Bulk Gift Cards: 7 Tips for a Smooth Buying Experience

Buying bulk gift cards is an excellent strategy for businesses and consumers alike. Whether you’re rewarding employees or incentivizing customers, bulk gift cards offer flexibility, convenience, and a thoughtful approach to giving.

However, navigating the world of bulk gift cards requires careful consideration to ensure you’re making the best choices for your specific needs.

In this article, we’ll explore seven essential tips to help you make informed decisions when purchasing gift cards in bulk and outline how they can benefit both individuals and businesses.

1. Understand Your Purpose for Bulk Gift Cards

Before diving into your bulk gift card purchase, it’s important to clarify why you’re buying them in the first place. Different purposes may require different types of gift cards.

• Employee Rewards: For businesses, bulk gift cards are a great way to motivate and reward employees. From end-of-year bonuses to small “thank you” gestures for meeting goals, gift cards offer a flexible way to recognize hard work. With gift cards, you can give employees the ability to choose how to spend their reward.
  
• Customer Incentives: For marketing promotions, customer loyalty programs, or referrals, gift cards are an effective way to incentivize purchases and build lasting customer relationships. Bulk orders allow you to easily run ongoing promotions.
  
• Holiday Gifting: Buying gift cards in bulk for holidays and special events can make gift-giving a breeze. Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or simply appreciation, having access to gift cards means you can give personalized yet convenient gifts.

2. Choose Between Digital and Physical Gift Cards

One of the most important decisions you’ll face when buying gift cards in bulk is whether to go with digital or physical cards. Each has its own advantages depending on the situation.

• Digital Gift Cards: These are becoming increasingly popular for a reason—they’re fast, convenient, and easy to deliver. Digital gift cards can be sent instantly via email, which is perfect for remote employees or customers across different locations. Additionally, digital cards reduce the risk of being lost or stolen since they are delivered securely online.
  
• Physical Gift Cards: Physical gift cards offer a more traditional and personal touch, particularly when gifting in person. They’re great for holiday bonuses or special occasions where you want to hand someone a tangible gift. However, they do come with some drawbacks, including slower delivery times and the potential for loss or damage in transit.

3. Select a Trusted Provider for Bulk Gift Cards

Not all gift card providers are the same, and choosing a reputable provider is critical when buying bulk gift cards.

A good provider will offer a wide range of gift card options, solid customer support, and security features that protect both you and the recipients.

• For consumers: Platforms like Giftcards.com offer easy access to a wide variety of retailers for personal gift card purchases. These platforms are user-friendly and ideal for personal use when buying gift cards for friends and family.
  
• For businesses: If you’re interested in buying gift cards in bulk for employee rewards or customer incentives, look for a provider that caters to corporate needs. Platforms like Toasty are designed specifically for businesses, offering bulk ordering, tracking, customization, and secure digital delivery. These features are crucial for businesses that need to manage large-scale gift card distributions efficiently.

4. Pay Attention to Fees

When buying bulk gift cards, it’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions, especially regarding fees. Some gift card suppliers charge activation or maintenance fees, especially on Visa and Mastercard cards. These fees can reduce the overall value of the gift if not carefully considered.

• Activation Fees: Some prepaid cards, such as Visa or Mastercard gift cards, come with one-time activation fees. This can range from $2.95 to $6.95 depending on the card’s value. While this may not seem like much, it’s important to factor in these fees if you’re ordering in bulk, as they can add up.
  
• Maintenance Fees: Be mindful of any potential ongoing fees associated with certain types of cards. While many store-branded gift cards don’t carry these fees, prepaid cards sometimes charge fees for specific transactions or features. This might be something to avoid when you’re trying to provide a seamless gift experience.

5. Consider Customization and Branding

Personalizing your bulk gift cards can add an extra touch of professionalism and thoughtfulness. Customization options can include adding your company logo, choosing a design that reflects your brand, and incorporating a personalized message for the recipient.

• Branded Cards: For businesses, customizing gift cards with your company’s branding can make a significant impression on employees and customers. It’s a subtle way to reinforce your company’s presence while also giving a thoughtful gift.
  
• Personalized Messages: Whether you’re sending holiday greetings or rewarding employees for their hard work, a customized message can enhance the experience for the recipient. Adding a personal touch can make a big difference in how your gift is received.

6. Track and Secure Your Bulk Gift Cards

Security is a key consideration when distributing bulk gift cards, particularly if you’re sending them to a large number of recipients.

Digital gift cards offer several advantages in terms of tracking and security, but even physical cards can be protected with the right precautions.

• Digital Cards: Digital bulk gift cards are easy to track, allowing you to see when they are redeemed. This is especially useful for businesses looking to monitor employee rewards or customer incentives. Additionally, digital gift cards reduce the risk of being lost or stolen.
  
• Physical Cards: If you choose physical gift cards, consider using secure delivery options such as tracking numbers or requiring a signature upon receipt to ensure the cards are safely delivered.

7. Plan Your Bulk Gift Card Purchases in Advance

If you’re planning to buy bulk gift cards for a special event or holiday, it’s essential to plan ahead. Large physical bulk orders, especially those that involve customization or branding, can take longer to process and deliver.

Virtual gift cards can be sent out much faster, but we still recommend finalizing your details ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience.

• For businesses: Whether you’re preparing for a year-end bonus program or a major marketing promotion, start your bulk gift card order early to avoid last-minute issues. Toasty streamlines the process, ensuring instant delivery even with high volumes.
  
• For consumers: If you’re purchasing bulk gift cards for family or friends, allow extra time for shipping and processing, especially during busy holiday seasons.

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Final Thoughts: Maximizing the Value of Bulk Gift Cards

Buying bulk gift cards is an excellent strategy for both personal and business use. By following these seven tips, you can ensure that your bulk gift card purchases are cost-effective, secure, and impactful.

Whether you’re rewarding employees, incentivizing customers, or stocking up for the holidays, bulk gift cards offer a versatile and convenient solution for any occasion.

With Toasty, the process is streamlined, customizable, and secure—making it easier than ever to deliver thoughtful, flexible gifts that everyone will appreciate. Sign-up or book a demo below to learn more.

Common Questions About Bulk Gift Cards

What is the best gift card to give employees?

The best gift card for employees is one that provides flexibility. A choice card, such as the Toasty Choice Card, allows recipients to pick the specific gift card they want from a wide range of brands.

This way, employees can select what they need most, whether it’s for groceries, dining, or entertainment.

Is it OK to give employees gift cards?

Absolutely! Giving gift cards to employees is perfectly acceptable and often well appreciated. Gift cards are a versatile way to reward employees for their hard work or show appreciation during holidays.

Just make sure to choose a card that offers flexibility and value, such as prepaid Visa gift cards or choice cards.

What is an appropriate gift card amount for employees?

The amount depends on the occasion and your company’s budget. Generally, for smaller rewards or recognition, $25 to $50 is appropriate. For larger bonuses or holiday gifts, amounts ranging from $100 to $500 are more common.

The key is to ensure the amount reflects the level of appreciation and tenure.

Are gift cards to employees taxable in the US?

Yes, gift cards given to employees are considered taxable income in the U.S. According to the IRS, gift cards are treated as cash equivalents and must be included in the employee’s gross income, making them subject to withholding taxes.

Of course, we recommend checking with your accountant with any tax-related questions.

Where can I buy gift cards in bulk?

For personal bulk gift card purchases, websites like Giftcards.com offer a wide variety of options. If you’re buying for a business, platforms like Toasty are ideal for corporate bulk orders, offering customization, tracking, and secure delivery.

How can I track bulk gift card usage?

Digital gift cards, especially those purchased through platforms like Toasty, have tracking features that allow you to monitor when the cards are redeemed. This is particularly useful for businesses wanting to measure the effectiveness of their incentive programs.