Sell Restaurant Gift Cards Everyday!

Sell Restaurant Gift Cards Everyday!

Sales of gift cards have risen 47% in the past five years, according to a new report by advisory company CEB TowerGroup. But more than $1 billion on gift cards still goes unredeemed annually, says Brian Riley, research director with CEB TowerGroup.

Most restaurants sell gift cards for the holidays, but why not sell them everyday?  If you think gift cards only sell during the holidays you are missing a big opportunity everyday!  Gift card programs build your brand, increases revenue, reduces cash refunds, welcomes new customers and generates an interest free loan from your future customer.

71% of customers shopping with a gift card spend 45% more than their gift card value.  10% to 15% of all gift card sales are never redeemed for the full value of their gift card.  Nearly 60% of consumers asked for gift cards during the 2013 holiday season, are you getting your share of gift card sales?

Gift Card Occasions:

Anniversary

Baby Shower

Birthday

Bo voyage

Boss’s Day

Bridal Shower

Bridesmaid

Christmas

Cinco de Mayo

Easter

Engagement

Father’s Day

Get Well

Groomsman

Halloween

Hanukkah

House Warming

Independence Day

Kwanzaa

Mother’s Day

Office Warming

Promotion

Secretary’s Day

Thank You

Thanksgiving

Valentines Day

Veteran’s Day

Wedding

Are you promoting gift cards year round?  Your customers are giving them year round!

Why do customers like gift cards?  Gift cards are a great last minute purchase.  Plus the gift card amount is determined by the giver and gift cards are available almost everywhere.

Why do restaurants like gift cards?  Restaurants like gift cards for several reasons; they are quick and easy to sell, provide an interest free loan to the restaurant, generate free advertising, create new customers and are usually a very profitable sale at the time of redemption.

Are you selling gift cards everyday?  Customers are purchasing gift cards everyday and you should be promoting them everyday!  Sure table tents, posters and digital signage are a must but what about your menu, flyers, customer receipts, website and social media campaigns?  Some merchants reward customer purchases with a bonus gift card when they purchase a preset dollar amount, what about staff contests?  Sell $500 in gift cards in a two week period for a $20 bonus or sell $1,000 in gift cards in a two week period for a $50 bonus!  What about working with a charity or a fund raising event?  Market gift cards for all the occasions we have discussed, this is a great way to put cash in the bank when things are slow!

If you have not been selling gift cards, contact your restaurant POS provider or your credit card provider for a gift card program!  Most restaurant POS providers have an integrated program for gift cards, check out thisarticle from Maitre’D for more year round gift card sales ideas.  Most credit card processors provide gift card programs, Mercury Payment has a free program for their customers and the Heartland program can integrate with their loyalty program, check out this video.  Of course you could use a paper gift certificate but these are often cumbersome to deal with both at the time of sale and at the time of redemption, plus they are very vulnerable to fraud!

For a complete listing of restaurant POS features, options and additional information regarding restaurant POS systems and their important role, download our free white paper “POS and a Whole Lot More” and take a look at our detailed list of Restaurant POS Features and Options.

Find the Best POS System 

for Your Restaurant in 3 Easy Steps

Find the Best POS System for Your Restaurant in 3 Easy Steps is a complete guide for restauranteurs considering a restaurant POS system and for restaurant industry professionals.

This new Ebook is written by Bob Frazier, an experienced POS industry professional with over 20 years of POS experience as a POS reseller and now CEO and founder of POS-Advice an Internet based provider of free and unbiased restaurant POS resources, information and white papers.  

The guide demystifies and at times debunks, the process of selecting a restaurant POS system by looking at each step without the confusion that so many POS sellers put into their sales process.

The author purposely shows the reader what they need and what they don't need in their POS system and how the proper selection of a POS system or tablet POS system tailored for their restaurant's needs will quickly pay for itself.  

Find the Best POS System for Your Restaurant in 3 Easy Steps is written without allegiance to any restaurant POS system.  It is the ultimate guide for the restaurant POS system buyer.

The Ebook begins by exploring why a restaurant would need a POS system.  The author points out that some small restaurants might only need a cash register or a simple tablet solution if they have a limited menu or or only a few sales categories.  

Most restaurants need a POS system to provide control and to insure operational efficiency for both the front and back of the house.  A properly configured restaurant POS system will quickly pay for itself and this is one of the underlying premises of the Ebook.

Moving into the “meat” of the guide, is the 3 Step Restaurant POS Purchase Guide.  This section explains and simplifies the buying process for restaurant owners and managers.  And by dividing the process into three steps, the reader is able to easily see how doing one’s homework before purchasing is of the utmost importance.

From Defining to Comparing to Negotiating, the author clarifies the entire purchase process for the reader.  By taking the reader through a step by step description of critical restaurant functions, the author is able to help the reader define the POS functions necessary for an effective POS system based on their management style and complete the purchase process.

As is stated in the Ebook, “by following the 3 Step Restaurant POS Purchase Process, the reader will save time money and aggravation while selecting a restaurant POS system and a POS provider for your restaurant."  

As long as you do your homework and pay attention to the unique requirements of your operation, you will be able to select a POS system that quickly pays for itself and provides many years of benefits to your restaurant.

Find the Best POS System for Your Restaurant in 3 Easy Steps can be ordered from Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/427926 or from Amazon.com

For more POS information visit our website at POS-Advice and stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly restaurant newsletter. 

Your comments and questions are always appreciated and will be answered promptly, my email is Bob@POS-Advice.com.

POS Advice is a proud supporter of both the National Restaurant Association and the Retail Solution Providers Association:

                            

Looking for a local POS Provider or a local Credit Card Provider,use free directories to connect with an expert in your area.

Free POS support for Restaurant POS systems including Micros and Aloha 

Free POS support for Retail POS systems including RMS Retail and Tablet POS systems

The forum offers unbiased and independent information, resources, white papers and educational videos for business owners and managers considering the purchase of a new POS system and for end users and support staff looking for answers.  POS Forum in business since 2006, has been the leader in providing free POS support and resources via the Internet.  The free POS support forum includes information regarding POS hardware, POS software reviews and POS software updates for restaurant, grocery and retail POS users from other POS users and POS support staff.  POSforum.net is THE place to meet and exchange valuable POS information, discuss POS issues, air POS questions and get answers.  Join hundreds of POS prospects, users, support staff and vendors discussing issues, answering questions and helping others in the chat rooms.  

POS Forum is a member of the POS Advice family of POS related Internet sites that also includes the Free Restaurant Newsletter, POS Provider Directory, the Credit Card Provider Directory, the Free POS Advice and Mobile-Optimizers.  

The directory sites provide a listing and mini-website for local POS providers and local credit card providers so prospects can locate them online, review their qualifications and contact these local experts directly for an immediate connection via the Internet.

The POS Advice family is set up to assist and inform without selling any POS software, POS hardware or credit card processing.  All sites are go to sources for unbiased, independent information and assistance.  Other so called POS information sites are just landing pages for POS resellers or developers pushing their own systems.  This lack of independent and unbiased information makes comparisons between POS systems very difficult.  We’re in business to uncomplicated the POS selection process in order for the POS buyer to make the best decision.

The selection of a POS system is a critical decision that you will live with for many years, take your time and take advantage of our free resources so you can make an informed decision.  If you need help along the way in making a POS purchase decision we are available on a one on one basis if needed.    

Restaurant Resource Guide for hard to find restaurant services from preferred partners providing special online offers and discounts.

Restaurant Resource Guide

The RIGHT Products and Services

 For All Your Restaurant Needs

The Restaurant Resource Guide connects restaurateurs with business partners eager to help your restaurant succeed.  The Internet is full of information, but the Restaurant Resource Guide provides recommended solutions from suppliers that can be trusted.  These established business partners are experienced suppliers with proven track records providing special online offers and exclusive online discounts for both start-up and established restaurants and business professionals.

More than 50 categories of proven products, services and solutions including:

• Exclusive electronic deal of the day offers for laptops, PC’s and big screen TV’s
• Corporation credit services, incorporation assistance, legal documents and searches
• Credit card merchant processing assistance including mobile and tip payouts via credit cards
• Design services for logos, menus, mobile apps, mobile websites, themes and traditional websites
• Employee services including back ground checks, HR forms, recruitment, scheduling and training services
• Financing options and Marketing services
• Office equipment including cloud based phone solutions and video surveillance systems
• PC offers for hosting, off-site back-up service, security, software, remote access and virus protection
• Personal offers for free tax filing, identity theft protection, insurance, mobile phones and travel offers
  
• Printing sources for banners, brochures, checks, coasters, flyers, forms, ID cards, napkins and signs
• Restaurant solutions for accounting, decor items, furniture, lighting, kitchen equipment, payroll processing and supplies
• Staff shoes, uniforms and custom imprinted promotional items including neon signs

More than 150 established and preferred business partners including:

• Aramark
• AVG
• Best Buy
• CardFlex
• Constant Contact
• Crocs
• D & B
• Deluxe
• Equifax
• Expedia
• FedEx
• GoDaddy
• Groupon
• Hotels.com
• HR Direct
• iContact
• Legal Zoom
• Life Lock
• Log Me In
• Maitre'D POS
• Malwarebytes
• Microsoft
• Monster.com
• Paychex
• Sage
• Shoes for Crews
• SimplexGrinnell
• Sonos
• Sterling Payment Systems
• Tiger Direct
• U Bid
• Walmart

Plus new ideas like free cloud based employee scheduling from Schedule101 and streamlined tip payouts via a Visa card from Tip Central to name just two!  The Restaurant Resource Guide also includes resources to assist with the selection of a restaurant POS system and a direct link to a free white paper from Maitre'D POS Systems.

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The selection of a restaurant POS system is a critical decision that you will live with for many years, take your time and take advantage of our free resources so you can make an informed decision.  The right restaurant POS system quickly pays for itself, use our Return on Investment calculator to determine your payback time line based on your specific operation.  Our Restaurant POS 3-Step Purchase Guide has been designed for owners and managers and is another free resource from POS Advice.  If you need personal assistance along the way we’re available on a one on one basis, get all the details on how we can assist you on our website.

For weekly restaurant related ideas, news, articles and updates subscribe to our free Restaurant Newsletter. 

Your comments and questions are always appreciated and will be answered promptly, my email is Bob@POS-Advice.com.

POS Advice is a proud supporter of both the National Restaurant Association and the Retail Solution Providers Association:

                            

Looking for a local POS Provider or a local Credit Card Provider, use our free directories to connect directly with an expert in your area.

Restaurant

Network Management

Is your POS Network Secure and PCI Compliant?

Are Credit Card transactions separate from Wi-Fi traffic?

Who is Monitoring and Maintaining Your Network?

Has your Network  Hub turned into a Rat’s Nest?

What Happens when your Internet Connection Fails?

 

 Need a Solution so you can be a restaurateur 

instead of an IT guru?

Every Restaurant Owner and Manager Knows they Must be PCI Compliant!

But what does the network include?  What started out as a simple Internet connection for processing credit cards is now a network of devices that include:

• Back-office PC for Email and Internet Access
• POS System with Credit Card Processing
• Smartphone Mobile Payment Devices
• iPad Server Order Entry Terminals
• Phone System using Voice over IP
• Surveillance Camera System
• Customer Online Ordering
• Refrigeration Monitoring
• Security Alarm System
• Digital Menu Boards
• Customer Wi-Fi
• Digital Signage
• Video Games
• Jukebox
• ATM

OK you know you need a secure and PCI compliant network, but what does that mean?

The restaurant must provide the following:

• Password Protected Firewall
• Password Protected Network Access
• Separate Public and Private Wi-Fi Networks
• PCI-DSS Compliant Certified Point of Sale Software

Who can handle this if you are not a PC guru?  A properly trained and certified 24/7 managed network security company that is knowledgeable in PCI-DSS requirements for restaurants.  For a complete list of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards requirements for a restaurant network management just click here.

Don’t have a proven solution provider?  Heartland Payment Systems is managing over ten thousand sites with cost effective programs that are monitored 24/7.  Heartland SmartLink solutions include hardware and software to create and manage a secure PCI-DSS compliant network for your restaurant.  For a Free Audit of Your Current Network call 1-866-827-9169 or for email access to schedule your free network audit just click here. 

But what happens when your Internet connection fails on a busy night?  Is your staff prepared with hand-operated credit card machines (knuckle-busters)?  Are these manual transactions authorized and processed after the customer has left?  What about phony cards and charge-backs for these transactions?  What about the charged tip on these transactions?

The Hearland SmartLink solution can also include cost-effective broadband Cellular Backup in case your DSL or cable modem fails.  For a Free Audit of Your Current Network call 1-866-827-9169 or for email access to schedule your free network audit just click here.

For more information visit our website at POS-Advice and stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly restaurant newsletter.

Your comments and questions are always appreciated and will be answered promptly, my email is Bob@POS-Advice.com.

POS Advice is a proud member and supporter of both the National Restaurant Association and the Retail Solution Providers Association:

 

Looking for a local POS Provider or a local Credit Card Provider,use our free directories to connect directly with an expert in your area.

Restaurant Resource Guide for hard to find restaurant services from preferred partners providing special offers and discounts.

How to Buy a Restaurant POS System

Can you buy a Restaurant POS system in 3-steps?  YES you can!  If you have the time and patience to do your homework, our Restaurant POS 3-Step Purchase Process will show you how.  

The selection and purchase of a restaurant POS system that is a perfect fit for your restaurant and will pay for itself in a matter of months is a realistic goal.   HOWEVER, and this is a big caveat, if you don’t properly assess your needs or if you select the wrong system, you will live with this aggravating and expensive decision for years.  Do your homework, get the facts and enjoy the rewards of a restaurant POS system that meets your needs and budget.

Here are the steps of the Restaurant POS System 3-Step Purchase Process to choosing the right POS system for your restaurant:

1. Define
2. Compare
3. Negotiate

You must start by Defining what your restaurant POS system requirements are.  Your requirements are a direct result of what type of restaurant and how the restaurant is operated. Are you a pizza restaurant, a quick serve restaurant or a fine dining establishment?  Do you offer pick up and/or delivery?  After that, you have to think about your floor plan and how many terminals and remote order printers or kitchen video displays you will need.  Not to mention the back office system, do I need one or not?  And since the restaurant POS system directly interacts with almost every aspect of your operation, you need to consider menu items, hours and days of operation, staffing and more before you make the first phone call to a POS provider.  Here is a complete list of questions to help Define your individual requirements.

Okay so you’ve done your homework and you have solicited several POS providers’ quotes along with viewing their demos. Now the important second step of Comparing those quotes must happen, to find out what your total investment will be.  Restaurant POS providers typically make this step very difficult.  This step is where the hidden costs of purchasing and operating your restaurant POS system are exposed.  The terms and conditions, features, options, warranties and included support and maintenance will vary greatly and will be included in some quotes and excluded in others.  Do a three year total investment comparison of your top three choices for a true comparison, for details on how to do this important second step use our guide to Compare these quotes on an equal basis.

You’ve done your upfront homework, you compared all of your quotes and now you’ve selected the restaurant POS system that you’d like to install.  All of the hard work is done right?  Wrong!  Step 3, Negotiating is the most crucial step of all and it’s where most buyers fail to get the best system with the best terms and conditions for a total solution.

You should be in the driver’s seat at this point and make the most of that position, don’t focus solely on price.  This is the time to get your best deal by negotiating the staging, shipping, warranties for hardware and software, ongoing maintenance and service, programming, training, go live coverage, etc in your quote.  For help with this importantNegotiation step, utilize our list of negotiation considerations.

So you see, purchasing a restaurant POS system really can be as simple as 1, 2, 3, if you put in the time and effort to do it right.  However, this is very often easier said than done.  Most restaurant owners and managers do not have the time or experience to handle all the important pieces of the restaurant POS system puzzle.

POS Advice is here for you. We will save you time, money and aggravation by handling any or all three of the steps for you.  We are NOT a POS vendor or reseller.  We are independent and unbiased restaurant POS system advisers with years of restaurant POS industry experience here to assist you.  Check out how we can save you time, money and aggravation.

The selection of a restaurant POS system is a critical decision that you will live with for many years, take your time and take advantage of our free resources so you can make an informed decision.  Use our Return on Investment calculator to determine your restaurant POS system payback time line based on your operation.  And if you need help along the way we’re available on a one on one personal basis.

For more POS information visit our website at POS-Advice and stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly restaurant newsletter. 

Your comments and questions are always appreciated and will be answered promptly, my email is Bob@POS-Advice.com.

POS Advice is a proud supporter of both the National Restaurant Association and the Retail Solution Providers Association:

                            

Looking for a local POS Provider or a local Credit Card Provider,use our free directories to connect directly with an expert in your area.

Restaurant Resource Guide for hard to find restaurant services from preferred partners providing special offers and discounts.