As a salon owner, you're always looking for ways to increase revenue and attract new clients. Yet one of the most effective tools is often overlooked: gift cards. In this article, you'll discover why gift cards are a smart addition to your services — and how you can get started right away.
Cash in hand, service later
The beauty of gift cards? You receive payment at the time of purchase, while the treatment only takes place weeks or months later. This is invaluable for your cash flow, especially during quieter periods. Think of January, when many clients take a break after the holidays. With gift cards sold around Christmas, you've already generated revenue.
New clients through your existing clients
Here's where it gets interesting: gift cards are almost always given to someone else. This means your loyal clients essentially become ambassadors. They introduce friends, family, or colleagues to your salon — without you spending a cent on marketing.
And that new client? They don't just walk in randomly. They come with a positive recommendation and a reason to book. The chance they'll return for another appointment is significantly higher than with any random new client.
Clients spend more than the card value
Research shows that people who come in with a gift card spend more on average than the balance on the card. They choose a more expensive treatment, add an extra service, or pick up a product. The gift card feels like "free money," which lowers the barrier to treat themselves to something extra.
Imagine: someone receives a €50 gift card and books a €65 treatment. That extra €15 is pure profit you might not have had without the gift card.
No inventory risk, no extra costs
Unlike selling products, gift cards don't require inventory that can expire or go out of style. You're essentially selling a promise — your time and expertise — without direct costs attached.
Moreover, a portion of gift cards are never redeemed. Estimates vary, but on average 10 to 20 percent of gift cards remain unused. That's not a loss for the buyer (the gift was given), but it is pure profit for you.
Perfect timing: seasons and holidays
Certain moments throughout the year are made for gift cards. Christmas is the most obvious, but also consider Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, birthdays, or end-of-school-year thank-you gifts. By actively promoting gift cards around these moments, you tap into an existing need. People are looking for a personal and valuable gift — and a pampering moment at your salon is exactly that.
Client loyalty works both ways
When an existing client buys a gift card to give away, something interesting happens. They consciously think about your salon and your services. They consider what their friend or family member would appreciate. This strengthens their own connection to your salon, simply because they're actively engaged with it.
Practical tips to get started
Want to start with gift cards? Here are a few tips:
Choose smart price points. Offer gift cards in amounts that match your most popular treatments. A €45 card for a cut-and-blow-dry, or €75 for an extensive facial treatment. This way, the giver knows the recipient can do something wonderful with it.
Make it visible. Mention on your website, in your salon, and on social media that you offer gift cards. Around holidays, you can give this extra attention with a post or story.
Keep it organised. Nothing is more annoying than searching through Excel spreadsheets or loose paper vouchers. With the right software, you can create gift cards, sell them, and automatically redeem them at checkout. The balance is tracked without you having to think about it.
Let clients buy online. The easier it is to buy a gift card, the more you'll sell. When clients can order a gift card directly through your booking site and send it digitally, you lower the barrier enormously.
An investment that pays for itself
Gift cards aren't a side matter, but a strategic tool to grow your salon. They improve your cash flow, attract new clients, increase average spending, and strengthen bonds with existing clients. All without extra costs or risks.
The question isn't whether you should offer gift cards, but when you'll start.
Get started with gift cards in Bookura
Bookura makes it easy to offer gift cards in your salon. Clients can buy them online, pay immediately via iDEAL or card, and send them digitally. When they book an appointment, the balance is automatically applied. Read our step-by-step guide to set up gift cards for your salon.
