How to Set Up a Gift Card Program in Odoo 18

Gift cards have become more than just a convenient gift option; they’re a powerful tool for business growth. Studies show that businesses offering gift cards can increase sales by up to 25%, attract new customers, and encourage repeat purchases. Unlike traditional promotions, gift cards bring guaranteed revenue while giving customers the freedom to choose products they truly want.

Odoo 18 provides a robust platform for managing gift card programs seamlessly. From creating digital and physical gift cards to tracking their usage through the POS system, Odoo 18 makes it simple for businesses to implement and maintain a professional gift card strategy.

Integrating gift cards with Odoo loyalty programs amplifies their impact. Businesses can reward customers with loyalty points when they purchase or redeem gift cards, encouraging repeat visits and fostering long-term loyalty. This combination not only boosts revenue but also strengthens customer relationships, creating a win-win for both the business and its customers.

What is a Gift Card Program in Odoo 18?

A gift card program in Odoo 18 allows businesses to issue, sell, and manage both physical and digital gift cards directly through the platform. These cards can be redeemed by customers across different sales channels, whether online through the eCommerce store or in-store via Odoo POS gift card integration. By centralizing the process, Odoo ensures smooth management, accurate tracking, and better customer experiences.

How gift cards help businesses increase sales and retain customers.

Gift cards are more than just prepaid vouchers; they’re a strategic growth tool. Here’s why:

• Guaranteed Revenue: Gift cards are paid for upfront, ensuring revenue even before the actual purchase happens.
• Increased Spending: Studies reveal that customers typically spend 20–30% more than the value of the gift card.
• Customer Retention: Gift cards encourage recipients to explore your products, often leading to repeat visits.
• Attracting New Customers: A gifted card introduces your brand to new buyers who might not have discovered you otherwise.

Benefits for Online and POS Businesses

Whether you operate online or offline, Odoo 18’s gift card program offers clear advantages:

• For Online Stores: Seamlessly integrate gift cards with eCommerce, allowing customers to purchase and redeem them with ease.
• For Retail Stores (POS): Issue and manage cards directly at the checkout counter, track balances, and simplify redemption with a few clicks.
• Unified Reporting: Both online and POS transactions are synced in real time, making monitoring effortless.

The Purpose of Odoo 18 Gift Card Program

The purpose of the Odoo 18 gift card program is simple: help businesses drive sales, improve retention, and create stronger customer loyalty. Gift cards serve as a dual-purpose tool, delivering convenience to customers while securing predictable revenue for businesses.

Gift Cards and Odoo Loyalty Programs

When paired with Odoo loyalty programs, gift cards become even more powerful. For example, customers can earn loyalty points when purchasing or redeeming a gift card, creating a layered incentive structure. This combination transforms a one-time purchase into a long-term relationship, giving customers more reasons to keep coming back.

Key Features of Odoo 18 Gift Card Program

Odoo 18 makes it simple for businesses to design, issue, and manage gift cards that work seamlessly across sales channels. The program is designed to offer flexibility for both business owners and customers, ensuring smooth operations whether you’re running an online store or a physical retail outlet.

1. Create Both Physical and Digital Gift Cards

With Odoo 18, you’re not limited to just one format.

• Physical Gift Cards: Perfect for in-store purchases or as thoughtful gifts during special occasions.
• Digital Gift Cards: Easily delivered via email or downloadable from the website, making them ideal for online shoppers and last-minute buyers.
  This flexibility means you can cater to different customer preferences while expanding your reach.

2. Seamless Integration with Odoo POS and E-Commerce

The program is fully integrated with Odoo POS gift card features and eCommerce modules.

• At checkout, staff can issue or redeem cards directly through the POS interface.
• Online, customers can buy, redeem, and even share digital gift cards effortlessly.
  The unified experience across channels ensures consistent service and avoids manual errors.

3. Advanced Tracking and Reporting

Gift card management is made easy with Odoo’s built-in reporting tools.

• Track balances, redemption rates, and expiration dates in real time.
• Generate insights on how gift cards are contributing to sales.
• Monitor which campaigns or promotions drive the most engagement.
  This level of visibility helps businesses fine-tune their strategy and maximise the impact of their gift card program.

4. Compatibility with Loyalty Points and Promotions

Gift cards in Odoo 18 don’t exist in isolation; they integrate perfectly with Odoo loyalty programs.

• Offer loyalty points when customers purchase or redeem gift cards.
• Combine gift cards with seasonal promotions, discounts, or bundled offers.
• Create a powerful incentive loop that increases customer retention and repeat sales.

By combining these features, Odoo 18 provides a complete, user-friendly solution that enhances sales, boosts engagement, and simplifies overall gift card management.

Step-by-Step Guide: Odoo POS Gift Card Setup

Odoo 18 makes it simple to launch and manage a gift card program, but getting the configuration right is key. Below is a complete, step-by-step guide to help you enable, create, and test gift cards within the POS environment.

Step 1: Enable Gift Card Features in Odoo

Before creating cards, the gift card functionality needs to be turned on.

• Navigate to Sales → Configuration → Settings.
• Under the Pricing section, enable Discounts, Loyalty & Gift Card.
• Save the changes.

This activates gift card tools in both POS and eCommerce modules.

Step 2: Create Gift Card Products

Gift cards need to be added as products that customers can purchase.

• Go to Sales → Products → Products → Create.
• Enter the product name (e.g., $50 Gift Card).
• Product Type: Select Service (since gift cards are not stock items).
• Invoicing Policy: Choose Prepaid/Fixed Price.
• Create on Order: Set to Nothing.
• Sales Price: Enter the gift card’s denomination (e.g., $25, $50, $100).
• Save the product.

Offer multiple denominations so customers can choose the value that fits their needs.

Step 3: Set Up a Gift Card Program

Creating a program allows you to issue, track, and manage gift cards systematically.

• Go to Sales → Products → Gift Cards & eWallets.
• Click Create.
• Select Program Type: Gift Card.
• Choose where the gift card is available (Sales, POS, Website).
• Assign the product(s) you created earlier.
• Set the currency, company, and link to an email template (for digital cards).
• Save the program.

This acts as the backbone of your gift card management system.

Step 4: Generate Gift Cards

Once the program is created, generate the actual code customers will use.

• Inside the program, click Generate Gift Cards.
• Enter the quantity of cards to create.
• Define the value (matches your denominations).
• Set an expiration date if applicable.
• Assign cards to specific customers or leave them unassigned for general sale.
• Confirm to generate the codes.

The system now creates unique codes that can be tracked and redeemed.

Step 5: Activate Gift Card Management in the Backend

Odoo provides a dashboard to manage active cards.

• Go to Sales → Products → Gift Cards & eWallets.
• Open the program to see a list of generated cards.
• Track details such as balance, customer name, issue date, and expiry.
• If needed, adjust balances, re-issue codes, or cancel cards.

This ensures you have full visibility and control over gift card usage.

Step 6: Test the Gift Card Workflow at POS Checkout

Before launching to customers, test the process in POS.

1. Start a POS session.
2. Add a gift card product to the cart and complete the purchase.
3. Verify that Odoo generates a unique gift card code.
4. Make a test redemption:

• In POS, click Actions → Enter Code.
• Input the gift card code.
• Confirm that the balance deducts correctly and the receipt updates.

Try partial redemption to confirm that remaining balances carry forward.

By completing these steps, you’ll have a fully functional Odoo 18 POS gift card system that works across both online and offline channels. With advanced reporting and loyalty program integration, you’ll not only boost revenue but also build lasting customer relationships.

Managing Your Gift Card Program in Odoo

Once your Odoo 18 gift card program is set up, the real value comes from how you manage it day-to-day. Proper monitoring, reporting, and tracking ensure that your gift cards remain a reliable revenue driver while providing customers with a seamless experience.

1. Monitoring Gift Card Balances

Odoo makes it easy to track gift card usage in real time.

• Go to Sales → Products → Gift Cards & eWallets to see all active and redeemed cards.
• Each card displays details such as customer name, issue date, current balance, and expiration date.
• For POS users, balances update instantly after each redemption, ensuring accuracy at checkout.

Send automated balance reminders to customers; this not only improves transparency but also encourages them to come back and spend.

2. Handling Expired or Partially Used Gift Cards

Expired or unused balances can be confusing if not managed properly. With Odoo, you can:

• Set validity periods when generating gift cards to avoid unlimited redemptions.
• Automatically expire balances after a set timeframe (e.g., 6 or 12 months).
• Allow customers to redeem partially until the balance is fully used. The system deducts exact amounts, keeping the card active until it hits zero.

This flexibility prevents losses for your business while keeping redemption fair and transparent for customers.

3. Generating Reports to Measure Performance

Strong Odoo gift card management depends on reporting.

• Access built-in dashboards under Gift Cards & eWallets to view usage trends.
• Generate reports that track:
• Total issued vs. redeemed value
• Breakdowns by channel (POS, online, or both)
• Customer engagement patterns
• Use these insights to identify your most successful campaigns and spot inactive cards.

If you see that 40% of cards remain unused after six months, you can launch reminder campaigns or special promotions to encourage redemption.

4. Best Practices for Gift Card Tracking

To get the most from your program, follow these proven strategies:

• Centralize Management: Keep all card activity under the Odoo dashboard to avoid manual tracking errors.
• Regularly Audit Gift Cards: Run monthly reports to check outstanding balances and expired cards.
• Promote Transparency: Make card rules (validity, usage limits, refund policies) clear at purchase.
• Combine with Loyalty Programs: Reward customers with loyalty points when they buy or use a gift card to strengthen repeat business.

Integrating Gift Cards with Odoo Loyalty Programs

Gift cards are powerful on their own, but when combined with Odoo’s loyalty features, they become a game-changer for customer retention. By linking gift cards with loyalty points, businesses can create layered incentives that encourage customers not just to buy once, but to return again and again.

1. Linking Gift Cards to Loyalty Points

In Odoo 18, you can connect gift cards with your loyalty program to reward customers more effectively.

• Earn Points on Purchase: When customers buy a gift card, they earn loyalty points, motivating them to spend more.
• Redeem Points with Gift Cards: Customers can use accumulated loyalty points to purchase gift cards, giving them extra flexibility.
• Track in Real Time: Both points and gift card balances sync across POS and online, ensuring a smooth experience.

A customer buys a $100 gift card and earns 50 loyalty points. Later, they can redeem those points toward another purchase, driving continuous engagement.

2. Offering Special Promotions via Gift Cards

Seasonal or targeted promotions can supercharge your program:

• Bonus Points Events: Offer extra loyalty points when customers purchase or redeem gift cards during holidays or special sales.
• Gift Card + Discount Bundles: Combine gift cards with promotional offers (e.g., buy a $50 gift card, get a $5 bonus).
• Tiered Rewards: Encourage larger purchases by linking higher-value gift cards with bigger point rewards.

According to retail studies, customers are 60% more likely to return when they receive bonus rewards tied to a purchase. Odoo’s flexibility makes this easy to implement.

3. Encouraging Repeat Purchases and Engagement

Gift cards and loyalty points create a loop that keeps customers connected to your brand:

• Customers buy or receive gift cards.
• They earn loyalty points while spending them.
• Points can then be redeemed for new purchases or even more gift cards.
• The cycle repeats, boosting both retention and lifetime value.

A customer receives a gift card, spends it, earns loyalty points, and comes back to redeem them, effectively turning a one-time shopper into a repeat buyer.

By integrating Odoo gift cards with loyalty programs, you’re not just offering convenience; you’re building a powerful ecosystem of rewards that keeps customers engaged, loyal, and eager to spend more. This strategy strengthens customer relationships while giving your business a measurable boost in sales and retention.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

While Odoo 18 makes gift card management simple, businesses can still face common challenges if the program is not carefully managed. Being aware of these issues upfront helps you take preventive steps and run a smooth, fraud-free, and customer-friendly system.

1. Managing Expired or Unused Gift Cards

One of the biggest challenges with gift card programs is handling expiration dates or unused balances.

• Customer Frustration: If expiration rules are unclear, customers may feel cheated.
• Legal Compliance: In some regions, strict regulations govern how long balances can remain valid.
• Breakage (unused balances): While it can add revenue, poor communication can harm brand trust.

How to Avoid It:

• Set clear validity rules when creating gift cards in Odoo 18.
• Display expiry dates on both digital and printed cards.
• Use Odoo’s reporting tools to monitor outstanding balances and send automated reminders before cards expire.

Many businesses extend expiry dates as a goodwill gesture, turning a potential complaint into an opportunity for loyalty.

2. Preventing Misuse or Fraud

Gift cards can be targets for misuse, such as unauthorised duplication, fake codes, or staff-related fraud.

• Duplicate or stolen codes may lead to financial losses.
• Manual errors in POS or e-commerce can allow untracked redemptions.
• Refund scams occur when customers demand refunds on already redeemed cards.

How to Avoid It:

• Use Odoo 18’s built-in unique barcode/QR code system for each gift card.
• Enable real-time validation at checkout (POS and online).
• Restrict staff permissions and audit transactions regularly.

3. Ensuring Smooth Integration with POS and E-commerce

A common problem is when gift cards don’t work seamlessly across different sales channels.

• Customers may redeem online but not in-store (or vice versa).
• Lack of synchronization can lead to double-spending or incorrect balances.
• Poor integration creates frustration and damages the customer experience.

How to Avoid It:

• Activate Gift Card Management under Odoo POS and Website modules.
• Test workflows (purchase, redeem, refund) across channels before launch.
• Regularly sync POS and online databases to ensure balances update instantly.

Gift card programs thrive when businesses proactively manage challenges. By setting transparent rules, tightening fraud prevention, and ensuring flawless integration with Odoo POS and e-commerce, you’ll not only safeguard your revenue but also build customer trust and satisfaction.

Tips for Maximizing Your Gift Card Program

A well-designed gift card program can do much more than drive short-term sales, it can boost customer acquisition, retention, and overall brand loyalty. To get the most out of Odoo 18’s gift card features, you need a proactive approach.

1. Promote Gift Cards Online and Offline

Visibility is everything when it comes to selling gift cards.

• Online: Feature gift cards prominently on your e-commerce homepage, checkout page, and email newsletters. Use social media ads to target new audiences.
• Offline: Place gift card displays near POS counters, reception desks, or entrances for maximum exposure.

Research shows that 65% of gift card holders spend nearly 40% more than the card’s value when redeeming them.

2. Create Seasonal or Festive Campaigns

Gift cards work best when tied to occasions.

• Launch special editions during holidays, birthdays, or cultural festivals (e.g., Diwali, Christmas, Black Friday).
• Offer limited-time discounts on gift card purchases to drive urgency.
• Design festive card templates in Odoo for both digital and physical cards.

A restaurant could release a “Valentine’s Special Dinner Gift Card” to encourage couples to book ahead.

3. Combine Gift Cards with Loyalty Rewards

Gift cards become even more powerful when integrated with your loyalty program.

• Award extra loyalty points for customers who buy or redeem gift cards.
• Bundle gift cards with exclusive offers (e.g., “Buy a $100 gift card, get 200 loyalty points free”).
• Encourage repeat purchases by allowing gift card users to also earn loyalty rewards.

This double incentive not only boosts sales but also deepens long-term engagement with your brand.

Maximizing your gift card program isn’t about offering cards alone, it’s about promoting them smartly, aligning them with seasonal demand, and tying them into your loyalty strategy. With Odoo 18, businesses can easily manage all these aspects in one place, ensuring higher ROI and stronger customer relationships.

Conclusion

Gift cards are no longer just a “nice-to-have”; they’ve become a strategic tool for boosting sales, improving customer loyalty, and driving repeat purchases. With Odoo 18, managing a gift card program is easier and smarter than ever. From tracking balances to integrating with loyalty rewards, Odoo ensures a seamless experience for both businesses and customers.

By implementing an Odoo 18 gift card program, you can:

• Attract new customers through promotions and seasonal campaigns.
• Encourage repeat business with loyalty-linked gift cards.
• Improve cash flow by generating revenue upfront.
• Build stronger customer relationships with personalized, branded cards.

If you’re serious about enhancing customer engagement and future-proofing your retail strategy, gift cards are a must-have addition to your Odoo ecosystem.

Want help setting up a gift card program in Odoo 18? Contact our Odoo experts today!

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Choosing the right ERP solution can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re just starting, upgrading from Community to Enterprise, or enhancing your existing Odoo setup with advanced features like gift cards and loyalty programs, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

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