Easy Gift Card Email Delivery For Incentives, Rewards, & Payouts

In a world where convenience is king, more and more businesses need flexible gift card email delivery options. Sending rewards and incentives via email is one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve customer satisfaction, boost sales, and streamline operations, all at once.

Good email options allow businesses to send rewards directly to recipients without the added delays and costs of physical mail. Personalization and tracking features add even more ways to engage with customers on a deeper level.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of gift card email delivery for rewards and incentive programs. We’ll also provide easy, actionable ways to implement email delivery in your business operations.

Whether you're aiming to reward loyal customers, incentivize referrals, keep research participants engaged, or virtually any other rewards use case under the sun, you’ll learn how to use emailed gift cards to drive growth and delight your recipients.

Why e-gift cards can make ‘the perfect gift’ for payout and incentive programs

Incorporating email delivery into your gift card program offers a variety of advantages specifically designed to enhance your business operations and customer relationships.

First and perhaps most important, emailed gift cards provide instant gratification. 

Assuming you work with a robust digital gift card provider, you'll be able to:

• Give your audience immediate access to their rewards.  
• Create more timely promotions.
  

Plus, we know from repeated academic research that instant rewards have a bigger emotional impact than delayed rewards (i.e. they pack a muchbigger punch👊) 

Second and also very critical, switching from physical to digital gift cards can lead to substantial cost savings. Digital cards eliminate all those dated, unnecessary expenses, like printing, packaging, and shipping.

Consider that it can cost anywhere from 65 cents to $1.25 to manufacture, encode, and ship a plastic gift card. For a simple $5 gift card, that represents anywhere from 13-25% of your total costs. 

Of course, Going digital not only saves money. It also dramatically reduces administrative workload in the process.

For example, Prime46 Project Manager Greg Augustine saved 25% of his time when he integrated automatic rewards into his research workflow.

Related: Gift Cards Vs. Cash—How To Choose The Right Option For Business Incentives

Meanwhile, emailed gift cards also open up new avenues for connecting with your customers on a more personal level.

Specifically, they let you offer:

• Customized messaging—add your recipient's name and a personalized messages to ensure they understand how much you value them.

• Brand consistency—incorporate your brand's logo, colors, and style into your email gift card design.

Another one of the standout benefits of digital delivery is the ability to monitor and analyze customer engagement.

Namely, email open tracking lets you see who opens your emails and when, giving you insights into the best ways and times to reach your audience.

And redemption data lets you track your order history to see which gift cards and brands are actually redeemed.

So assuming your gift card platform offers detailed tracking and reporting, you’ll have real-time data you can use to refine your marketing strategies, improve future campaigns, and ultimately increase ROI.

Finally, going digital isn't just good for business—it's good for the planet, too.

Emailing and texting gift cards are a modern, eco-friendly option for rewards programs, helping to reduce paper waste and the environmental footprint associated with producing and shipping physical cards.

Ultimately, leveraging gift card delivery will streamline your operations, reduce waste and costs, and create a more engaging and satisfying experience for your recipients.

We’ll cover exactly how to start using them next.

Email also simplifies global rewards 

It our post-pandemic, remote-friendly world, even the smallest companies can have global audiences they need to engage. And global audiences typically demand email gift card delivery. 

It's important to use email to deliver rewards to international employees and other audiences for all the reasons outlined above—especially to cut down on international shipping costs. 

But there are other benefits, too. 

Namely, assuming you work with a gift card distributor  with a robust, global catalog, you'll be able to give your international recipients relevant rewards they actually want. 

For example, Giftbit's catalog includes gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants from around the globe, plus charity options. You also have options to send in USD, or to take advantage of currency conversion. 

How to start emailing gift cards for your business programs: 3 easy steps

Implementing emailed gift cards into your operations is simpler than you might think.

Here are three easy steps to get started.

1.

First and most important, choose a gift card distributor with flexible delivery options.

When evaluating platforms, consider:

• Ease of use—look for a user-friendly interface that makes sending gift cards quick and straightforward.

• Customization options, noting that some platforms charge extra for customized email templates. 

• An extensive reward catalog and wide variety of global brands—having access to a wide selection of gift card brands and retailers makes it easier to cater to different recipient preferences, no matter where your audience is located.

• Bulk sending capabilities: If you plan to send gift cards to multiple recipients, scalable options for bulk gift card distribution can save you time, effort, and money.

• Tracking and analytics: Look for tools that allow you to monitor email opens, redemptions, and other engagement metrics.

Note, too, that part of being ‘flexible’ is being able to integrate with your existing processes. 

So it should be easy to automate gift card fulfillment and integrate with your existing workflows, whether that’s through a quick, no-code option like Zapier or through an API (which we’ll explore below).

2.

Second, set up your email templates, set any triggers you need, and start sending (yes, it's that easy 🙌).

Creating professional and engaging email templates is key to making a strong impression without added legwork. Having templates ready will streamline the sending process, especially for recurring campaigns.

Now is when you also get to decide what types of rewards you want to send. For example, when Molly Quinn, Managing Director of Marketing & Communications  at Distinctive Schools, wants to encourage her teachers to get a coffee before an online meeting, she'll send them a coffee gift card with a smaller value, maybe $10. 

But for things like referrals and recruitment, she might give her recipients access to the full catalog instead. 

My favorite thing is giving people a reward that you know they want.

By offering them the choice, it’s not so prescriptive. We’re able to honor and appreciate them, while also allowing them to have some voice and choice in what they receive.

Molly Quinn, Managing Director of Marketing & Communications  | Distinctive Schools

See how rewards work for Distinctive Schools

Once you know what you'll be sending, set any appropriate triggers and you're ready to go. For example, df you want to send employee anniversary rewards? Or send review incentives? 

Not sure how to get started, or what options will work best for your budget and goals? Schedule a pressure-free consultation with our team to ask all your questions. 

3.

Leverage tracking and analytics.

Understanding how your recipients interact with your gift cards can provide valuable insights you can use to make your programs better.

So keep tabs on which gift cards are redeemed by who to gauge the overall effectiveness of your incentives.

Then use this data to refine future campaigns, improving ROI and recipient satisfaction.

How to buy gift cards in bulk

If you're looking to distribute gift cards to a large number of recipients, bulk distribution is typically the way to go. Instead of sending/emailing gift cards individually—which can be tedious and time-consuming—you can send them all at once, or set triggers to send when appropriate. This efficiency allows you to focus on other important aspects of your business.

Please reach out if you'd like to learn more about bulk discounts and revenue sharing at Giftbit. 

More options for gift card delivery

Of course, email isn’t the only effective way to deliver digital rewards to your audience.

For example, depending on the size and/or needs of your program, you may want to use a gift card APIs to streamline the process and offer a fully branded, customized experience for your recipients, directly into your existing app or software.

In as little as a few hours, your developer can use the Giftbit API to integrate gift cards into your existing processes, which can significantly reduce manual workload and improve accuracy.

Meanwhile, Giftbit links let you send rewards through any clickable channel you like, whether that’s email, text, DM, or something else.

They can even be used in printed materials and/or via QR code, making them ideal for in-person events or situations where you may not have the recipient's email address.

Best practices for emailing gift cards

Your emailed incentives will have biggest impact when you follow certain key best practices.

First, be sure to craft compelling email subject lines.

It's Marketing 101: your email subject is the first thing your recipients will see, so make it eye catching. 

Be clear and direct—let them know what's inside. For instance, "Your $25 Gift Card is Here!" is a great, click-worthy subject.

Personalizing the subject line can also boost open rates.  Include their name, like "Alex, Enjoy Your Exclusive Gift Card!", to make it more engaging.

Creating a sense of urgency also encourages immediate action: "Limited Time Offer: Your Gift Card Awaits."

Second, ensure your emails actually end up in inboxes.

Deliverability is crucial when it comes to the success of your emailed rewards program—and the reward distributor you choose can have an outsized impact on how many of your recipients actually get their emails.  

When you physically mail a gift card, you should have a reasonable expectation that it’ll get where it’s going. But we all know how easy it is for email to end up in spam folders.

And be warned: there are some companies that actively seek to make money off of your undelivered and/or unclaimed rewards.

Of course, they don't actively send emails to spam folders. But they also don't always take proactive steps to fix problems that arise related to email receipt and redemption. 

Translation: they're not as concerned with your success as you are, and recipient experience isn't their top priority. 

So when you’re evaluating platforms, be sure to check whether they have a straightforward and easy redemption and email delivery experience.

We always keep the end cardholder in mind when we wrangle all the details.

Their positive experience using the card reinforces the whole goal of the incentive program.

-Giftbit Head of Partnerships Lindsay Page

Finally, always provide clear redemption instructions.

Ideally, your gift card distributor will handle recipient support and any issues or questions that arise. 

“Having a reward that works ensures the recipient is happy to receive it and actually able to use it,” says Giftbit CCO Nat Salvione. “It capstones your entire program.”

Emailing Amazon.com gift cards

Amazon.com gift cards are always a popular choice for businesses, thanks to Amazon's vast selection of products and widespread name recognition.

To send Amazon gift cards to multiple recipients efficiently, follow these steps:

1. Select a reliable platform: Choose a gift card service that supports bulk sending and offers Amazon gift cards.

2. Prepare your recipient list: Compile the email addresses of your recipients in a spreadsheet or CSV file for easy uploading.

3. Customize your email template: Write a thoughtful message that resonates with your audience.

4. Upload and send: Upload your recipient list, select the Amazon gift card option, and send the gift cards to all recipients simultaneously.

5. Track engagement: Monitor your stats and identify any areas for improvement.

Emailing Starbucks gift cards

Starbucks gift cards are another ever-popular choice and powerful tool for promotions. Associating your business with a trusted and well-loved brand can improve the perception of your promotion and encourage engagement.

When emailing Starbucks gift cards, be sure to enhance the recipient experience by co-branding the email. Incorporate both your company's branding and Starbucks imagery to create a cohesive and appealing message.

It can also be a good idea to craft a message that aligns with both brands' values, perhaps highlighting a shared commitment to quality or customer satisfaction.

Emailing the gift of choice

When you send gift cards through Giftbit, you have the option to send them one specific brand or a curated list of several (like gas gift cards, for example).

You also have the option to let your recipeints make their own choice from the entire global catalog, which includes a wide selection of favorite global brands (think Apple gift cards, along with DoorDash, Google Play, iTunes, Razer Gold, Roblox, Uber, Walmart, and Xbox, just to name of a few of the hundreds of options), along with charity options. 

Ultimately, whether you're sending Amazon or Starbucks gift cards to multiple recipients, giving your recipients full choice, or leveraging gift links for greater flexibility, these strategies can enhance engagement, reward loyalty, and drive growth in your business.

FAQs for emailing incentives

Emailing your incentive gift cards can streamline the process and ensure consistency across all your communications. Here's what you need to know. 

What is a digital gift card?

A digital gift card, or e-gift card, is an electronic version of a traditional gift card delivered instantly via email or text, allowing recipients immediate access without the need for a physical card.

Can I buy gift cards in bulk?

Absolutely! Purchasing gift cards in bulk lets you efficiently send rewards to multiple recipients at once, saving time and ensuring a consistent experience for everyone.

How much does it cost to email gift cards?

There should not be any added purchase fees to use gift cards for your business. There are no fees or minimums to use the Giftbit platform. A $50 gift card only ever costs you $50. 

There are several payment methods to fund your rewards. Giftbit offers free funding for bank wire, electronic funds transfer (EFT), and direct debit, along with auto-funding and custom funding options. We also accept all major credit cards, including Visa®, Mastercard®, and American Express®.

Is it safe to send gift cards through email?

Yes, sending gift cards through email is safe when you use a reliable provider that ensures secure delivery and protects recipient information.

Learn more about Giftbit security standards.

How long does it take to receive an e-gift card in email?

E-gift cards are typically delivered instantly to the recipient's email inbox, providing immediate access to their reward as soon as you send it.

How do I redeem my gift card?

Giftbit recipients receive an email with straightforward instructions on how to redeem their gift card, including a direct link and step-by-step guidance, ensuring they can access and enjoy their reward instantly.

Email gift cards for any business need

From last-minute corporate gifts to long-term employee rewards programs and everything in between, emailed gift cards are the versatile solution your business needs for any rewards or incentive program. They offer instant gratification, cost savings, personalization, and valuable tracking—all while being eco-friendly.

By embracing email gift cards, you're not just streamlining your operations; you're enhancing the experience for your recipients and driving growth for your business. This smart, modern choice to meet your goals.

To learn more about how to use gift card email delivery for your incentive and payout programs, please book a quick call, or create an account now to get started.