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Client onboarding is an important moment in a business relationship. It sets the tone for how clients perceive a company and plays a role in how likely they are to stay over the long term. Gift cards are an excellent way to create an onboarding experience that lays the groundwork for loyalty and advocacy.

Why Use Gift Cards for Onboarding?

Gift cards offer a personal yet professional way to acknowledge new clients. They serve as a gesture that says, “We appreciate your trust.” In today’s competitive landscape, this kind of attention stands out.

Gift cards provide immediate value, allowing the client to enjoy something useful or enjoyable with minimal effort. Whether it’s a culinary experience or a household essential, a gift card can turn a routine signup into a memorable experience.

Moreover, gift cards are versatile and broadly appealing. Rather than assuming what a new client may want, businesses can offer gift cards from a wide variety of popular retailers. This flexibility helps ensure that the gift is meaningful and well-received, regardless of the industry or audience.

Best Practices for Using Gift Cards in Onboarding

To make the most of gift cards during client onboarding, here are a few best practices:

• Start with the right brands: reputable, well-loved retailers that align with the values of the company and the interests of its clientele. Flexible, multi-retailer gift cards can also be effective when the client base is broad or diverse.

• Time it right: Delivering a gift card immediately after a client signs up can serve as a warm welcome. Alternatively, it could be offered at a meaningful milestone, such as completing their first purchase or reaching the end of an introductory period. Strategic timing helps reinforce key moments in the client journey.

• Pair it with a personal message: A note of thanks or a short, customized welcome message enhances the sincerity behind the gesture. For even more impact, include the card in a branded welcome package, creating a tactile experience that leaves a strong impression.




Boosting Brand Loyalty Through Thoughtful Gifting




Thoughtful gifting does more than just surprise and delight; it can have measurable effects on retention and engagement. A well-timed gift card reaffirms the client’s decision to work with the brand. It also encourages repeat product use and engagement. Clients who feel appreciated are more likely to explore the services or features offered and to maintain an ongoing relationship with the brand.

And because the gift creates a moment of positive interaction, clients become more open to future communications. Whether it’s promotional updates, newsletters, or cross-sell offers, a thoughtful onboarding gift can pave the way for future messaging to be received more favourably.




In client onboarding, small gestures can make a big difference. Gift cards offer a simple, scalable way to create a positive first impression that translates into customer lifetime value and loyalty.

With Gift Card Warehouse, businesses gain access to a trusted supplier of Canada’s most recognized gift cards, available in the right denominations and quantities to meet any onboarding strategy.




Create a welcome that clients won’t forget. Make gift cards part of a smart, memorable onboarding experience.