After your last shipping date, most stores stop selling. But many people are still looking for a gift on 23 or 24 December. A gift card delivered instantly by email is the answer, and it often brings a new customer in January.
Options in WooCommerce
- WooCommerce coupons: create a unique coupon after each gift card purchase and send it manually. Fine for a few orders.
- A gift card extension: automatic codes, balances, emails to the recipient. Better above a few dozen cards.
- A simple product + email: sell a “Gift card 50 €” product and send a printable PDF. Low tech, works.
Make it giftable
- A nice visual for the card (your brand, a festive design).
- A printable version to put under the tree.
- A personal message field.
- Delivery now or on a chosen date (for example 25 December, 8 am).
Choose the amounts
Three or four amounts that match your typical gifts (25 €, 50 €, 100 €), and optionally a free amount.
Promote it at the right time
- From your last shipping date, change your announcement bar: “Too late for delivery? Our gift card arrives instantly.”
- Add a link on sold-out product pages.
- Send a last-minute email on 21 or 22 December.
Topbar can switch your bar message automatically on the right date. More ideas in last-minute Christmas sales.
In January
Gift card recipients are new customers. Welcome them with a clear page explaining how to use the card, and suggest bestsellers.
Write the gift card page well
- Show the card visual large, as if it were a product.
- Explain in three steps: choose the amount, write the message, receive it instantly by email.
- Say how long it is valid and where it can be used (online, in store, or both).
- Answer “Can I print it?” and “Can I send it directly to the recipient?”.
Example email to send on 21 December
“Too late for delivery? Not too late for a gift. Our gift cards arrive instantly by email, with your personal message and a printable version for the tree. [Choose a gift card]”
How to measure the result
Compare the same weeks before and after the change in WooCommerce › Analytics: conversion rate (orders divided by visits in your statistics tool), average order value and the share of mobile orders. Change one thing at a time when you can, and give each change at least a week of traffic before judging it. In December, compare with the first half of November rather than with last year, because your catalogue and traffic have changed.
Frequently asked questions
Can WooCommerce sell gift cards without a plugin?
Yes, with coupons sent manually, but an extension automates codes and balances.
When should I promote gift cards?
Mainly after your last shipping date, for last-minute buyers.
Should gift cards expire?
Check local law; in many countries they must remain valid for a minimum period.