A sales incentive programme needs clear earning criteria, relevant rewards and a way to measure the outcome. NeoCurrency's November 20, 2024 guidance examines how bulk gift cards can fit that structure, including provider selection and automated delivery.

The company cites US gift card sales above $200 billion in 2023 as context for the format's popularity. It presents gift cards as a distinct recognition of an achievement, with a choice of brands helping employees select something relevant to their preferences.

Bulk gift card selection, delivery and measurement

When choosing gift cards for a sales incentive program, businesses should consider the geographical reach of the brands, as well as discounts on bulk purchases. Offering a variety of choices is vital, as employees highly value the freedom to select gift cards that match their preferences. The article recommends looking for providers that offer a wide variety of brands, global accessibility, simple integration and distribution, bulk savings, and transparent pricing.

To distribute and manage bulk gift cards effectively, businesses should define clear distribution criteria, segment their audience based on preferences, and schedule regular distributions to maintain motivation and engagement. Integrating reward, HR, or payroll platforms with gift card providers via API can streamline distribution and save time. Clear communication about the program's mechanisms and expectations is also crucial.

The article highlights the importance of tracking and measuring the success of gift card incentives. Businesses should identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with their incentive program goals, such as changes in sales metrics, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction. Partnering with a bulk gift card provider that offers insights and analytics can help businesses track performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to improve their incentive strategy.

At the time of publication, NeoCurrency said its catalogue included more than 2,000 brands across over 60 countries, alongside cash-like payment options with wider international coverage. The guidance recommends checking the particular brands and products available in each employee's market.

The source also separates short-term and longer-term measurement: sales changes may become visible within weeks or months, while engagement or loyalty can require monitoring over quarters or years. The time frame depends on the programme and its goals.