Gift Cards – Physical Card Ordering Guide
Last updated: July 15, 2026
Overview
VenueSumo gift cards use a simple scan-based system. The physical card itself has no stored value — it is loaded with a balance at the POS when a customer purchases it. This means you are not buying a gift card platform; you are simply buying blank branded cards with unique barcodes or QR codes printed on them.
VenueSumo does not integrate with third-party closed-loop gift card networks (e.g. Blackhawk, InComm, Adyen gift card platforms). Those are separate ecosystems and are not relevant here.
Key principle: Any physical card with a unique barcode or QR code will work. The card is just a scan target — all the logic lives in VenueSumo.
Card Specification Answers
1. Variable Data — Unique Card Numbers
Yes — required. Each card must have a unique barcode or QR code. Any reputable card printer will generate these automatically.
Important: Do not use sequential or easily iterable number ranges (e.g. 0001, 0002, 0003). These are easy to exploit. A good printer will generate randomised, non-guessable codes by default. If a printer asks you to supply your own range of codes, treat that as a red flag and find another supplier.
2. Barcode Type
No specific type required. Any standard barcode or QR code format will work, provided it is supported by the venue's scanner hardware. When ordering, confirm with your printer that the format they use is compatible with your scanners — most standard formats (Code 128, QR, etc.) will be fine.
3. Scratch-Off / Hidden PIN
Not required. VenueSumo gift cards are scan-based and loaded at the POS. There is no PIN redemption flow, so scratch-off panels are unnecessary.
4. Magnetic Stripe
Not required. VenueSumo operates entirely via barcode/QR scan. Do not pay for magnetic stripe encoding — it adds cost and serves no purpose in this system.
Where to Order Physical Gift Cards
Below are recommended options depending on urgency and branding requirements:
Option | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Local plastic card printers / print shops | Fast turnaround, custom branding | Search "custom plastic gift cards" locally. Minimum orders usually 250–500 cards. Turnaround can be a few business days. |
Online suppliers | Custom branded cards, shipped | Options include GiftCardPrinting.com, PrintingForLess, PrintRobot, K12Print, or Vistaprint. Call before ordering to confirm shipping timeframes to your location. |
Generic blank barcode cards (e.g. Amazon) | Immediate need, no branding required | Works fine operationally while waiting for branded stock. Note: selling blank/unbranded gift cards may conflict with Amazon's T&Cs — check before purchasing for resale purposes. |
Checklist When Placing an Order
Unique barcode or QR code on every card ✓
Codes are randomised / non-sequential ✓
Barcode format compatible with venue's scanners ✓
No magnetic stripe (not needed, saves cost) ✓
No scratch-off panel (not needed) ✓
Confirm shipping timeframe before ordering ✓
If the printer asks you to supply a range of codes rather than generating their own, this is a warning sign. A reputable printer will always generate unique, randomised codes themselves.