You started your own business. You read that smart business owners offer gift certificates. You know from experience that you appreciate gift certificates. Now you’re wondering how to create your own gift certificates.

No matter what your business is, you can create your own gift certificates, with real value, and encourage your clients to buy and use them as gifts.

Suggestions on How to Create Your Own Gift Certificates

You can create your own gift certificates with various computer software programs. If you are comfortable with multiple programs, you have more options.

1. Microsoft Publisher: This program allows even a novice to create small business gift certificates. The software provides a gift certificate template to get you started. Simply start Microsoft Publisher. A “New Publications” window opens on the left. Click the top choice, “New Publications for Print” and then click “Gift certificates” in the new window. You will have a choice of 35 different small business gift certificates, ready for you to customize. Select a design you like, and click areas to type in your information. If you don’t like the gift certificate color scheme or font, go to the task pane on the left and choose a new one.

2. Microsoft Word: This software, too, offers gift certificate templates. In Word, under “File” click on “new” and type “gift certificate” into the task pane on the right. These 30 templates offer all-purpose as well as specific occasion gift certificates. Select a line of text, and customize your small business gift certificates.

3. Adobe PhotoShop: This graphics program allows you to place a photo of your business or product on your small business gift certificates. In PhotoShop, under “File” click on “new” and enter the dimensions of your gift certificate. A common size is about 3.5″ height by 7″ width. Leave a margin of at least 0.25″ on all sides. Color blocks are good, and can be added to your gift certificate easily in this program. Make it clear in writing that this is a gift certificate. Add your business name and address. Type the word “Number” with a line or box in which the number can be entered. Indicate that “This certificate entitles (space for a name) to (space for your offer)” or type the exact offer. You will also want a line that tells the recipient that the gift certificate is not redeemable for cash, and that its redemption value does not exceed a given amount. Provide authorization and expiration spaces, and print.

4. PageMaker: For clearer type, you may want to design the graphics of your small business gift certificates in a program such as Adobe PhotoShop, and then import those into PageMaker. Add the copy in PageMaker and print. You can line up 3 on a page by copy/pasting your gift certificates.

5. Giftango: This is not software, but a website where you can download and modify free small business gift certificates.

Gift Certificates for Online Businesses

You can create gift certificates for online businesses, too. Check first to see if the shopping cart service you use makes provision for gift certificates. They will be able to tell you how to create your own gift certificates for online shoppers.

Uses for Small Business Gift Certificates

Small business gift certificates are appreciated by both the gift givers and the gift recipients. They are easy to give and fun to spend.

Use small business gift certificates to introduce your business to new customers. You can potentially bring in a loyal customer or client who will be with you for years. Say thank you to loyal customers with gift certificates Add gift certificates to your regular line of merchandise.

Use small business gift certificates for private bookshops, boutiques, beauty salons, nail salons, restaurants, spas, candy stores, flower shops, etc. Use gift certificates online for any kind of business you have.

Generic Gift Certificates

If you decide not to create your own gift certificates, you can purchase generic gift certificates. They will be less effective as an advertisement, but can still bring customers to your store.

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Prepaid Visa Gift Card FAQ
How do I sign up for a Prepaid Visa Gift Card account?

You can sign up online in seconds through the link at the bottom of this page.

What will I need to apply for a Prepaid Visa Gift Card?

To apply for a Prepaid Visa Gift Card, you will need to provide your name, phone number, email address, social security number, and mailing address. To receive your welcome package and Visa prepaid card, you must enter a physical U.S. address. Cards cannot be sent to post office boxes.

How much will it cost to sign up for a Prepaid Visa Gift Card?

It’s free to sign up and receive your Visa prepaid gift card in the mail. When you add money to your prepaid account, we will charge you an activation payment and monthly service charges will begin. If you use direct deposit to add money to your prepaid account, we will waive your activation payment.

How much will it cost to activate a Prepaid Visa Gift Card?

Activation for an account is free when you setup direct deposit to your account. If you choose not to use direct deposit, a minimal activation fee will be applied.

Can I open an account for a Prepaid Visa Gift Card if I am on ChexSystems?

Yes. We do not do a ChexSystems verification when opening new accounts.

Do I have to maintain a minimum balance on my Prepaid Visa Gift Card?

No minimal balance is required for a prepaid account.

How old do I need to be to get a Prepaid Visa Gift Card?

The minimum age to apply for a prepaid account is 14 years old.

How do I know that this Prepaid Visa Gift Card is a real company?

We have been an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau since February 2006. A full report on AccountNow can be found by clicking through to the next page and look at our BBB links.

How long does it take to receive a Prepaid Visa Gift Card?

Your card will be delivered 5-7 business days after you sign up. If you need a replacement card, you may request to have your replacement card expedited and delivered in 3 business days. See our pricing & fees for more details.

If you Sign up today for free for your new Prepaid Visa Gift Card, we will even give you an extra $25.00 So do not delay. Go now!

Prepaid Visa Gift Card

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Advance Auto Parts Gift Card ($49.50 Value)

US $43.01 (6 Bids) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 14:50:07 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list