Top Strategies for Selling Christmas Gift Certificates for Facials and Haircuts

The holiday season is a prime opportunity for salons and spas to boost sales by offering gift certificates for facials and haircuts. Many people look for thoughtful, convenient gifts during Christmas, and a beauty or grooming experience fits perfectly. However, simply having gift certificates available is not enough. To maximize sales, you need smart strategies that attract customers and make purchasing easy and appealing. This post shares practical, proven ways to sell more gift certificates this Christmas season.

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Make Gift Certificates Visible and Accessible

Visibility is key to selling gift certificates. Customers can’t buy what they don’t see. Place gift certificates in high-traffic areas of your salon or spa, such as the reception desk, waiting area, or near the checkout counter. Use festive displays with holiday-themed signage to draw attention.

• Create attractive, easy-to-read signs explaining the benefits of gift certificates.

• Offer certificates in various denominations to fit different budgets.

• Include a small brochure or flyer with details about your facial and haircut services.

  
  

Online visibility matters too. Feature gift certificates prominently on your website homepage and booking pages. Make sure customers can purchase certificates easily online with clear instructions and secure payment options.

Offer Special Holiday Promotions

Holiday shoppers love deals and added value. Encourage gift certificate purchases by offering special promotions during the Christmas season.

• Add a bonus amount for free with every purchase over a certain value (e.g., buy a $100 certificate, get an extra $20 free).

• Bundle gift certificates with product samples or mini-services.

• Run limited-time discounts on gift certificates to create urgency.

  
  

Promotions should be clearly communicated both in-store and online. Use email newsletters and social media posts to announce holiday offers and remind customers before Christmas.

Personalize the Gift Experience

People want gifts that feel thoughtful and unique. Help customers personalize gift certificates to make them more special.

• Allow buyers to include a personal message or greeting on the certificate.

• Offer custom packaging options such as festive envelopes, gift boxes, or ribbons.

• Provide themed certificates for different occasions (e.g., “Relaxation Facial,” “Holiday Hair Makeover”).

  
  

Personalization adds emotional value and makes the gift certificate stand out from generic options.

Train Staff to Promote Gift Certificates

Your team plays a crucial role in selling gift certificates. Train staff to mention gift certificates naturally during client interactions.

• Encourage stylists and estheticians to suggest gift certificates as holiday gift ideas.

• Equip staff with talking points about the benefits of facials and haircuts as gifts.

• Set sales goals and offer incentives for staff who sell the most certificates.

  
  

Friendly, knowledgeable staff can turn casual conversations into sales opportunities.

Use Social Proof and Testimonials

Potential buyers trust recommendations from others. Share testimonials and reviews from clients who have gifted or received facials and haircuts.

• Post customer stories on your website and social media.

• Highlight positive feedback about the relaxing and rejuvenating effects of your services.

• Include photos of happy clients enjoying their treatments (with permission).

  
  

Social proof builds confidence and encourages hesitant buyers to choose your gift certificates.

Create Urgency with Limited Availability

The holiday season is busy, and some customers may delay gift shopping. Create urgency to prompt early purchases.

• Set a deadline for purchasing certificates to guarantee Christmas delivery.

• Limit the number of certificates available at special prices.

• Promote last-minute gift certificate options for shoppers who wait until the final days.

  
  

Clear deadlines and scarcity motivate customers to act quickly.

Partner with Local Businesses

Expand your reach by partnering with complementary local businesses.

• Collaborate with nearby boutiques, gyms, or wellness centers to cross-promote gift certificates.

• Offer joint holiday packages combining your services with partner products.

• Display gift certificates at partner locations to attract new customers.

  
  

Partnerships help you tap into new audiences and increase gift certificate sales.

Highlight the Convenience Factor

Many shoppers want hassle-free gifts. Emphasize how gift certificates save time and effort.

• Promote certificates as easy gifts that don’t require guessing sizes or preferences.

• Offer digital gift certificates that can be emailed instantly.

• Provide gift wrapping or mailing services for added convenience.

  
  

Convenience is a strong selling point during the busy holiday season.

Use Email Marketing to Reach Past Clients

Your existing clients are your best prospects for gift certificates. Use email marketing to remind them about holiday gift options.

• Send personalized emails showcasing your gift certificates and holiday promotions.

• Include clear calls to action with links to purchase online.

• Share tips on why facials and haircuts make great gifts.

  
  

Regular, targeted emails keep your gift certificates top of mind.

Follow Up After Purchase

After someone buys a gift certificate, follow up to enhance their experience and encourage repeat business.

• Send a thank-you email with details on how to redeem the certificate.

• Offer suggestions for booking appointments or upgrading services.

• Invite buyers to share their experience or refer friends.

  
  

Good follow-up builds loyalty and can lead to additional sales.