You’ve probably been inundated with information on giving thanks for all your favorite holidays. Whether you’re into Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, you’ll likely have seen or heard something about online giving marketing (OGM).
Well, here’s a little introduction to the subject. When you consider the surge of interest surrounding digital giving, it’s easy to understand why organizations and brands are taking advantage of the trend.
Why Online Giving?
Although digital giving is nothing new, most people have only really considered it a means of donating to charities and nonprofit organizations. The truth is, there are so many ways for individuals to make a difference with their money, and OGM is just one of them.
Consider these stats. According to the National Retail Federation, between November 16, 2018 and December 31, 2018, online gift cards sold for an average of 12.85% increase yearly. The future of digital giving is here, and it’s only getting bigger.
So, what are the advantages of online giving?
Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of online giving is that it’s convenient for the donor. Depending on the type of gift you select, you can make a donation in a matter of minutes without leaving your home.
In addition, because all the information is in front of you, you can be certain that your money is going to the intended recipient. This aspect is particularly beneficial if you’re planning to purchase a gift card online, as you can check out immediately without having to worry about address conflicts.
Scared of Shopping?
Another perk of online giving is that it gets rid of the fear that comes with shopping. A lot of people are uncomfortable buying gifts online, which is understandable given that you don’t know what you’re getting until you press the button to pay. That’s why most online stores offer a money-back guarantee if you buy something without trying it first, so you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re getting what you paid for. It also means you can ensure that the person you’re gifting it to is going to appreciate it.
On the other hand, it’s important to remember that you’re not always going to get what you paid for. In some cases, you may receive a different product than what was described on the website (which is usually the case with subscription services). So, you should research the website thoroughly before making any purchases, to avoid any surprises later on.
Security
Finally, because your personal and financial information is secure when giving online, you’re free from the risks that come with giving out your credit card information. This is especially beneficial if you’re planning on giving a large sum of money, as credit card fraud earns millions each year.
Organizations that accept online giving as a form of donation must take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their clients’ information. For example, they might use a secure server, VPNs (virtual private networks), or they might even ask you to verify your identity before allowing you to make a purchase. These measures help keep your information safe, and ensure that your donation goes to the intended recipient.
How Does Online Giving Work?
Now that you’re somewhat familiar with the advantages of online giving, let’s delve into how it works. In general, it works like this: you search for the item you want to buy, and then click a link to reach the vendor’s website. Once there, you simply follow the instructions to make your purchase. From then on, you’ll receive weekly or monthly notifications about items that match your interest. You can then cancel or change your order at any time.
There are several different types of online stores that you can shop at, so it’s important to do some research before making a purchase. Some are safer to use than others, especially since not all of them are created equal. For example, eBay and Amazon are known for being safe and reliable sources of online shopping, but if you want to use a Chinese online store, you might be putting your personal information at risk. It’s also important to read reviews before making a purchase. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
The takeaway from this is that it’s important to do your research before purchasing anything online, particularly if you’re not sure where the product you want to buy is coming from. In some cases, the vendor could be located in a different country and regulations regarding online sales may be less stringent than you’d expect. For example, many online stores are based in Hong Kong or the Philippines, where shipping and delivery can be relatively quick. However, if you’re purchasing something that’s ultimately going to be delivered to your home (like a smartphone or laptop), make sure you’re aware of the laws and regulations that pertain to internet purchases.
Gift Cards 101
One of the most popular ways for people to give thanks this year is through gift cards. It’s quick and easy to order a gift card for a loved one, friend, or co-worker, and you can be sure that they’ll be able to use it. In many cases, you can also find and redeem gift cards for restaurants, stores, and online vendors that you enjoy spending your money at. These days, it’s not uncommon for people to buy a gift card for each of their favorite restaurants and stores. The key to making your gift cards more effective is to find the ones that offer perks, like free items or discounts for making a purchase. If you find yourself stuck for Christmas present ideas, consider buying gift cards for restaurants and stores that you enjoy going to or buying from.
A Closer Look At Online Giving
It’s important to remember that not all forms of online giving are created equal. Some websites and apps are safer and more convenient to use than others, so make sure you’re aware of the risks before using a less reputable source. Here are a few things to keep in mind. While we recommend that you use only reputable vendors and websites when possible, it’s also important to use your common sense. If you feel like you’re being pressured into making a purchase or signing up for a service, then it might be a good idea to walk away. Just be sure to keep an eye on your favorite websites and apps, as you never know what kind of malware or virus they might be hiding. This is why it’s important to research your chosen vendor before making any purchases or giving any personal information. If you do decide to go ahead with it anyway, at least you’ll be doing so with a clear conscience.
Wrapping It Up
We’ve discussed a lot of advantages to giving online. In fact, there are so many perks to giving online that it might be worth considering trying it out. However, to benefit fully from the perks, it’s important to note a few things.
First off, make sure that you read reviews before making a purchase. This way, you’ll know exactly what kind of product you’re getting, and if it’s reliable. If possible, it’s also a good idea to try out a product before buying it, in case there are any glitches or inconveniences with the service. Finally, don’t forget to verify your identity before making any major purchases online. This way, if you ever do end up with any problems, you’ll have the necessary documentation to get your money back (if needed).
With that said, we hope that this article has helped you better understand online giving and how it can be used to make a difference. From choosing the right gift card to using them effectively, to finding the best prices and promotions, this article covers it all. We recommend that you read through it completely, and then consult the resources listed at the end. With that, hopefully, you’ll be able to find the information you need quickly and easily, and make the most out of your online giving experience. We’d like to thank you for taking the time to read this, and we wish you the best of luck with your online giving.