Issuing gift cards and store credits

Guide to issuing store credits and gift cards in Denmark

Store credits and gift cards are fantastic business tools – they create value for both customers and the company. However, as a business, it is important to know the rules and follow the best practices to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a positive experience for customers. Here, you will find an overview of the most important rules and tips for handling gift cards and store credits.

Rules for gift cards and store credits

In Denmark, there are clear legal requirements regarding gift cards and store credits.

Validity period:

• As a general rule, gift cards must be valid for at least three years from the date of issue. This ensures that customers have ample time to use their cards.
• Shorter validity periods may be permitted if the card is tied to a specific event or product. However, this must be clearly communicated to the customer.

Remaining Balance:

• If a gift card is not fully used, the customer still has the right to use the remaining balance within the validity period. This is important to ensure the customer receives full value for their purchase.

Refunds:

• Gift cards and credit vouchers are generally non-refundable unless otherwise agreed. However, businesses may choose to offer refunds as an additional service, for example, in connection with customer complaints.

Practical tips for managing gift cards

To ensure a positive customer experience and easy administration of gift cards, follow these recommendations:

1. Communicate Clearly: Make sure that terms such as the validity period, any fees, and restrictions are clearly communicated to customers. This information can be displayed on the gift card itself or provided during the purchase process.

2. Track Balances and Expiry Dates: With Shopbox POS, you can automatically track gift card balances and expiry dates. This allows customers to use the card across multiple transactions and ensures no confusion arises.

3. Provide a Solution for Remaining Balances: If the customer doesn’t use the full value of the gift card, the remaining balance should be available for later use. With Shopbox, you can easily issue a new gift card with the remaining amount.

4. Offer Flexible Delivery Options: Using Shopbox, you can provide customers with the choice between physical gift cards, digital gift cards sent via email or SMS, or both. This makes the process more flexible and tailored to the customer’s needs.

Gift cards as part of customer service

Using gift cards and store credits isn’t just about boosting sales - it’s also an opportunity to provide excellent customer service. Here are some ideas to enhance the customer experience:

• Reminders: If you have the opportunity, consider sending reminders to customers with gift cards, that are getting close to their expiration date. This helps them make use of their gift cards and shows that you value them.
• Efficient return management: For returns, you can offer customers store credits. It’s a flexible solution that also helps retain sales in your store.
• Avoid legal issues: Always ensure your procedures comply with current laws. Update your practices if there are changes to the regulations.

An Investment in Customer Loyalty

Ved at følge reglerne og tilbyde en problemfri håndtering af gavekort og tilgodebeviser kan din virksomhed ikke kun undgå juridiske udfordringer, men også styrke kundernes loyalitet. Gavekort er mere end et betalingsmiddel – de er en mulighed for at give kunder en fleksibel og værdifuld oplevelse, der kan føre til flere besøg i fremtiden.

En gennemtænkt gavekortstrategi er en investering i både kundetilfredshed og din virksomheds vækst.

By adhering to the rules and ensuring seamless processing of gift cards and store credits, your business can avoid legal challenges and strengthen customer loyalty. Gift cards are more than just a payment method - they're an opportunity to provide customers with a flexible and valuable experience that can lead to more visits in the future.

A well-thought-out gift card strategy is an investment in both customer satisfaction and your company’s growth.