Sell Gift Cards Online [A Step-By-Step Guide]

Do you have drawers overflowing with unused gift cards, are you wondering if you can sell them online?, don't worry because you are not alone. Every year, millions of dollars' worth of gift cards go unused in wallets and in forgotten corners.

But what if I told you that those unwanted plastic rectangles could be transformed into cold, hard cash?, This guide will be your compass as you navigate the fascinating environment of selling gift cards online.

A gift card is simply a prepaid stored-value card that serves as an alternative to cash for transactions.

Gift cards can be closed-loop, meaning it can  only be used at a specific store or chain of stores (for example, an Amazon gift card can only be used on Amazon). Or open-loop, where it function more like prepaid debit cards and can be used at any merchant that accepts the network associated with the card (e.g., Visa, Mastercard).

Where Can I Get A Gift Card Online

You have several possibilities for purchasing a gift card online. Here are some popular options depending on your needs:

Retail Stores:

Grocery stores and supermarkets: Most major chains like Walmart, Target, and Kroger sell a wide variety of gift cards for other retailers, restaurants, entertainment, and travel.

Department stores: Macy's, Nordstrom, and JCPenney offer their own gift cards as well as cards for other shops, restaurants, and services.

Electronics stores: Best Buy, Walmart Electronics, and Microcenter typically carry gift cards for electronics brands, gaming platforms, and streaming services.

Drugstores: CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid sell gift cards for other retailers, restaurants, and even travel.

Online Retailers:

Amazon: The "Gifts & Gift Cards" section on Amazon lets you buy e-gift cards for thousands of brands and merchants, many delivered instantly.

Other online retailers: Many individual stores like Apple, Starbucks, and Nike offer e-gift cards on their websites.

Gift Card Marketplaces: These platforms specialize in buying and selling gift cards for various retailers and brands. You can often find discounts on unwanted cards or compare prices before buying. Popular options include Giftcards.com, Cardpool, and Raise allow you to buy and sell gift cards for various stores and brands.

Other Sources:

Gas stations: Many gas stations sell gift cards for popular convenience stores, fast food chains, and coffee shops.

Restaurants: Some restaurants offer their own gift cards, either individually or in packs.

Banks and credit unions: Some financial institutions offer gift cards for popular retailers or general-purpose cards like Visa or Mastercard.

How To Sell Gift Cards Online

Selling gift cards online is an excellent method to convert unused plastic into cold, hard cash. Here's a step-by-step tutorial to assist you with the process:

1. Determine the card's value:

Check the brand and value: First, identify the store or brand associated with the card and its remaining balance.

Research online platforms: Compare prices offered by different platforms like Giftcards.com, Cardpool, Raise, or CardCash. Keep in mind that you won't receive the full face value, as the platforms deduct a percentage for their services.

Consider current demand: Popular brands and in-demand cards fetch higher prices than less popular ones. Check online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace for potential buyer interest.

2. Choose your selling platform:

Dedicated Gift Card Exchanges: These platforms offer a safe and easy way to sell your cards with guaranteed payouts. They typically have lower fees than other options but might offer slightly lower prices.

Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace allow you to list your card at your desired price and negotiate with potential buyers. This offers more flexibility but requires more effort and carries higher risk of scams.

Social Media Groups: Some Facebook groups are dedicated to buying and selling gift cards. This can be a quick way to find buyers, but ensure the group has positive reviews and established members.

3. Prepare your card for sale:

Gather necessary information: Have the card's brand, balance, PIN (if applicable), and picture readily available.

Read platform guidelines: Different platforms have specific requirements for listing and selling gift cards. Make sure you comply with their terms and conditions.

Take high-quality pictures: If listing on a peer-to-peer platform, take clear pictures of the front and back of the card for transparency.

4. List and sell your card:

Follow platform instructions: Create a clear and concise listing with accurate information and desired price (if applicable).

Respond promptly to inquiries: Communicate effectively with potential buyers and answer any questions they might have.

Be cautious of scams: Never share personal information or send the card before receiving payment. Use secure payment methods provided by the platform.

5. Receive your payment:

Once your card is sold, follow the platform's instructions to receive your payment. This might be through instant deposit, PayPal, or other methods.

Withdraw your funds or use them for further transactions as you wish.

Best Gift Card To Give A Woman

There's no single "best" gift card for every woman, as preferences and interests vary greatly. However, consider choosing a gift card base on her interest and hobbies. If she is a:

• Fashionista: Gift cards to department stores like Nordstrom or fashion retailers like Zara, shein,  Anthropologie, or ASOS could be ideal.
• Beauty enthusiast: Sephora, Ulta Beauty, or Lush gift cards cater to makeup, skincare, and bath products.
• Foodie: A gift card to a gourmet grocery store, a favorite restaurant, or a meal delivery service like HelloFresh or Blue Apron would be appreciated.
• Homebody: Cozy gift cards to Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams-Sonoma, or Pottery Barn would let her decorate or upgrade her home.
• Travel lover: Airlines, hotels, or travel websites like Expedia or TripAdvisor could fuel her next adventure.
• Fitness fanatic: Gyms, yoga studios, or workout clothing brands like Lululemon or Athleta could motivate her fitness journey.

Your successful selection of a gift card will depend on your ability to understand her hobbies. This can be gone if you spend time with her often.

Best Gift Card for Teens

Finding the perfect gift card for a teen can be tough, because their interests and tastes fluctuate faster than the weather. Here are some few options:

For the Fashionable Teen:

• Fast-fashion chains: H&M, Zara, Forever 21, and ASOS offer trendy styles at affordable prices.
• Sporty chic stores: Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Lululemon cater to the athleisure trend.
• Shoe heaven: Foot Locker, Vans, Converse, and Dr. Martens cater to footwear fanatics.

For the Tech-Savvy Teen:

• Digital giants: Apple, Google Play, Amazon, and Steam offer endless options for games, apps, and gadgets.
• Streaming services: Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, and HBO Max provide endless entertainment.
• Phone accessories: OtterBox, PopSockets, and Casetify let them personalize their mobile devices.

For the Experience Seeker:

• Movie theaters: Regal, AMC, Cinemark, or IMAX for the latest blockbusters.
• Amusement parks: Six Flags, Disney World, Universal Studios, or local theme parks for adrenaline rushes.
• Game nights: Dave & Buster's, bowling alleys, escape rooms, or arcade bars for fun with friends.

For the Foodie Teen:

• Coffee havens: Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Peet's Coffee, or Caribou Coffee for their caffeine fix.
• Pizza paradise: Domino's, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, or local pizzerias for a classic treat.
• Delivery delights: Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Seamless for endless dining options.

Best Gift Card for Couples

Finding a lovely gift card for a couple can be a great way to commemorate their love and shared interests. To make your decision truly unique, let's consider some possibilities based on their prospective hobbies and preferences:

Experience Seekers:

• Adventure Awaits: Consider gift cards for escape rooms, tandem skydiving, hot air balloon rides, or whitewater rafting for a thrilling shared experience.
• Spa Day Bliss: Couples massages, facials, and pampering packages at a luxurious spa provide relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Culinary Delights: A cooking class for two, a wine tasting tour, or a private chef experience elevate their culinary exploration.
• Travel Bug Bites: Gift cards for airlines, hotels, or travel platforms like Airbnb open the door to a romantic getaway or memorable adventure.

Homebodies at Heart:

• Streaming Spree: Subscription cards for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or HBO Max ensure endless entertainment nights in.
• Board Game Bonanza: A gift card to a board game store or website fuels their playful side with new challenges and laughter.
• Cozy Retreat: Pamper their homebody tendencies with gift cards to West Elm, Pottery Barn, or Crate & Barrel for home decorating upgrades.
• Date Night Delivery: Food delivery services like Grubhub or DoorDash offer a plethora of options for delicious meals enjoyed in the comfort of their own home.

Best Gift Card for Employees

Appreciation for your staff is critical for increasing morale and creating a healthy work atmosphere. A well-chosen gift card can be a meaningful and effective method to accomplish that. However, determining the "best" option is dependent on a number of criteria, so let's look at several options using various approaches:

Universal Appeal:

• Retail Giants: Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift cards offer the ultimate flexibility and allow them to purchase anything they desire from any store.
• Online Marketplaces: Amazon or PayPal gift cards provide access to a vast selection of products and services, catering to diverse interests.
• Coffee Connoisseurs: Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts gift cards fuel their caffeine needs and provide a daily pick-me-up.

Experience and Recreation:

• Movie Magic: Fandango or AMC gift cards let them enjoy the latest blockbusters on the big screen.
• Streaming Services: Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ subscriptions keep them entertained with movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
• Fitness Focus: Gym memberships or spa day gift cards promote their well-being and provide relaxation or exercise opportunities.
• Outdoor Adventures: Gift cards for national parks, sporting goods stores, or outdoor gear shops cater to their adventurous spirit.

Personalized Perks:

• Local Favorites: Support local businesses with gift cards to restaurants, coffee shops, or bookstores they frequent.
• Professional Development: Subscriptions to online courses, conferences, or industry publications equip them with new skills and knowledge.
• Foodie Delights: Gourmet grocery stores, meal delivery services, or cooking class gift cards satisfy their culinary passions.
• Creative Cravings: Michaels or Joann Fabrics gift cards inspire creativity with craft supplies and artistic possibilities.

How To Issue A Gift Card On Shopify

There are two options for issuing gift cards on Shopify: creating digital gift cards for customers to purchase online or issuing free gift cards directly to specific customers. Here's how to do both:

Creating Digital Gift Cards For Online Purchase:

1. Activate Gift Cards Feature: If you haven't already, go to Products and select Gift cards in your Shopify admin and click Activate gift cards. This unlocks the feature for your store.

2. Add a Gift Card Product: Click Add gift card product and enter the details for your new gift card. This includes the title (e.g., "Birthday Gift Card"), description, media (image), and gift card information (initial value, currency, and whether to allow custom amounts).

3. Publish the Gift Card: Once you're happy with your new gift card product, click Save and then View gift card products. Here, select the gift card you just created and click Make available to choose the sales channels where it will be available for purchase. Click Save again to publish it.

4. Manage Orders: When a customer purchases a gift card, you'll see the order in your admin panel. Go to Orders and the specific order for the gift card. Here, you can fulfill the order, which sends an email containing the unique gift card code to the customer.

Issuing Free Gift Cards Directly To Customers:

• Go to Products and select Gift cards.
• Click Create gift card.
• Enter the Initial value of the gift card.
• In the Customer field, enter the email address or phone number of the customer you want to send the gift card to. You can search for existing customers or create a new one on the fly.
• Click Save.
• Edit the email that your customer will receive with their gift card (Optional).
• Click Send gift card.

If you want to sell a gift card on shopify, click here, or here if you want to create a gift card on shopify.

Conclusion

Turning unwanted gift cards into cash or something you'd use more is a smart move. Sites like CardCash, Raise, and GiftCash offer direct purchase of your cards, with payouts ranging from 80% to 93% of the value. They're quick and convenient, but you may not get the full amount.

Also, peer-to-peer platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace allow listing your cards for others to buy. You set the price and might get closer to face value, but sales can be slower and require more interaction.

Consider the options above for selecting best gift cards for employees, couples, and teens.