Wording on Gift Certificates?

[photopam]

I was asked by a friend to donate a gift certificate for their local fundraiser at their church. I happily agreed. I was going to offer a family session, and and 11x14 mounted print of that session. It has a value of $135. How would I word that?

I have it now as "This is good for one family session and one 11x14 mounted portrait of that session. $135 value." I also included a "This certificate has no monetary value and may not be combined with any other offer."

Ok? I am not sure. I have never done a gift certificate before.

Thank you for your help!

[CaptainTom]

That would pretty much cover it. If you wanted to cover every conceivable aspect, it would probably take several pages of legalese.
In reality, many people never redeem their certificate. I would suggest that if you want to build your customer base that you make sure the church gives you contact information of the buyer. Then, call them, congratulations, would next Saturday be a good day, etc.

[tresorph]

For gift certificates... the verbiage should be as such so they buy over and beyond the gift certificate's value.

If you spell out that $135 gets you a session and an 11x14, that's all they will come for. If the GC says its valued at $135 for use at Pam's Studios by XX date, they will more than likely purchase more once the have communicated with you and learned about your artwork. Or else they will walk in with that - "I'm going to Wal-mart and I'm ONLY getting shampoo and toothpaste" mentality. I realize that this is for a church function, but there is nothing wrong with getting more business.

[toverman]

Definitely include an expiration date for the certificate (as Michaelle mentioned).

[photopam]

thanks, this gives me something to think about.

photopam added 29 Minutes and 56 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Ok, how's this:

"This certificate is good for up to $150, including a family portrait session." I want it to be for a family session, plus print. That leaves $90 for prints. I am thinking this way, they are not going to buy more prints though... They can get 11 4x5 for that or 4 8x10.

My thought for the family session plus 11x14 print, was that is one print, they will most likely want to buy more.

Thoughts?

Thank you all so much!

[bondarnes]

I like the session and 11X14 plan. An 11X14 is too big to give to grandma, so they have to buy a print or two for them. And it is also too small to hang on the wall, so they will need to upgrade the size to at least a 16X20. Include the phrase "must include the entire family", otherwise you will have mom saying, "I can't find a time when my husband can come in so let's just photograph the kids". There goes your sale. Definitely include an expiration date, but be real lenient if they go beyond it.