| You started your own business. You read that smart | | | | Indicate that "This certificate entitles (space for a |
| business owners offer gift certificates. You know from | | | | name) to (space for your offer)" or type the exact |
| experience that you appreciate gift certificates. Now | | | | offer. You will also want a line that tells the recipient |
| you're wondering how to create your own gift | | | | that the gift certificate is not redeemable for cash, and |
| certificates. | | | | that its redemption value does not exceed a given |
| No matter what your business is, you can create your | | | | amount. Provide authorization and expiration spaces, |
| own gift certificates, with real value, and encourage | | | | and print. |
| your clients to buy and use them as gifts. | | | | 4. PageMaker: For clearer type, you may want to |
| Suggestions on How to Create Your Own Gift | | | | design the graphics of your small business gift |
| Certificates | | | | certificates in a program such as Adobe PhotoShop, |
| You can create your own gift certificates with various | | | | and then import those into PageMaker. Add the copy |
| computer software programs. If you are comfortable | | | | in PageMaker and print. You can line up 3 on a page |
| with multiple programs, you have more options. | | | | by copy/pasting your gift certificates. |
| 1. Microsoft Publisher: This program allows even a | | | | 5. Giftango: This is not software, but a website where |
| novice to create small business gift certificates. The | | | | you can download and modify free small business gift |
| software provides a gift certificate template to get | | | | certificates. |
| you started. Simply start Microsoft Publisher. A "New | | | | Gift Certificates for Online Businesses |
| Publications" window opens on the left. Click the top | | | | You can create gift certificates for online businesses, |
| choice, "New Publications for Print" and then click "Gift | | | | too. Check first to see if the shopping cart service you |
| certificates" in the new window. You will have a choice | | | | use makes provision for gift certificates. They will be |
| of 35 different small business gift certificates, ready | | | | able to tell you how to create your own gift |
| for you to customize. Select a design you like, and click | | | | certificates for online shoppers. |
| areas to type in your information. If you don't like the | | | | Uses for Small Business Gift Certificates |
| gift certificate color scheme or font, go to the task | | | | Small business gift certificates are appreciated by both |
| pane on the left and choose a new one. | | | | the gift givers and the gift recipients. They are easy to |
| 2. Microsoft Word: This software, too, offers gift | | | | give and fun to spend. |
| certificate templates. In Word, under "File" click on | | | | Use small business gift certificates to introduce your |
| "new" and type "gift certificate" into the task pane on | | | | business to new customers. You can potentially bring |
| the right. These 30 templates offer all-purpose as well | | | | in a loyal customer or client who will be with you for |
| as specific occasion gift certificates. Select a line of | | | | years. Say thank you to loyal customers with gift |
| text, and customize your small business gift | | | | certificates Add gift certificates to your regular line of |
| certificates. | | | | merchandise. |
| 3. Adobe PhotoShop: This graphics program allows | | | | Use small business gift certificates for private |
| you to place a photo of your business or product on | | | | bookshops, boutiques, beauty salons, nail salons, |
| your small business gift certificates. In PhotoShop, | | | | restaurants, spas, candy stores, flower shops, etc. Use |
| under "File" click on "new" and enter the dimensions of | | | | gift certificates online for any kind of business you |
| your gift certificate. A common size is about 3.5" height | | | | have. |
| by 7" width. Leave a margin of at least 0.25" on all | | | | Generic Gift Certificates |
| sides. Color blocks are good, and can be added to | | | | If you decide not to create your own gift certificates, |
| your gift certificate easily in this program. Make it clear | | | | you can purchase generic gift certificates. They will be |
| in writing that this is a gift certificate. Add your business | | | | less effective as an advertisement, but can still bring |
| name and address. Type the word "Number" with a | | | | customers to your store. |
| line or box in which the number can be entered. | | | | |