Democratized for a long time, the gift card is neither more nor less than a voucher offered in the form of a paper checkbook, a magnetic card or in a dematerialized manner. The objective is to buy a defined amount in euros from a brand or an intermediary operator by putting it in the name of the person of his choice. The latter can thus use it as it sees fit in one or more partner brands.
This market is estimated at some 3 billion euros per year, a financial windfall which is now taking the path of solidarity.
Multifaceted initiatives
In the era of responsible purchasing, many consumers want to make sense of their shopping. A host of start-ups have therefore entered the market by offering gift cards aimed at supporting responsible companies and social and environmental causes. And each has its own model. On Charitips.com, it is directly a question of offering a charitable e-card allowing its beneficiary to make a donation to the French association of his choice. On Solikend.com, however, you can book accommodation, the price of which will be entirely donated to the selected association. These are the partner hoteliers who make these overnight stays available for solidarity.
With a broader approach, the Ethi'Kdo.co cooperative gives you the choice to donate all or part of the amount credited to a partner general interest project or to spend it in hundreds of brands chosen for their responsible approach (Croix -Rouge Insertion, Envie Network, Emmaus Label, Artisans du Monde…). From cosmetics to clothing, including interior design and multimedia, there is something for everyone.
As for the Hool.fr site, it allows the use of gift cards from large distribution brands such as Darty, Fnac, Foot Locker or even Decathlon, while automatically generating a donation, varying between 3 and 5% of the amount credited, and which will be distributed to the project of your choice (humanitarian, solidarity projects, animal protection, sick children, etc.). This gesture of generosity is free, since the value of your voucher is not reduced.
Works councils get started
Individuals are not the only ones able to offer these solidarity gift cards. Most platforms in the sector also offer companies the opportunity to opt for these responsible vouchers in order to reward their employees, such as Ethi'Kdo.co, Hool.fr or even Wedoogift.com, which offers a version of its gift voucher reserved for responsible stamped brands.
These little extras are exempt from social contributions for employers, subject to respecting certain ceilings, when they are offered in the context of specific events that impact employees such as Christmas, back to school for those with children, a retirement, a marriage or a birth. The only requirement is that the signs or departments covered by the voucher are linked to the event concerned.
Economy
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Economy
Cork, bamboo, seaweed… Eco-friendly materials for the home
- Environment
- Gift
- Money
- Consumption
- Association
- Solidarity