Online gift cards are one way small businesses can keep cash coming in as potential customers adjust their lives around the Coronavirus pandemic.

Not only do online gift cards bring in revenue now, they also encourage buyers and recipients to come in to shop or dine later. That means a boost in foot traffic and sales to help get you back on track.

Here are some sites that that can make selling online gift cards quick, easy and, inexpensive.

• Gift Card Café – With three plans available, this is one of the more expensive options available. There is a $49.95 set up fee with the most basic account plus a 4.95 percent transaction fee. However, if you want to provide your customers with the option to order physical gift cards, this company will fulfill and ship the cards for you.
• Gift Card Suite – This site provides you with two options, a basic, free gift card service with a 3.2 percent processing fee plus 30 cents per transaction, or a premium $19 per month plan that only charges a .5 percent transaction fee. The premium option offers “specialized gift cards” which is a good idea if your business offers a wide array of services.
• GiftFly – This service doesn’t require a monthly subscription or any upfront costs, but there are several small charges to consider. You can expect a payment processing fee of 2.7 percent plus a 30 cent per card fee. Your customers will be charged a 3.99 percent fee for gift cards $20 or less and an additional 99 cents for cards over $20.
• Gift Up App – Gift Up doesn’t have any monthly fees and is quick and easy to set up. There is a 3.49 percent fee for each gift card. This can either be paid by your business or the customer – you decide during setup. There is also a .50 fee for each gift card. Keep in mind that your POS may charge a transaction fee when you collect payment from this site.
• Square – Square takes a 2.9 percent commission and a 30 cent processing fee for each gift card. If you’re already using Square, this option is a perfect choice as there will be no account or payment set up and it will work seamlessly with your POS!
• Yiftee – This website works with your existing POS and not only provides buyers with an instant gift card, it’s also capable of sending them reminders to come into your store to use it. Accounts are $29.95 per month with no annual commitment. Additional locations are $12 per month each.

After you’ve set up your online gift card method, it’s time to promote this option to your customers. Make sure to post a link to buy the cards on your website, social media and in any email communications.