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As the holiday season swiftly approaches, businesses across industries are gearing up for one of the most profitable times of the year. While auto repair shops might not immediately come to mind when we think of holiday shopping, they still hold untapped potential to reach a wider audience at the year’s end.
A compelling way to do this is through a strategic gift card promotion. You can extend the spirit of giving to your customers while opening up opportunities for better customer engagement and driving more sales.
Keep reading to learn how a gift card promo can be one of your best marketing moves this holiday season and tips on making it successful.
Why Gift Card Promos Work for Auto Repair Shops
Auto repair services aren’t traditionally linked with the holiday shopping frenzy, but they can be! Everyone can use a little help keeping their car in good shape. Gift cards add value by incentivizing customers to stay on top of their maintenance and necessary repairs. It’s a practical way to motivate customers to visit your shop and stay safe on the road.
Offer a bonus gift card to anyone who comes in for a major service, such as an oil change, brake repair, or tire rotation. This way, customers are rewarded for caring for their car with a gift card for future services. It’s a proven strategy that works, even in the automotive industry—according to Blackhawk Network’s (BHN) recent study, customers who receive a $10 gift card often spend an average of $51. By offering a bonus gift card, you’re encouraging customers to return and increasing the likelihood that they’ll spend more when they do. It’s a win-win that helps build loyalty with your shop!
Here are some ways you can benefit from the gift of giving this season:
- Boost customer engagement
- Increase foot traffic and sales
- Encourage vehicle maintenance
- Enhance customer loyalty
- Attract new customers
- Generate positive word-of-mouth
- Provide a unique gift option
- Strengthen brand visibility
How to Structure an Effective Gift Card Promotion
A gift card promotion can create a positive customer experience, and your shop benefits from increased sales, customer loyalty, and new client referrals. But how should you structure this offer to get the most bang for your marketing buck?
- Create attractive offers: Offer a bonus gift card as a reward for booking major services. For instance, offering a bonus $100-$500 gift card to customers who schedule significant repairs or high-ticket maintenance not only adds value for the customer by giving them something to use on future services but also increases the likelihood they’ll return for additional work.
- Promote early and across multiple channels: Get the word out early through direct mail, email campaigns, social media, and in-shop signage. A multichannel approach ensures you reach both your existing customer base and potential new customers.
- Incorporate referral incentives: People are 90% more likely to trust a brand recommended by a friend, so combine your gift card promotion with referral incentives. Word-of-mouth remains one of the most effective forms of advertising, and a holiday promo can help you leverage it.
Fuel Your Sales This Season with High-Impact Marketing Strategies
Gift cards are not just for gift-giving; they can also be used as rewards for existing customers who purchase services or refer new clients. The key is to incentivize purchases while promoting the value of preventive car care. By aligning your holiday marketing strategy with the practical needs of your customers, you can turn the festive season into a period of significant growth for your auto repair shop.
If you’re ready to make this holiday season one of your most profitable yet, contact the experts at UpSwell to get started on a customized marketing strategy that will bring more customers through your doors and keep them coming back.
