How Can Brands Address Existing Pain Points In Gifting DomainCustomized gift cards play a meaningful role as one can attach personal texts and picture messages.

BySneha Banerjee

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

shutterstock

The growing popularity of gift cards in India can be attributed to a boom in digital payments and consumer preferences. However, some challenges still exist owing to the apathy of traditional minds to opt for gift cards out of their preferences for big boxes or cash-stuffed envelops.

The Entrepreneur India spoke toShariq Plasticwala,Head of Gift Card Business in AmazonandKumar Sudarshan, Co-founder and CEO ofQwikcilver, separately, at length about how brands can better meet the consumer needs in the domain. Based on the feedback received from their respective clients, here's what the duo believe are the industry paint points that gift cards could help solve.

Getting The Personalized Touch

Traditionally, Indians gift a lot and are used to giving cash. Recipients, too, appreciate cash or gift cheques, which they can spend the way they like. However, it does not suffice the need for personalization. Gift cards can master this trick of the trade. Customized gift cards play a meaningful role as one can attach personal texts and picture messages. Brands are trying to cash in on this trend.

Last-Minute Gestures

在印度,买礼物送给所爱的人主要是happens after last-minute planning. In most cases, people fail to plan in advance and that's when gift cards come-in handy. Companies should ensure that these cards are delivered quickly to recipients after online transactions are made. This will be immensely helpful for last-minute buyers. Plasticwala was one of the key speakers at the Qwikcilver Gift Card Conclave held in Bangalore last week.

Presentation And Size

Indians are always very particular about removing price tags of articles they gift to their near and dear ones. Brands should ensure that gift cards conceal their values, in terms of money, which will be known only after the cards are swiped at brand stores. For others, who are fussy about wrapping their gifts in glitzy papers, well-packaged and customized cards would impress them more than simple envelopes with cash.

Reports say the gift card industry is estimated to have a market capacity of $40 billion in India. Healthcare brands, salons and retail companies are trying their best to make the most of the growing market. Companies likeTitan,SPAR Retail,Manipal Hospitals,Amazonare coming up with ideas that make gifting easier and yet classy.

Wavy Line
Sneha Banerjee

Entrepreneur Staff

Former Staff, Entrepreneur India

She used to write for Entrepreneur India from Bangalore and other cities in South India.

Related Topics

Business Ideas

The Top 10 Home Business Ideas for 2023

Can't figure out which enterprise you should launch in 2023? Check out 10 stellar home business ideas to get inspiration.

Thought Leaders

I Pitched 300 People a Day For 1 Year — and Learned This Impactful Entrepreneurial Lesson

After working myself to the bone pitching 300 people each day for one year, I came out of that experience as a new man — but surprisingly, an unhappier one. Here's what I learned.

News and Trends

US Chipmaker AMD To Invest $400 Million In Bengaluru

据报道,预计投资创建largest AMD design center with addition of approximately 3,000engineering roles and new Bangalore campus opening before end of 2023

Money & Finance

How to Make Money Online: 10 Proven Ways to Make Money Online

Need to know how to make money online as a side gig or new career? Check out this breakdown of the 10 top online money-making methods.

News and Trends

Google Invites Applications For Eighth Batch Of Startups Accelerator Programme

Applications are open until August 22, and eligible startups should have AI as a core solution or product, including generative AI

Starting a Business

10 Common Obstacles to Avoid When Starting a Business

Starting a new business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common obstacles to avoid when starting a new business.