Go Virtual! Benefits of the Restaurant Virtual Gift Card

Many casual-dining foodservice chains have embraced a new, exciting and innovative way to increase their sales. It is in the form of a Virtual Gift Card. Some of the participating chains include Chili's Grill & Bar, Landry's Seafood, Ruby Tuesday, and recently Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar has joined in.

Here's How it Works:

• Buyer purchases gift card online.
• Virtual gift card is emailed to recipient, and a text message notification can be sent, depending on the food chain.
• Recipient will receive email with a link to the merchant website that will provide them with redemption information, and terms and conditions.
• Recipient can print virtual gift card or in some cases redeem it directly from their mobile phone with the gift card's identification code at the restaurant location.

Gift cards may be personalized with images, photos, and self recorded audio tracks.

Benefits of the Virtual Gift Card for Buyers

• Hassle free shopping- Save time and money by purchasing these gift cards without ever leaving the house.
• Avoid extra costs by sending gifts to out of town relatives by mail delivery.
• Receive incentives or bonuses-For instance, Outback Steakhouse offers the buyer a $20 bonus card for every $100 gift card purchase till the end of December. Bonus card is redeemable at any of the company's brand restaurants.

Benefits of the Virtual Gift Card for Restaurants

• Allows buyers to make last minute online purchases.
  
• Creates a basis for potential future customers.
• Increases sales and decreases cost of ordering plastic gift cards.
  

Benefits of the Virtual Gift Card for Recipients

• Enjoy dining out at your favorite restaurant.
• Cannot be lost or stolen, and replaces paper gift certificates and plastic gift cards in your wallet or purse.
• No expiration date.

Consider the benefits above, next time you are undecided on a gift for anyone, no matter what the occasion. This can make you the ultimate gift giver!