Businesses of all sizes use discount cards to attract customers, boost sales, and increase brand loyalty. These cards are a powerful incentive, encouraging repeat purchases while enhancing customer satisfaction. However, simply printing discount gift cards isn’t enough. Strategic distribution is key to maximizing their impact. Knowing where, when, and how to distribute these cards can differentiate between a successful campaign and wasted resources.
Retail stores, restaurants, spas, and online businesses can all benefit from well-planned plastic discount card distribution. Regardless of whether offering limited-time discounts, rewarding loyal customers, or attracting new ones, an effective strategy ensures that these cards reach the right audience at the right time.
Ways To Distribute Discount Gift Cards
1. Distribute at Point of Sale (POS)
The checkout counter is one of the most effective locations for distributing plastic cards. Handing out a discount gift card after a purchase encourages customers to return and shop again.
- Offer a discount gift card with every purchase above a certain amount.
- Inform customers about how and when to redeem their plastic cards.
- Train cashiers to promote the benefits of the card to maximize engagement.
- Use in-store signage to highlight the availability of discount cards.
- Set up a display stand near the cash register for easy access.
2. Include in Online and In-Store Orders
For businesses with both physical and online stores, inserting plastic discount cards in order packages is a smart way to encourage repeat business.
- For online orders, add a discount gift card inside the package as a surprise incentive.
- In physical stores, slip a card into the shopping bag at checkout.
- Personalize the cards with expiration dates or exclusive offers to create urgency.
- Offer discount codes along with the cards for online redemption.
- Pair discount cards with thank-you notes to enhance customer appreciation.
3. Partner with Local Businesses
Collaborating with complementary businesses expands the reach of discount cards beyond your existing customer base.
- Place gift cards at businesses that share your target audience (e.g., a gym partnering with a smoothie shop).
- Exchange promotional materials to cross-promote both businesses.
- Offer businesses an incentive for distributing your discount cards (e.g., commission on redeemed cards).
- Provide branded cardholders to business partners to keep the cards organized.
- Distribute bulk cards to businesses for them to hand out to their customers.
4. Use Direct Mail Campaigns
Sending discount cards via direct mail allows businesses to target specific customers based on demographics and purchase behavior.
| Advantage | Details |
| Targeted Approach | Reach specific neighborhoods, customer groups, or loyalty members. |
| Personalization | Include a customer’s name for a personalized touch. |
| High Engagement | Physical mail has a higher open rate compared to email promotions. |
- Combine plastic cards with a compelling call to action.
- Offer time-sensitive deals to encourage quick redemption.
- Use QR codes on the cards for digital tracking.
- Add incentives like a referral bonus for sharing the card.
- Follow up with email reminders about the card’s expiry date.
5. Reward Loyalty Program Members
Customers enrolled in loyalty programs are already engaged with your brand, making them ideal recipients of discount cards.
- Send gift cards as a reward for reaching a spending milestone.
- Provide exclusive discount cards for VIP customers.
- Offer higher-value cards to frequent shoppers as an added incentive.
- Use a tiered reward system to keep customers engaged over time.
- Encourage customers to refer friends in exchange for additional discounts.
6. Use Events and Trade Shows
Handing out plastic discount cards at events, trade shows, and community gatherings helps attract new customers and build brand awareness.
- Give away gift cards as part of a contest or raffle.
- Offer cards to attendees who engage with your booth or social media pages.
- Partner with event organizers for branded distribution opportunities.
- Attach a special code for tracking event-based redemptions.
- Distribute themed cards that match the event’s purpose.
7. Digital Integration and QR Codes
Combining physical plastic discount cards with digital elements increases convenience and redemption rates.
- Add QR codes to gift cards that link to an online store or exclusive deal.
- Allow customers to register their cards online for added benefits.
- Send SMS or email reminders to encourage redemption.
- Offer a mobile app for storing and redeeming digital versions of the cards.
- Track redemption data to optimize future campaigns.
8. Employee Distribution and Incentives
Your employees can be valuable ambassadors for your brand when distributing discount cards.
- Encourage employees to hand out discount gift cards to friends and family.
- Offer bonuses or commissions for each redeemed card distributed by an employee.
- Train staff to introduce the cards naturally and engagingly.
- Use internal competitions to encourage card distribution.
- Reward employees who generate the most redemptions.
9. Social Media and Influencer Marketing
Social media is an excellent platform for promoting and distributing plastic cards.
- Run social media contests where winners receive gift cards.
- Partner with influencers who can distribute or promote your cards.
- Offer digital claim codes that customers can redeem in-store.
- Use targeted ads to promote discount card giveaways.
- Create user-generated content campaigns showcasing customer experiences.
10. Seasonal and Holiday Promotions
Holidays and special occasions provide the perfect opportunity to distribute discount cards.
- Offer gift cards as a holiday promotion (e.g., Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Black Friday).
- Bundle cards with gift purchases to encourage additional shopping.
- Create limited-time seasonal deals to drive urgency and demand.
- Launch an advent-style giveaway with surprise discounts each day.
- Customize cards with festive themes to enhance their appeal.
Conclusion
Distributing discount cards effectively can increase customer retention, attract new buyers, and boost sales. Regardless of whether handed out at checkout, mailed to customers, or integrated into digital marketing campaigns, strategic distribution ensures these cards maximize their impact. Combining multiple methods, such as POS distribution, partnerships, and social media, increases reach and redemption rates.
DuraCard is a trusted provider of high-quality plastic discount cards designed for durability and impact. With custom printing options and vibrant designs, we help businesses create professional and effective discount gift cards that leave a lasting impression.
Partner with DuraCard to ensure your brand stands out with premium-quality plastic cards.
