InComm Research Shows Gift Cards Are Preferred Gift for Special Occasions
InComm, a leading prepaid product and transaction services company, recently released the results of a survey it conducted that highlights consumers’ attitudes toward giving open-loop gift cards for specific life events and special occasions.
In 2016, over 500 respondents answered questions about the frequency with which they purchase and give gift cards and for which occasions they would like to receive one.
Here are some of the highlights of the research include:
- Birthdays were noted as one of the most popular occasions for which to give a gift card, followed by graduations, weddings, and simple thank you’s.
- 82 percent of respondents said they would appreciate receiving a gift card for their birthday.
- Over a third of respondents claim they would appreciate receiving a gift card for a graduation, wedding, anniversary, and as a thank you.
- When asked how many gift cards they gave last year, 100 percent said at least one and a whopping 92 percent said two or more.
“The versatility of open-loop gift cards benefits both the giver and the recipient. They are quick and convenient gifts that, as this data suggests, are appropriate for any number of occasions, alleviating much of the stress that can come with gift shopping,” said Brian Parlotto, Sales & Marketing Executive Vice President at InComm. “With closed-loop options, which are accepted only in certain stores, and open-loop options like Vanilla Gift, which are accepted anywhere, the giver can personalize the gift and the friend or loved one who receives the gift card will be sure to get something they want.”