anyone stop selling gift certificates?

[jaipeep]

I have almost decided to stop selling gift certificates except during Christmas holiday. Anyone else ever stopped selling them? If so how has it affected your business?

I find most of the gift certificates that are purchased are new clients - who never come back because they didn't really want it or cant afford it. And they wait forever to use them.

I offer a buy 5 get one free package and would suggest that clients who want to give gifts to loved ones give them a package of 15 or 30 minute massages so they will be able to come more often and get into a routine - and they can allways upgrade each one if they want.

Any opinions welcome.

I have been in business for 11 years and have a good practice, I get lots of new customers so that isn't an issue and i have a regular clientelle that come regularly.

 

[T.F.C]

I have often thought about not selling them, but i think it would hurt my business. do you have an expiration on them, or are they open forever and ever? I know it can be a hassle, but it is a nice convenience for clients. Not just for Christmas, but B-days & such, too. You have to do whats right for your business, though. Mine is still fledgling, I hope one day to say I have been in business 11 years!!

 

[candisaur]

I sell them as a courtesy more than anything else. They don't seem to make a difference in my actual business, as most people who buy a GC from me, buy it for someone who is already a client.

I guess it depends on who is purchasing them.

It sounds like in your case you don't really need to sell them and if they are a pain, then one more thing that is off your plate will free up space in your mind for something else.

 

[I Need Coffee]

I've stopped selling them for a different reason. My practice became too full to accommodate them. I find that gift-certificate recipients are often newbies to massage, and they're not used to scheduling appointments in advance. When they find out they have to wait over a month to get an appointment, they no longer see it as a gift. Like you healingtouch, I didn't need the gift certificate income, so I just stopped selling them. I will make an exception for people who want to buy a gift certificate for a current client. They know my schedule and are happy to schedule in advance. Otherwise, I refer GC inquiries to some of the new MT's in my area, who are looking to build their business.

 

[From Cow-leaf-or-ny]

I view GC's as a necessary evil. It's not the purchasing part that's frustrating, it's the redemption.
I agree 100% that A LOT of GC's call at the last moment and try to get in "right away" and I am busy; I have a busy practice. With some GC holdres we went thru that several times. Can I come in today? No, I would be happy to get you in but how about some notice? Then they think I am stalling b/c I already have the money.
Or people wanting to come in during the times when I am not working. I have an oustanding GC who can only come in Sat. evening when I am not working. I wish buyers made sure that my schedule is going to work for the receivers!
Also, waiting till the last moment to redeem. I usually sell many for Xmas so they wait till next Xmas to use them (I expire them in 12 months). Again, they expect to get in right away. I had a woman last Xmas whose GC was expiring Dec. 22 and she wanted to come in that aft. She yelled at me on the phone and said "I demand an extension" even before I could tell her it was OK, she could still use it.
But then I have clients who never, ever paid for their own massage - they ask for my GC's for Xmas, their b-day etc.
I thought about pulling the plug altogether but then it's such a huge part of my revenue that I can't.