How does SmallGyfts help local businesses get more referrals?

SmallGyfts helps local businesses turn happy customers into repeat buyers and warm referrals. After a sale, you give customers a branded card with a discount that brings them back. They can also share the card with friends, family, and neighbors. If you choose to offer the community donation feature, customers can direct a donation from your business to a local cause they care about, putting your name in front of entire networks of potential customers.

Can a business offer both a discount and a community donation?

Yes. The front of the card gives customers a discount for their next purchase. If you choose to add the donation feature, the back of the card lets customers direct a donation from your business to a local cause they care about. The donation feature is optional and can be added at any time.

How much does SmallGyfts cost compared to lead generation platforms?

SmallGyfts is free to start with digital cards. The community donation feature is pay-as-you-go with no monthly fees. Physical cards start at $2.00 each with a minimum order of 250. Unlike lead platforms where you pay per lead and compete with other businesses, SmallGyfts gives you exclusive referrals from people who already trust the person who sent them.

What types of businesses use SmallGyfts?

SmallGyfts works for any local business that values repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals, including home services contractors, auto dealers, restaurants, salons, retail shops, and professional services. Any business where happy customers can bring in new ones will benefit.

How do the community donations work?

You purchase donation credits and set the donation amount on your cards. When customers redeem, they choose a local cause to receive the donation. The donation comes from your business, and the cause and its supporters start hearing your name. Credits are only used when redeemed, never expire, and unused credits are fully refundable.

Do I need the donation feature or can I just use the discount cards?

You can use SmallGyfts either way. Discount-only cards give customers a reason to come back and something to hand to friends. Adding the community donation feature expands your reach by putting your name in front of entire networks of potential customers through local churches, schools, and community groups. Many businesses start with discounts only and add donations later.

How do I record SmallGyfts payments in my bookkeeping?

SmallGyfts payments are recorded as marketing or advertising expenses, the same category you use for Google Ads or Angi. Simply categorize all payments as marketing expense. It's fully tax-deductible as an ordinary business expense.

Who handles the tax reporting and 1099 forms?

SmallGyfts handles all tax reporting and 1099 forms for local causes. Businesses simply purchase credits from SmallGyfts and deduct it as a marketing expense. If a cause receives over $600 in donations during a calendar year, SmallGyfts issues them a 1099-MISC.

What if I want to cancel?

Free tier has nothing to cancel. Pay-as-You-Go has no commitment and unused credits are refundable. Business/PRO subscription can be cancelled anytime with no fees. You keep your physical cards and can continue using them at Pay-as-You-Go rates.

SmallGyfts is a social giving platform that connects businesses, customers, and nonprofits through branded reward cards. Businesses use SmallGyfts to drive repeat business and referrals while supporting local causes.

What is a SmallGyfts Concierge Community?

A Concierge Community is a curated network of preferred local businesses, services, and experiences built by professionals like financial planners, realtors, and auto dealers. Clients carry one premium branded card that gives them access to perks at all participating businesses.

How do SmallGyfts reward cards work?

Businesses design branded reward cards (digital or physical) and share them with customers. Cards can include discounts, community access, or referral incentives. When a card is sent, an automated four-email follow-up sequence is triggered to drive engagement.

Is SmallGyfts free for businesses?

SmallGyfts offers a free tier that includes digital card design and unlimited email delivery. The Community Host package at $249/month adds premium features including physical cards, community management tools, CRM integrations, and automated email sequences.

How does SmallGyfts support nonprofits?

SmallGyfts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates the RIPPLE Program (Reward Inspiring People, Promoting Love Everywhere). Businesses can include a small donation option with their reward cards, allowing customers to direct contributions to local causes.

SmallGyfts — Turn Customers Into Referral Agents for Local Causes

Item: SmallGyfts
Rating: 5
Author: Roland B., Hallman MSP

How to Turn Happy Customers into Repeat Business

What is it

You need a simple system that turns happy customers into repeat buyers and active referral sources.

We provide custom-branded reward cards integrated with a customer appreciation app that gives your customers a discount that brings them back and something with a tangible value to hand off when they recommend you.

Just hand customers your reward card after they buy your products or services to say thanks.

That's it. We handle the rest.

How it works

The front of the card rewards customers with a discount that brings them back to buy again. (Repeat Business)

Customers can also share the card with friends, family, and neighbors who need what you offer, bringing you new customers. (Warm Referrals)

If you choose to offer it, customers can also direct a donation from your business to a local cause they care about. That cause, and its supporters, will then start talking about and promoting your business. (Community Visibility)

Every dollar you spend either brings someone back or puts your name in front of people who already trust the person who sent them. (Real Results)

Why it works

The card gives customers something with a real value to encourage them to come back and buy again. They carry it in their wallet because it has a dollar value they don't want to waste.

Happy customers share the card with friends, family, and neighbors, bringing you warm referrals from people who already trust the person who sent them.

When customers redeems the donation for a local cause, that entire community hears your name in a positive context. That's visibility no ad can buy.

You see the results as customers bring cards back to claim their discount and new customers show up because someone handed them your card.

Testimonials

What Our Community Says

❝

"SmallGyfts is a simple but superb one-stop-shop to boost loyalty and sales, and here comes my favorite part, to boost community support by connecting with passionate customers who love their community, and who appreciate that you give back."

Folashade OladipoMind-Body Balance Therapy

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"I highly recommend SmallGyfts for businesses looking to boost customer engagement and brand loyalty. Their innovative 4EVR gift cards, badges, and tags provide a unique way to encourage repeat business, generate referrals, and increase positive exposure."

KM MaroofBrillMark · Hanover Park, IL

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"What if it was easy to build a supportive network, find great local businesses and help your favorite cause? Imagine the good you could do. Now, imagine if everyone was doing this. What would that do for your community? This is exactly what SmallGyfts does!"

Mario L CastellanosMystery on Main Street · Lake Mary, FL

Three Steps to Your Success

Set Up Your Card

Upload your logo, customize your reward card, and send your first card to a customer in minutes.

Share With Customers

Hand out cards after every job, send digital cards by email, or display your QR code. Whatever works best for you.

Watch It Work

Customers come back to use their discount. Friends and neighbors show up with your card. Your referrals and sales grow.

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Turn Happy Customers into Repeat Business

How to Turn Happy Customers into Repeat Business

What Our Community Says

...The SmallGyfts App is amazing at what it does and can definitely show your customers that you care.

Three Steps to Your Success

Set Up Your Card

Share With Customers

Watch It Work

Simple Pricing. Powerful Results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Design Your Own Customer Cards

... Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?....