How Do You Handle Payments for Self-Produced Gift Certificates?

[ChefPeg]

If you sell gift certificates you've made yourself and that are redeemable only through you, I'm assuming you can only accept cash or check as payment, correct? What do you do when a customer is buying more from you, plus a GC, and wants to pay with a CC?
And it's a separate service, so to speak, outside of PC. Seems kinda tricky and complicated to keep track of!

 

[wadesgirl]

I only accept cash or check for gift cards. If the customer wants to buy more than it's worth, they can pay how ever they want. I don't do many right now so it's easy to keep track of but if I ever do more then I'll probably make a Power Point document and keep track by number, name, purchaser and amount.

 

[monique64]

I always stamp the back of them as well so I know they are not copies.

 

[ChefPeg]

I always stamp the back of them as well so I know they are not copies.

Good idea! Maybe an unusual hole punch would be a good idea as an alternative.

 

[j&k'smom]

Mine are numbered and I keep track of who purchased them or which event I donated them to.

 

[pchockeymom]

You could explain that the person would not want you holding onto their c.c. info indefinitely (since you wouldn't be able to "pay" for the gift certificate amount until the order was placed for the person to whom the gift certificate is given), then placing a random order without their "knowing" it (even though they'd technically know, just not exactly when).

 

[PamperedchefDaly]

Mine are numbered and I keep track of who purchased them or which event I donated them to.

I keep the same record, but also record the date redeemed and the total amount of the order that it was applied to. It gives me an idea of whether or not it is worth it. For instance, out of four $25 certificates redeemed, two were for orders over $100, and two were for orders under $25.

 

[pampered1224]

I do most of the same as above. Make them very distinguishable, make them unique to me. Numbering, using a special mark or punch is great for that. Use all of them if you want. Then I use an Excel Spread sheet. I also make very sure that the certificate is dated and has an expiration date. I do want to be able to get them out and back as soon as possible so they are not hanging out there forever. Besides, I may forget why I have extra money in my account!