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We just released a beta version of our new Gift Cards feature. It's available to everyone right now, by going to the app store and installing "Gift Cards". This feature is extremely powerful, and if you plan on using it, you should read the help doc very thoroughly, before attempting.

Here's an overview, just to whet your appetite:

Product Gift Cards

The first and most common way to use this feature, is by creating a standard gift card. For example, you can put a $25 gift card up in your store, and customers can buy that card for $25, and they'll get an email with a gift card code. It works just like normal gift cards work, with some Limited Run style and flare, tossed in there.

We tell you how much is left on the card. Now that's nice. We also let you sell gift cards, for less than they're worth. Meaning, you could sell a $25 gift card, for $20. You can even do a name your own value gift card. So if a customer wanted to be super cool, they could choose to buy a $13.37 gift card.

The second way to use this feature is a percentage based gift card. O.o huh? That's right. You can create a card that gives the customer a percentage you specify, off their next purchase. You might be thinking, "Uhm, that sounds dangerous." Well it is. This is why we let you put a limit on the value of that percentage. For instance, you can give someone 50% off their next order, up to $10. So if they placed a $15 order, they'd get $7.50 off. But if they placed a $40 order, they'd only get $10 off. We also let you restrict them to certain categories, and the amount of items in the cart. The next thing you might be thinking is, "When the hell am I going to do that???" Here's where you need to use your imagination. A great example of how to use this feature, would be to bundle a percentage based discount, with another product. Oh by the way, you can bundle gift cards with other products! For instance, "Preorder the new BAND ALBUM, and get 5% off your next purchase!". Now that could be an exciting sale. The list of how to use this type of gift card is endless. But remember, this isn't a toy.

Private Gift Cards

The last way you can use gift cards is in private. This means you can create a gift card from the Apps > Gift Cards menu, and completely bypass the storefront by sending it directly to your customer. This comes in very handy when you want to reward a loyal customer or apologize for a delivery person.

Once again, please make sure you read the help doc. It explains all the ins and outs, of how this feature works. Also remember, this is a beta, so if you see something, say something. Thanks!