As the technology involved in the gift card business becomes more common, and well known in the consumer based retail industry, thefts of gift card balances have also become more prevalent.  Gift card thieves use simple technology of scanning the unique gift card numbers, or writing them down on a piece of paper in a retail outlet and using the customer service line to discover when cards have been purchased and charged, at which time the thief uses the numbers to make purchases for themselves.  It is important whether you have received a gift card, or are buying them for others, that you prevent yourself from falling victim to these types of scams.  Here is a website where you can learn more about how to avoid scams.

A sign that the economic crisis is showing signs of improvement came out of the First Data Holiday Gift Card Performance Report this week. The report indicated that both dollar amounts of gift cards and number of total gift cards sold increased during the 2009 Holidays season. The report indicated that several specific industries including Specialty Retail and Restaurant gift cards had increased their sales. This is a positive indicator that both the industry and the economy are back on the upswing. A good 2009 holiday season is sure to indicate expanded business throughout the 2010 fiscal year. For more information on the report or the specific figures visit http://loyalty360.org/association_news/article/holiday_season_gift_card_activation_dollars_grew_2.1_in_2009.

As the economy continues to recover, consumers are still looking for a bargain. Whether it’s a a $5 Footlong at Subway or a $20 three course dinner for two at Chili’s, consumers like to treat themselves to low-cost meals that are calculated in round numbers. Five or ten dollars a person feels very affordale even when money is tight. These types of dining deals are viewed by consumers as feasible ways to spend a night out. These deals are also changing the casual dining industry completely.
Subway’s market share has skyrocketed since the introduction of the $5 Footlong. Subway is scheduled to overtake McDonald’s in number of worldwide outlets sometime next year, and they are also on the verge of becoming more financially successful. The $5 Footlong was one of the major factors that contributed to Subway’s incredible success. To make customers feel like they are getting special treatment, and a deal in these economic times seems to do the trick in getting more consumers back into restaurants. For more information on the innovative ideology behind the Subway $5 Footlong check out this article: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_46/b4155058815908.htm.

As the Holiday season approaches giving back is on everyone’s mind. You know, since your Holiday season table is plentiful this year, it is time to give to people who are not so fortunate. So SMOVE! Smoving is a new movement (a combination of smile and move) to encourage people to get out of their comfort zones and help others, connect with people, and change the world. So this Holiday season, before you reach for the turkey, do something to help others. One way to smove this holiday season, is to give a giftcard, like those of the Giftback program. With Giftback cards you can give a regular giftcard as a gift to a friend or family member, but a percentage of the price of the card goes to a charity of your choice, any registered 501(c)3 in the United States. So, Smove, but before you do watch the video link below to learn more about the smove movement. Smoving video, check it out!

Healthcare Reform has passed through the House of Representatives and is well on its way to debate on the Senate floor.  Many Americans are relieved to know they are one step closer to insurance and a more secure healthcare situation.  However, many companies who provide healthcare to their employees are planning to manage the increased cost of the public option.  It has been acknowledged by both Congress and the White House that companies that provide healthcare to their employees will absorb the decreased consumer cost of healthcare reform.  This means companies need to decrease their healthcare costs by keeping their employees healthy.

Incenting employees to stay healthy through health and wellness programs is an easy way for provider companies to keep their healthcare costs low.  Rewarding employees for taking care of themselves and their families is a win-win, especially with useful, flexible incentives, such as small denomination gift cards.  To learn more about how healthcare reform will affect you, or your employees see the video below, courtesy of Businessweek.com.

BusinessWeek take on Healthcare

The incentive industry has been under continual price pressure during this economic down turn.    There has been continual pressure from 3^rd party incentive  companies who purchase Gift Cards in bulk to receive ever bigger discounts on the bulk purchase of retailers gift cards.  This is a key competitive advantage in buying using the Bonus+ Suite of products which are paired together synergistically on both price and fit.

Giftcard Partners new Bonus+ suite of products adds a new and innovative twist to traditional gift card buying in the B2B market..  The incentive industry continues to seek out fresh new ideas surrounding the purchase of gift cards.  The Bonus + ™ suite of products provides an answer by bundling 2 unique gift cards in one. For example, A SUBWAY® card with a subscription to Fitness Magazine, an Express Gift Card with VH1 Save the Music card. The customer who select a bundled card as an employee reward for doing a good job receives a double treat, two cards in one reward! (Just like the old Double Mint Gum add)

The incentive industry has been under continual price pressure during this economic down turn.    There has been continual pressure from 3^rd party incentive  companies who purchase Gift Cards in bulk to receive ever bigger discounts on the bulk purchase of retailers gift cards.  This is a key competitive advantage in buying using the Bonus+ Suite of products which are paired together synergistically on both price and fit.

This program is a perfect solution to meet the needs of companies in the Incentive and Promotional Industry due to their constant price consciousness.  This program is strong and unique because gift card bundles are for highly desirable and recognizable brands only.  This provides price conscious, high perceived value products with strong brand recognition for companies looking for solid promotions and incentives.

The flu, its on everyone’s mind, and as the various recommended vaccines become available to the public here are some things you should know to keep yourself, and your employees healthy.  The seasonal flu vaccine is now available and will continue to be through the duration of the flu season.  The nasal spray is an equally effective alternative to the traditional “shot” vaccine.  Getting vaccinated is recommended by the Center for Disease Control so as to prevent flu outbreaks from effecting large populations and becoming disruptive to society.  Special populations that should ensure that they get vaccinated are listed below

1. Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
2. Pregnant women
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
   1. Health care workers
   2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
   3. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

A flu outbreak at an office can decrease productivity and disrupt the flow of ideas and normal routine, especially if many employees are absent at once.  It is important to encourage all employees to get vaccinated, especially if they are in the at-risk populations listed above.  Many companies reward their employees for getting vaccinated, and preventing disruption to the company.  A small denomination gift card is a great way to say thank you, and stay healthy this winter.

Being nice.  Its not hard, and most people do it most of the time.  But there is more to being nice than the simple satisfaction.  Nice people and nice environments can help your business thrive.  Niceness can show clients, and employees you and your business care, and they will be treated well in your hands.  Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval, CEO and President of the Kaplan Thaler Group created the “Guiding Principles of Nice” from their book The Power of Nice, How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness.  The guiding principles are listed below.

1. Positive impressions are like seeds. Simple gestures such as smiling, saying ‘thank you’ and laughing heartily grow and expand beyond just that moment.
2. You never know. Treat everyone as the most important person in the world, because you never know who they know and what great things can happen.
3. People change. You never know who might become important five or ten years from now, so be nice to everyone, including receptionists and assistants.
4. Nice must be automatic. Nice needs to become a habit, not something you turn on and off when it benefits you.
5. Negative impressions are like germs. At first you might not see the impact of making rude gestures and remarks, but they are silently infecting you and those around you.
6. You will know. Although you might not see someone again whom you treat badly – you will know – and it might affect your future relationships.

An easy way to be nice, especially within the incentive realm is to give small motivative incentives in the form of a small denomination gift card.  Whether it pays for the recipient’s morning coffee, or takes the edge off their bill at the gas station, or a restaurant a small giftcard is a nice way to say thank you.  For an employee it shows your gratitude, and to a potential client it shows that you are going to be there for them and for their interests.  So next time you have an important meeting, whether it be with people you manage, or people who you hope to be doing business with; leave the aggressive salesperson behind and just, be nice.

As the economic downturn continues to take a toll on companies’ ability to maintain employees, and lay-offs ensue, it is important to retain current employees and make them feel secure.  After a lay-off remaining employees often harbor a sense of fear and worry, making them less productive.  They have a hard time focusing and being productive because they spend their time worrying if they are going to be next in line for a lay-off.  It is important for both the employee and the company that the employees feel secure and motivated to work hard.

Motivating employees can take a variety of forms.  It is important to also engage them as an individual and make each person feel like an important part of the whole. The Hay Group suggests six steps to succeed at engaging and motivating employees:

1. Ensure there is a clearly communicated link between performance and rewards within the organization.
2. Ensure that there is proper differentiation in performance ratings between employees.
3. Root out bad business practices, such as unnecessary work and duplication, that can adversely affect employee enablement.
4. Put the right people in the right jobs by focusing on job sizing and the kind of person that best fits the role.
5. Monitor and improve the work climate within the organization by ensuring that leaders have the right competencies and management styles to motivate employees.
6. Focus on non-monetary rewards such as career growth opportunities, development, and recognition programs.

An innovative way to implement an employee reward program, which builds teamwork among colleagues, is with spot rewards, like a small denomination gift card. For example:  reward a team if they achieve realistic sales goals or a safety reward for meeting safety goals.

Visit our website at: www.giftcardpartners.com