Gift Card Features at a Glance
From selling to redeeming, Tilavon handles every step of the gift card lifecycle so you can focus on delivering great service.
Selling Gift Cards In-Store
Digital Gift Card Creation
Gift Card Redemption at Checkout
Balance Inquiries
Selling Gift Cards In-Store
Make it easy for clients to purchase gift cards for friends and family right at your front desk.
Start a Gift Card Sale
From the checkout screen, tap 'Sell Gift Card' in the quick actions menu. Enter the gift card amount — you can offer preset denominations ($25, $50, $75, $100) or allow custom amounts. Set a minimum and maximum value in Settings > Gift Cards.
Assign Recipient Details
Optionally enter the recipient's name and email or phone number. If an email is provided, the system sends a beautifully designed digital gift card notification to the recipient automatically.
Print or Send
Print a physical gift card receipt with a unique code, or send a digital card via email. The gift card code can also be displayed as a QR code for easy scanning at redemption.
Pro Tip
Display gift cards prominently at your front desk, especially during holiday seasons. Gift card sales typically spike 300% in November and December. Consider running a 'Buy $100, Get $20 Bonus' promotion to drive sales.
Digital Gift Card Creation
Let clients purchase gift cards from anywhere through your website or client app.
Enable Online Gift Cards
Navigate to Settings > Gift Cards and toggle on 'Online Sales.' Your booking page will display a 'Buy Gift Card' option. Clients enter the amount, recipient details, and a personal message.
Customize the Design
Choose from several gift card templates or upload your salon's branding. Digital gift cards include your salon name, the card value, the unique code, and any personal message from the buyer.
Delivery Options
Digital gift cards are delivered by email — instantly or on a scheduled date (perfect for birthdays). The email includes an Add to Apple Wallet and Save to Google Pay button so the recipient can keep the card on their phone.
Gift Card Redemption at Checkout
Redeeming gift cards at checkout is quick and intuitive for your front desk staff.
Enter the Gift Card Code
During checkout, tap 'Gift Card' in the payment methods section. Scan the QR code or manually enter the gift card number. The system displays the current balance and validates the card.
Apply to Transaction
The gift card balance is applied to the transaction total. If the card balance exceeds the total, the remaining balance stays on the card. If the total exceeds the card balance, the client pays the difference with another payment method.
Split Payments
Gift cards work seamlessly with split payments. A client can use a gift card for part of their bill and pay the rest with cash, credit card, or even loyalty points.
Balance Inquiries
Make it easy for clients to check their gift card balance without calling your salon.
Client App
Clients who add their gift card to your client app can view their balance, transaction history, and remaining value at any time.
Front Desk Lookup
Staff can look up any gift card balance by going to Gift Cards and entering the card number. The lookup shows the original value, current balance, and complete redemption history.
Online Balance Check
Your booking page includes a 'Check Gift Card Balance' link where anyone can enter their gift card code and see their remaining balance.
Reloading Gift Cards
Clients don't need a new card when their balance runs low. Reload existing cards to keep the value growing.
How to Reload
During checkout or from the Gift Cards screen, select 'Reload' and enter the card number and amount. The new value is added to the existing balance immediately. Reloads can be processed as a regular payment transaction.
Auto-Reload (Optional)
Clients can set up auto-reload through your client app. When their balance drops below a threshold they choose (e.g., $10), their card is automatically reloaded to a set amount using their saved payment method.
Gift Card Expiration Policies
Configure expiration rules that work for your business while staying compliant with local regulations.
Set Expiration Period
Under Settings > Gift Cards, set the default expiration period. Common options are 12 months, 24 months, or no expiration. Check your state or province's gift card laws — many jurisdictions prohibit or restrict expiration dates.
Expiration Warnings
The system automatically sends reminders to gift card holders 30 days and 7 days before expiration. These notifications encourage redemption and reduce support inquiries.
Legal Compliance
Tilavon's gift card system is designed to support compliance with common gift card regulations. Dormancy fees, if permitted in your jurisdiction, can be configured separately. Consult your local regulations to ensure your policies are compliant.
Gift Card Tracking & Reporting
Monitor your gift card program's performance and outstanding liabilities.
Sales Report
View total gift card sales by period, broken down by in-store versus online purchases. Track average gift card value, top-selling denominations, and seasonal trends.
Outstanding Liability
The liability report shows the total unredeemed gift card balance across all active cards. This is important for your bookkeeping — unredeemed gift cards represent a financial obligation until they're used or expire.
Card Activity
View detailed activity for any individual gift card: when it was purchased, by whom, every redemption transaction, reloads, and the current remaining balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can clients buy gift cards online?
Yes. Enable online gift card sales under Settings > Gift Cards. Clients can purchase gift cards through your booking page or client app. They choose the amount, enter the recipient's details, and add a personal message. Digital gift cards are delivered by email — instantly or on a scheduled date — with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes attached so the recipient can add the card to their phone.
Do gift cards expire?
This depends on your settings and local regulations. You can set gift cards to expire after 12 months, 24 months, or never. Many states and provinces have laws restricting or prohibiting gift card expiration. Check your local regulations and configure your policy under Settings > Gift Cards.
How do I check a gift card balance?
There are three ways: (1) Staff can look up any card from Gift Cards in the dashboard, (2) Clients can check in your client app or on your booking page's balance check tool, (3) The balance is displayed automatically during checkout when the gift card code is entered.
Can a gift card be used for partial payment?
Yes. If the transaction total exceeds the gift card balance, the gift card amount is applied first and the remaining balance can be paid with any other payment method — cash, credit card, another gift card, or loyalty points. The receipt clearly shows the split.
Can I customize gift card designs?
Yes. Go to Settings > Gift Cards > Templates to choose from built-in designs or upload your own branding. You can set your salon logo, brand colors, and background image. For physical cards, Tilavon integrates with print vendors or you can use the built-in receipt printer format.
Ready to Sell More Gift Cards?
Set up in-store and online gift card sales in minutes. It's one of the easiest ways to bring in new clients and boost revenue.