Gift vouchers are the easiest extra business in hospitality: the money comes in right away, and the guest who receives one usually brings someone along. Design your voucher in a few minutes, with a unique code and, if you like, a QR code to your website.
Gift vouchers bring new guests
Before Christmas, for Mother's Day or a birthday, many people look for a gift that is an experience. A voucher for your venue is exactly that. Whoever redeems it gets to know you, often for the first time, and ideally comes back.
Display vouchers at the till and mention them on your website and social channels. A voucher for a round amount sells most easily, an experience voucher like a dinner for two feels more personal.
DL size or three per A4 sheet
The DL size of 210 × 99 mm fits every DL envelope and is the classic voucher format. Send the PDF to a print shop, ideally on sturdy paper of 300 g/m² or more.
For small runs, print it yourself: the A4 option places three vouchers with their own codes on one sheet. Cut at the small marks on the edge. Fields you leave empty are printed as a line, so you can write the value and names by hand.
Codes and a voucher list
Every voucher gets a random code without easily confused characters like 0 and O. Note code, value and date of sale in a simple list or in your till. That way you spot vouchers that were already redeemed and keep track of open amounts.
Sold multi-purpose vouchers are usually only subject to VAT when redeemed, because at the time of sale it is not yet clear what they will be used for. Ask your tax advisor to confirm the right bookkeeping.
Expiry and small print
An expiry date has to be reasonable. In Germany, without a date the regular limitation period of three years from the end of the year of purchase applies. In Austria, vouchers are generally valid for 30 years, a shorter period needs a valid reason. Periods that are too short may be void.
Keep the small print short and fair, for example that the voucher cannot be exchanged for cash and is not replaced if lost. A voucher is a gift, not a contract.