How to use Gift cards

Gift cards are available starting from the Growth plan in Growave. A gift card is a special type of product that customers can use as payment toward future orders in your store, alongside other payment methods like credit cards or cash.

In this article, we will guide you through setting up gift cards as rewards, how they work in different loyalty features, and how to manage them.


Gift cards in loyalty programs

Gift cards are powerful rewards in loyalty programs. However, unlike regular discounts, you cannot set specific conditions for their use, such as a minimum order value. Gift cards can be redeemed for any purchase, making them a flexible payment option for your customers.

Customers can also use multiple gift cards at checkout if they have more than one available. This provides added convenience and enhances customer satisfaction.

Gift card as a reward for actions

Gift cards can be offered as a reward for customers in various Growave features, including the Points program, VIP Tiers, and the Referral program. Customers can earn gift cards for performing certain actions, reaching specific VIP tiers, or referring new customers in exchange for a gift card.

Points program:

  1. Go to RewardsPoints tab → Ways to earn section and click Add ways to earn.
  2. Choose one of the earning actions, e.g. Celebrate birthday, and select the Gift card as a reward type.

Growave - Rewards - Points - Ways to earn - Celebrate birthday - Gift card

VIP Tiers:

  • Go to RewardsVIP Tiers tab and click Add tier, or edit the existing tier.
  • Select Gift card as the entry reward for reaching a specific tier and enter Gift card value.

Growave - Rewards - VIP tiers - Entry reward - Gift card

Referral Program:

  • Go to RewardsReferrals tab.
  • Click Edit to assign the Gift card as the reward for the Referring customer or the Referred friend.

Growave - Rewards - Referrals - Reward type - Gift card

Gift card as reward redeemable with points

To create a gift card as a redeemable reward:

  1. Go to RewardsPoints → Ways to redeem section and click the "Add ways to redeem" button.
  2. Select the Gift card option from the list.
  3. On the Gift card page, assign the reward title, points price, and the gift card’s value.

Growave - Rewards - Points - Ways to redeem - Gift card

Earning points with gift cards

Gift cards work differently from regular discounts when used in Shopify and with Growave's points system:

  • Purchasing a gift card: In Shopify, a gift card can be created as a product. When customers purchase this type of gift card, they will not earn points.
  • Using a gift card: When customers use a gift card for a purchase, they will earn points for the amount paid with the gift card.

To exclude gift cards from earning points, go to Rewards → Settings → Reward amount calculation and enable the Exclude gift cards option.

EXAMPLE: If a customer places a $100 order and applies a $30 gift card, points will be earned only on the remaining $70.

Growave - Rewards - Settings - Rewardable amount

Managing gift cards

Once a gift card is issued as a reward for action or redeemed with points, Shopify automatically sends an email to the customer with the gift card details.

Customers can also use the Rewards widget to find available rewards, including gift cards.

Growave Rewards widget - Redeem points for Gift card

You can track the status and usage of gift cards in the Customers section of the Growave admin panel. By selecting a customer's profile, you can gain insights into the gift cards they have redeemed

Tips on setting up gift cards

  1. Avoid low-value gift cards: To make your loyalty program profitable, avoid offering gift cards with a very low value. Instead, reserve gift cards for higher points thresholds or special promotions.
  2. Encourage larger purchases: Use gift cards strategically by offering them as rewards for customers who spend over a certain amount, encouraging larger orders.
  3. Promote high-margin products: Focus on using gift cards for products with higher profit margins, as this will make the rewards more sustainable.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us at support@growave.io or use the chat icon at the bottom-right corner. We're always here to help!