MarketScale’s The Main Course Podcast: Gift Cards Don’t Have to be Boring, Use AR to Virtually Gift an Actual Item
Author: Barbara Castiglia
April 8th, 2021

Excerpt from The Main Course Podcast:

Gift Cards Don’t Have to be Boring, Use AR to Virtually Gift an Actual Item

Serfass, whose background includes launching software companies and owning a restaurant, said the company launched its digital menu platform pre-pandemic, which supported restaurants. Still, the company wanted to do more to help clients generate revenue in the gift card space. “Gift cards are old, so we were thinking of how to reimagine it, and AR was capable of doing that.”

Instead of sending that dull plastic card, consumers can virtually gift an actual item, personalizing the experience. The two companies began working together to revitalize this revenue stream.

“We built out the AR portion and integrated it into the Uptown app. It’s a direct increase to the bottom line. There are also intangible benefits like virality and using the images on social medial or websites,” Johnson said.

Jack noted that the gift becomes an experience and drives micro-gifting of small items like a coffee, cocktail, or dessert. Restaurants also avoid the high 20% transaction fee they face with third parties. Those micro-gifts often lead to more purchases that don’t involve any processing fees.

Pat shared some additional thoughts on AR in restaurants. “It’s a new medium for communication, and AR has many more applications. It brings value to the customer and business.”

Read the full article here: Gift Cards Don’t Have to be Boring, Use AR to Virtually Gift an Actual Item