Gift vouchers are one of those revenue streams that many salons offer without ever fully making the most of. A voucher purchased today is money in your account before a single service has been delivered, and every redemption brings a client through your door, often one who has never visited before. When you put a bit of thought into how you promote and present your vouchers, they can become a meaningful contributor to your salon’s income. Here’s how to do it well.
1. Make them available online, around the clock
The most common time people buy gift vouchers is in a hurry: a birthday they almost forgot, a last-minute Mother’s Day present, a thank-you for a friend. If purchasing a voucher requires a phone call during business hours or a visit to the salon, you will miss a significant portion of those impulse purchases. With Kitomba Pay, clients can buy gift vouchers online at any time of the day or night, from their phone, without any involvement from your team. That convenience alone can meaningfully increase voucher sales.
2. Promote them at the right moments throughout the year
Gift vouchers sell best when they are front of mind, and there are predictable moments throughout the year when people are actively looking for gift ideas. Mother’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and birthdays are the obvious ones, but do not overlook less obvious moments like end-of-year thank-yous, new baby gifts or just-because treats. A simple post on social media, a mention in your email newsletter, or a small sign near your front desk in the lead-up to these occasions is often all it takes to prompt a purchase.
3. Offer vouchers for experiences, not just dollar amounts
A voucher that says “$80 gift voucher” is fine, but a voucher for “a relaxing one-hour facial” or “a full colour and blow-dry experience” is far more appealing as a gift. Experience-based vouchers feel more thoughtful and specific, which makes them easier to give and more exciting to receive. They also help the recipient imagine exactly what they are getting, which increases the likelihood that they will book in and use it. Consider creating a small selection of curated experiences at different price points to give gift buyers an easy choice.
4. Use redemptions as an opportunity to gain new regulars
Every voucher redemption is a first visit from someone who already has a positive impression of your salon, because someone they trust gave them a gift there. That is an incredibly warm introduction. Treat every voucher redemption with the same care and attention you would give any first-time client: deliver a brilliant experience, take notes, offer to rebook before they leave. A client who came in on a gift voucher and had a fantastic time has every reason to become a regular, and that is where the long-term value of vouchers really adds up.
Gift vouchers are more than a nice extra. With the right systems and a bit of consistent promotion, they are a reliable source of revenue that works for your business even when your doors are closed.