Discount publisher vouchercloud has announced the launch of Giftcloud, an end-to-end digital gifting mobile app and website.
In getting its new service off the ground, vouchercloud hopes to not only tap into the £5 billion gift card sector and current e-commerce growth, but also what is widely considered as the peak gifting period in the run up to Christmas.
Backed by retailers such as House of Fraser, Debenhams, Currys PC World, Ticketmaster, eHarmony, Cineworld, Starbucks and a number of restaurant chains, including Pizza Express, ASK Italian and Zizzi, Giftcloud is aiming to digitise the entire gift card process.
Card commissions
PerformanceIN understands that Giftcloud earns a commission on each gift card it sells, although this does differ between each retailer. Certain gift cards will also be exclusive discounts – a 20% off iTunes promotion is currently running for 48 hours.
Giftcloud intends to offer an affiliate programme so that publishers can be a part of the forthcoming Christmas sales spike. Some brands have even reported making 65% of their annual gift card sales from mid November to Christmas Day.
The entire Giftcloud process is said to take minutes. A user begins by deciding on a brand, then selects an amount before attaching it to a card from a template where a photo can be uploaded and a message added.
Consumers can redeem a gift card online or instore, with some merchants providing the option of redeeming via their smartphone. The sender also has the option to track the giftcard and confirm delivery once it has been opened.
Scheduling
Other options include the ability to schedule gift cards to be sent at a pre-specified date and time along with Facebook integration for birthday reminders and the chance to convert happy birthday wall posts into a gift.
Giftcloud’s founder, Greg LeTocq, considers this product to be the first of its kind in Europe as he looks to enter a market where consumers exchange gifts as a way of celebrating a big occasion.
“Being the first to market in Europe with a brand, app and website dedicated to digital gifting, we are introducing technology which will change consumer behaviour by providing a better, quicker and more interactive way to send gifts and upgrade birthday messages on social media,” he said.