Report: Quick-Service Gift Cards Redeemed the Fastest

Paytronix Systems, Inc. released its inaugural Annual Gift Card Sales Report. Leveraging data from over 190 restaurant brands and 550 stored value program figures, the study is one of the first to analyze the trends around restaurant gift card sales, focusing on the impact of various sales channels and consumer redemption rates, particularly during the holiday season.

One of the key findings reveals that third-party channels accounted for over half of all restaurant gift card sales in 2017, for both units sold and total dollars. Third-party channels include discount warehouses like Costco as well as gift cards sold in retail establishments not owned by the restaurant brand, including grocery, convenience or drug store outlets.

“Third-party retail sales are a critical component to any gift card program and this report underscores its value for restaurant brands,” says Andrew Robbins, President and co-founder of Paytronix. “Gift sales contribute substantial top-line impact, plus it offers the often overlooked benefit of being one of the most effective customer acquisition programs.”

As part of this report, Grotto Pizza, a mainstay of family casual dining at Delaware’s beaches since 1960 with locations across the northeast, announced it increased sales by 30 percent thanks to its strategic gift program. Additionally, Zaxby’s, a fast casual chicken restaurant concept with over 800 locations nationwide, experienced 18 percent increase in gift sales through its partnership with Paytronix. Both case studies are detailed in this report and highlight the broader business value of having a strategic gift program.

Other key findings include:

• 2017 experienced modest growth from 2016 with a .76% increase in total gift card sales
• In-store sales accounted for 42.8% of all gift card sales in 2017, down from the previous year as third-party retailers continue to gain popularity
• However, during the holiday season, in-store sales attributed 51.5% of all sales, overtaking popularity of third-party retailers from November 1 through December 24
• Around 70% of all gift cards are redeemed within 180 days of purchase, with about 20% still having a balance on the card after a full year
• Quick service restaurant gift cards are redeemed more quickly than other categories, with a 75% redemption rate after 180 days compared to 52% for fine dining.

View the report here.