The run-up to Christmas is the best time for gift certificates. Everyone is looking for presents for family, colleagues and friends, and a salon gift certificate is a simple, pleasant idea. For the salon it means money up front and new clients who come on recommendation.
Here's how to launch gift certificate sales, keep track of them and make the most of the season.
Value certificate or service certificate
- Value certificate. For example, 50 or 100 in your currency. The most flexible option: the recipient chooses the service herself. Suits most salons.
- Service certificate. "60-minute massage" or "Manicure with polish". Lovely as a gift, but price changes can lead to questions.
To start with, value certificates in 2-3 amounts work well.
What goes on the certificate
- a unique code so the certificate can't be redeemed twice;
- the amount or service;
- the validity period;
- the salon's contact details and booking link.
Validity period
Rules on gift certificate validity differ from country to country, and in some places an overly short expiry period may not be enforceable. Many salons set a validity of at least 12 months. Don't make the period too tight, and if in doubt, check your local consumer rules.
Keeping proper track of certificates
This is where the real problems start. If certificates are written down in a notebook, after a few months nobody knows which ones have been redeemed, which partly, and how much is left. With long validity periods, it quickly gets confusing.
Here's what proper tracking looks like:
- when sold, the certificate is registered in the system with its code;
- at the visit, the front desk enters the code and the amount is deducted;
- if the service costs less than the certificate value, the remaining balance stays for the next visit;
- the full history is visible in financial reports.
That's exactly how gift certificates work in SmartBook: with partial redemption, remaining balance and history.
How to sell more certificates
- Mention them early. Start at the end of November, not on 23 December.
- Offer them at the front desk. Regulars are the most likely buyers.
- Package them nicely. An envelope or card turns a certificate into a real gift.
- Show them on Instagram. A post and a Story with amounts and how to buy.
- Add a bonus. For example, a small treat for buyers of a higher-value certificate.
Turning recipients into regulars
People redeeming a certificate are often visiting for the first time. That's your chance to gain a new regular:
- offer the next appointment right after the visit;
- credit bonus points if you have a loyalty programme;
- ask for a review.
Summary
Gift certificates bring money up front and new clients. The key is to start early before the holidays and track certificates in the system rather than in a notebook. Try SmartBook for free and issue your first certificates this week.
FAQ
Can a certificate be redeemed in parts?
Yes, if it's tracked in the system: the remaining balance is kept and applied at the next visit.
What about certificates that have been in circulation for a long time?
Check the validity against the purchase date in the system. Many salons honour older certificates as a goodwill gesture - it strengthens client loyalty.
Can a certificate be exchanged for cash?
That's set by your terms and conditions. Decide on the rules in advance and point them out at the time of purchase.
