October 1, 2025
Running a bar isn’t easy. You could be packed one night and then empty the next. And the truth is, customers have options. There’s always another pub down the street.
So how do you keep people choosing your bar instead of walking a block over? Loyalty.
But not the kind you force with points or complicated apps. Something simple. Something that actually gets people back through your doors.
When someone buys a gift card, they’re making a promise to come back. They’re already choosing you in advance. That $50 or $100 isn’t going anywhere else—it’s staying with your bar.
And when they come back to spend it, they usually bring friends. More people, more orders, more chances they become regulars.
It’s not just about one-time sales. You can also use cards to nudge repeat visits. Think about this: Buy a $50 card, get a $10 bonus for yourself.
Now the buyer has two reasons to return—once to use the card, and again to use the bonus.
Another trick? Turn gift cards into small rewards for staff to hand out. Maybe a customer stays late, joins trivia, or tips well—hand them a $5 card for next time.
That tiny gesture makes it harder for them to choose a competitor later.
And digital cards? They spread even faster. Someone sends a birthday gift by text, and suddenly you’ve got a brand-new customer walking in who never would have thought to visit. That’s a free referral.
Gift cards don’t fix every problem. But when competition is tough, they do one thing really well: they keep your customers close. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
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