want to instantly reward someone for their efforts. They’re also perfect for those last-minute gifts!
Use anywhere
Physical gift cards are often purchased from specific stores. One of the main hassles with gift cards in general is that they can only be used at that store. With the MicroGifts digital gift card, it can be redeemed anywhere Mastercard is accepted. This gives you the freedom to shop anywhere – including online!
Eco-friendly
Digital gift cards also have a better environmental footprint. They reduce the circulation of plastic gift cards that don’t decompose. Furthermore, they reduce the amount of paper waste that often comes with physical greeting cards.
As you can see, this is an exciting time for digital gifting. This is really just the start, and we predict the gift card space will look very different in a couple of years! We’re excited to be at the forefront of the mobile digital revolution, and look forward to sharing our next innovative project with you soon.