Woohoo Gifting Blog

Build Up from a Sound Core, the ‘Angels’ Are Interested

As appeared in The Hindu Business Line on 5 May 2014, by Jessu John, when QwikCilver managed 500 crore transactions on gift cards across all retailers and partners in last fiscal.

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Well-thought-out ideas offer investors the incentive to fund at the seed stage. It is widely perceived that seed capital is hard to come by for entrepreneurs in India.

We’ve also discussed here previously how product development and manufacturing receiving support and investment are going to be good for this economy.

A good number of reports and books published on early-stage funding as well as conversations with various stakeholders reveal relatively mature ecosystems have more seed capital available than entrepreneurs here enjoy.

In early February, we looked at how BrizzTV attracted interest and commitment from Ojas Venture Partners. The start-up had displayed deep thinking and had a sound plan for leveraging the power of the television platform in India.

The core & beyond
QwikCilver Solutions, a technology product platform company, is another enlightening case. The company is in the business of providing end-to-end stored-value-card solutions to its retail and corporate customers.

What QwikCilver seems to have addressed early on is the question of how it will go beyond developing a solution and actually grow its connect with end-consumers. According to Chief Marketing Officer Pratap TP, QwikCilver now services nearly 90 per cent of the retail sector, especially department stores such as Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle and Westside and also brands such as Flipkart, Yahoo! and PVR Cinemas.

“The DNA of the organisation is technology, but we also took on the mantle of category creation and distribution for our clients. Our clients are actually our partner brands. From design, procurement and warehousing of cards to enabling digital gift cards, we’ve thought around all of it,” shares Pratap.

Since kicking off operations in early 2009, QwikCilver has received three rounds of funding from Helion Venture Partners and Accel Partners.

Prashant Prakash, Partner at Accel Partners, says: “What we like about QwikCilver is that their value-proposition was razor-sharp. They saw the large opportunity in gifting very early and over the last five years have grown to be the largest provider of gifting solutions in the retail and corporate space. QwikCilver is now a technology-cum-consumer business because they’ve built direct touch points with customers.”

Keeping investors hooked
QwikCilver’s Pratap admits that in spite of retail being perceived as a sunrise sector, the first two years were difficult just because of natural sales cycles in the beginning. The company has seen 300 per cent growth year-on-year for the gift card category.

Although the department stores give QwikCilver large returns, the growth in the e-commerce sector with Myntra, Flipkart and others has been sizeable.

QwikCilver managed 500 crore transactions on gift cards across all retailers and partners in the last financial year.

Four million cards across 300 cities and points of sale even in non-metros is the company’s latest count. As a next step, QwikCilver is keenly looking at the mobile platform. “With mobile platforms becoming open to gift cardholders and access to a variety of gifting instruments becoming possible, the gifting market will grow.

“As investors, we tend to get in at the seed stage. So, with most of our investments, we go in early and stay for about 10 years,” says Accel India’s Prakash, indicating the firm is in no rush to exit QwikCilver. If anything, these stories show investors are not averse to seed investments.

Some of them are even seen to be displaying commitment for the longer haul.

It’s important that entrepreneurs think deeper about the strength of their ideas.

Valentine ’s Day – Gifting loved ones exactly what they want

Come February and love is definitely in the air. With Valentine’s Day lurking in the corner, the smell of red roses fill the air, and so does the anxious, happy faces of those who are waiting for 14h February with abated breath. The day dedicated for love has lovers waiting to declare and express their feelings, surprise their loved ones with a well planned day and exchange gifts that show they care about each other. Valentine ’s Day is a special day to celebrate the universal feeling of love. Love, which Pablo Picasso fondly described as ‘the greatest refreshment in life’. Truly, there is no other feeling quite like love and a day dedicated to it, is just what it deserves.

18^th century England saw lovers presenting flowers and greeting cards and gifts to one another. This tradition continues to this day as well. Over the years, 14^th February has often been chosen by lovers and couples to declare their love, express their feelings and even get married. The day is usually well-planned with pink and red clothes out of the closet, gifts are kept ready after months of careful selection, restaurants booked well in advance and calendars booked solely for this purpose.

When it comes to gifting, gift cards too are quickly gaining popularity. Gift cards from Woohoo.in are all the rage because it helps you choose gift vouchers, customize them with personalized messages and send it to your loved ones. Gift cards from Woohoo.in prove to be quite a boon especially on the occasion of Valentine’s Day when the greatest question seems to be ‘Will they like this?’ With Woohoo.in gift cards one has the convenience to choose the amount, particular brand or category of gifts. Gift cards are a unique way to show you care because you give your loved ones the freedom to choose.

So this Valentine’s Day pick up a gift card from a multitude of choices from Woohoo.in. They offer gift cards from shopping places like Shoppers Stop, Westside, Lifestyle that have a huge collection of gifting options for everyone – right from personal accessories, clothing, perfumes, ethnic wear, shoes, bags and what have you. You can also choose from well-known brands, movie houses, wine and dine places, Spas as well as florists and chocolatiers. Make their day special with a gift card. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Celebrating Occasions and Cherishing Friendships at Woohoo.in

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
― Elbert Hubbard

How many of you agree with this quote? Wouldn’t you count on your pals to stand by you through the roller-coaster of life? True friends are your treasured companions who have unconditional affection for you. Shouldn’t you make an effort to make them feel wanted and important in your life.

The Wonders of Internet to Help Cherish Your Friendship

Thanks to modern technology you can connect easily with your friends and make new friends too. Many of your friends who were with you in school and college are reconnecting through various social media platforms such as Facebook and others. Woohoo.in gives you the opportunity to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and festival in a grand and fun filled manner. There are a variety of gift cards and vouchers to suit the tastes and preferences of your friends. You can choose either physical gift/voucher cards or e-cards from the Woohoo gift cards bouquet to send it to your friend.

Cherishing Your Loved Ones

Life is a long journey and you need true friends who light it up. Sending thoughtful and personalized gift to your friends spreads a lot of good cheer and fun. They will always remember you as someone who stands by them through thick and thin. Is your friend’s birthday around the corner? You have not found the time to shop for a gift. Fortunately there is woohoo.in from where you can dispatch gift cards in a jiffy. It is a very user friendly, and you can send personalized gift cards to them. These cards are sure to be well received. Create a stir and strike the right chord by choosing gift cards from Woohoo.in.

Gifting Pointers

An invaluable tip – tailor your gift to suit your precious friends unique persona and stage of life. How about a deluxe and ritzy Titan watch for the busy bee? A package tour from Makemytrip would make the day for the adventurous and outdoor kind. An elegant diamond pendant from Tanishq is sure to entrance the bride to be. A cooking rookie will be more than happy to get a high-end hand blender from Prestige Smart Kitchen. If your pal is planning to renovate his home spring a surprise on him with a generous Home Stop voucher. Clinch your friendship with a memorable gift from our vast and versatile repository at www.woohoo.in

Corporate Gifting: On Time, On Budget Solutions with Gift Cards

Corporate gifting has truly come of age today. Many firms give thoughtful gifts to their valued employees. After all they constitute the internal customers of the company. It is a great way to show appreciation for their loyalty and hard work. Employees definitely feel recognized and needed by their employers. This practice is rapidly spreading across the corporate landscape.

Many employees would appreciate a small gesture of thank card to a larger prepaid gift card around Holidays and occasions. It makes them feel elated. As a HR you know that cash bonuses or raises are not feasible when an employee have put in a stellar performance. But gift vouchers fit any budget. HR who understands the tastes and interests of the employees can purchase an appropriate card as a token of appreciation from Woohoo.in.

Corporate Gift Cards: Small Gestures Go a Long Way

How do they make employees happy?

The small gestures such as a gift card on the birthdays or anniversaries do wonder to his pride. An employee feels touched and would want to improve his productivity on the work front. If the HR is not sure about the preferences of the employees she/he can send out emails of commendation to the employees and give them option to choose from several gift cards. This is the great way to reward them. Here the employees will enjoy choosing their own reward from the given list. At Woohoo.in, there is a plethora of gift cards ranging from apparel, jewelry, restaurants, food chains to home decor.

Not Just Special Occasions

What other occasions does a gift card serve?

It’s just not for festivals and anniversaries when the companies show token of appreciation. These days, after a long and stressful month, if a team has completed their task on time, the HR either hands out a group gift card for lunch or dinner at a fancy restaurant or individual gift cards. For such memorable events, it is always better to keep a stockpile of gift cards for dining or an outing with family. These small gestures that come in short burst are more powerful incentive for the employees than a bonus or a hike in salary at the end of a year.

Woohoo.in is the one stop shop and solution for all your gifting needs and ideas. It’s mission is simple – make gifting easy.

Karva Chauth Gifting: Celebrate Your Relationship with a Befitting Gift

Karva Chauth or Karwachauth is around you and for those who are yet to pick a present for their wives, here is a post that helps you figure that out. Nothing can bring a sparkle to your loved one’s eyes as a special gift chosen by you. And when it’s Karva Chauth, she’ll expect you to stand by her side after a whole day of fast or vrat for your wellbeing, for sure. While Sargi and Baya are the two vital gift items on this day, these are given by the mother in law and mother respectively. As her husband, ensure that you are there as she sights the moon through a sieve and ends her fast. And while she is dressed at her finest, seeking blessings from family and you, it’s time to hand over a gift to her so she knows that she is always on your mind.

What to Gift Your Wife This Karva Chauth?

Choosing a great Karva Chauth gift for your wife can be challenging, especially if you are doing it at the last moment. And when you are planning to get something really special for a woman who seems to have everything, the difficulty level is multiplied a few times over. If getting creative and writing her a note with a special present is not your cup of tea, let her celebrate the occasion with the power of choice. Buying a gift card online gives her a range of options to choose from. For a shopping buff, a Central gift card or even a Jabong gift card will help her indulge in retail therapy. Rest assured, she won’t be hiding the hideous jewelry or the unsightly wall décor you got her in a hurry!

Of course a woman who has everything will appreciate your undivided attention over anything else. But if you are able to pack a surprise gift in the form of a gift voucher online, she is sure to be touched by your thoughtful gesture. We can’t think of anyone that wouldn’t appreciate a little choice especially when it comes to gifts.

Visit Woohoo.in and shop for Gift Cards, Vouchers and E-Gift Cards Online this Karwachauth, make her feel special and loved.

Gift Cards: The Most Personal Gift You Will Ever Give

Of late, gift cards and gift vouchers have earned reputation of being the most revered among gifts. It is not only wonderful gift for the receiver but for the giver as well. The dreaded feeling of a loved one hating a well chosen expensive gift is indeed a huge loss to both parties – which is why the inception of gift cards are a boon. Gift cards are flexible, convenient and the most personal gift you will ever give.

E-gifts Are Just So Convenient

One of the key reasons for its popularity is that, gift cards are so convenient to give. You can select from an array of brands and outlets and with just a click of a mouse, presto – the entire shopping trip in a matter of minutes. Gifting has never been easier – it saves time, great for last minute as well as long distance gifting.

Online Stores For Gift Cards and Vouchers – One-stop Shop for All Your Gifting Needs

Anything and everything that you want to gift and for every occasion are now available at the online gift card stores. Most big brands and outlets are enlisted with them making for wider and better choices. Right from clothing brands to movie experiences, from café vouchers to travel trips, from baby stores to high flying restaurants – you can see the listings of all. Your loved ones are sure to find something that they really need or want with these gift vouchers. They are quite literally your one-stop shop for all your gifting needs.

Flexibility Is the Way to Go with E-gifts

By gifting a gift voucher or gift card you give the receiver the freedom to choose what they really like instead of forcing your choice on them – this is truly the next generation in gifting solutions. If for instance you gift a voucher from leading outlets like Westside or Shoppers Stop, the wide variety of products available will be good enough to satiate anyone. And what’s more, the buyer can top up with some more amount in cash for a gift he/she really really wants.

A Gift Cards Is So Personal – It’s Just What Your Loved One Needs

With gift cards and vouchers you can hit bull’s eye in receiver satisfaction. With the range available in products, experiences, brands and outlets, there is something for everyone, making them ideal gifts. You just have to choose a voucher and add the amount – your loved ones will do all the choosing they like and you will receive all the appreciation that you like. It’s a great gifting solution for one and all.

This season, get to the bottom of gifting with gift vouchers from Woohoo.in.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Welcome Knowledge and Prosperity and Receive the Vigana Harta’s Blessings

Lord Ganesha is revered as the lord of wisdom, knowledge and prosperity and his blessings are known to remove obstacles from one’s life. Also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, this day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the dear son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. One of the grandest and the most elaborate festivals in the country, it lasts for 10 days, culminating on Ananta Chaturdashi when huge, life-like clay idols of the lord are immersed in the sea, symbolizing a ritual see-off when he heads back to Kailash taking away all of mankind’s misfortunes.

Vigana Harta and Buddhi Pradaayaka Blesses Young and Old Alike

For students who seek to illumine their minds with knowledge or the elderly who seek blessings to thwart life’s misfortunes, Lord Ganesha remains a savior to this day. Traditional Indians still celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi festival with great fervor and the ten days of the festival are marked by delicious treats prepared for the lord, devotees thronging mandaps where idols are placed and also families getting together to celebrate the festival as per their tradition. Generally bedecked idols of Lord Ganesha are placed on raised platforms at homes and outdoor spaces, flowers are offered, chants are recited to appease the lord and gifts are exchanged on this occasion as well. The final procession with the screams of “Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa” which translates to “Dear Ganesha, please bless us early next year” resound the streets of the various cities where this festival is celebrated in all its glory.

Gifting Options for Ganesh Chaturthi

With Ganesh Chaturthi around the corner, the search for gifts for family and friends is bound to start earlier. Traditional gifts including Thalis, sarees, and other predictable gift items are passé. Buy gift cards or gift vouchers from various brands online and delight your near and dear ones on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi this year. Purchase gift cards and vouchers for over 100 stores online and choose from a huge range for stores, restaurants and much more. Woohoo.in is a leading supplier of India gift vouchers and gift cards. Find the perfect gift quickly and stress-free anytime.

Rakhi Gifts for Your Sibling

Rakshabandhan or Rakhi is a festival celebrated by Hindus with much fervor. The festival which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, has sisters tying the sacred thread, known as Rakhi to their brother’s wrist. In return, the brother promises to protect his sister unconditionally. With Rakhi just around the corner, brothers and sisters are excited to give each other great gifts. To help you choose the best and finest rakhi gifts for your brother or sister, we have shortlisted some ideas and rakhi gift options.

Buy Rakhi Gifts: Reaffirm Your Love for Your Brother on Rakhi

Having delicious food is an essential part of all the festivals in India. And your brother will surely enjoy a lovely home cooked meal. Invite him for lunch or dinner and whip up culinary delights which he cannot resist and you are sure to give your brother a rakhi gift he will cherish for a long time. Time-based gifts that remind you both of the times you spent together are great rakhi gift ideas as well. If you can bring back the candy you grew up with, photo albums from yesteryear or lay your hands over a silly toy you both coveted, you are assured a memorable gift for rakhi.

Apparel or Jewelery: What Will Your Sister Want This Rakhi?

When you were younger, your sister might have driven you up the wall. But, you may have been incredibly close to each other as well. Rakshabandhan is a great time to celebrate the lasting bond between you two, and also a time to give your sister a gift she will cherish, Confused over your options? From spa dates that will rejuvenate her to kitchenware or home décor items that will accentuate her home, there are a lot of options to choose from. Not to forget cosmetics or jewelry for the fashionista. Vibrant sarees, fancy bags and other Rakhi gift items also make great gifts.

One of the best options for rakhi gifts for your brother or sister are gift cards or gift vouchers. With e-gift cards or vouchers, you are also gifting them the freedom to choose a gift for themselves. Simply choose the denomination of the gift card or voucher according to your budget and save time as you buy a gift card online at Woohoo.in. Think Woohoo giftcard for rakshabandhan gifts this year!

Why Do Gift Cards Make The Best Office Gifts?

It’s my co-worker Usha’s birthday next week and I am wondering what to gift her. Need to think of something really good – something I haven’t already gifted! Of course, it’s not just Usha, but other people’s birthdays are coming up too! I wonder when I’ll get the time to go shopping for all the gifts. I also wonder if my friends will like what I buy! So much confusion, really, and I do get stressed over it.

Convenience, anyone?

I read an article about gifting gift cards and gift vouchers instead of shopping for gifts. Neat idea! What really appeals to me is that I can sit at my desk and order gift cards to be delivered to my colleagues. I mean, I don’t even have to take my car out! Why on earth didn’t I think of this before?

Now I’ve Started Thinking, I am Not Able To Stop

Here’s the thing – last year I bought Usha an expensive leather pen holder, and Suresh a desk calendar. Suresh has been little cool after that coz he’s jealous and feels neglected. Now I think about it – a gift card would have sorted matters out neatly! Usha loves fashion accessories, so I’ll get her a Fastrack gift card, and since Suresh is crazy about books, I’ll get him a Landmark gift card. Same value, though. No more jealousies!

An End To All Misinterpretations

There’s always a bit of speculation that goes with office gifts. I mean, I am always careful about gifting generic items. Anything personal in nature will be noticed and gossiped about. A gift card tackles this problem neatly, don’t you think? You’re just buying the gift card, but the actual shopping is done by the recipient! No room for misunderstandings anymore.

By Nita – Bangalore

Why Gift Cards Are The Perfect Anniversary Gifts!

So your parents’ wedding anniversary is coming up. Or is it the first anniversary of your brother’s first job offer? It doesn’t matter – an anniversary is an anniversary. It’s time for gifting! Don’t bother heading out to buy your anniversary gifts anymore. Let gift cards do the talking from now on – and we’ll tell you why!

Free To Choose

Here’s the thing – buy a gift of your choice, and you don’t know if he or she will like it. Buy a gift card and you’re done – your gift recipient is free to select anything that they want! If the gift card’s value is not enough, your recipient can pay more and buy the item they like. How cool is that?

No More Guessing

You might be thinking that what your wife wants more than anything is a new watch. What she probably really wants is a new silver bracelet! Could you have guessed? Why even waste time and effort on guessing? Why bother with the stress of not knowing if you’ll make her happy or not? Why not just get her a gift card from her favorite brand, and be done with it?

Lovely Shopping!

If your gift recipient loves to shop, here’s what you do. Get him or her a gift card from Shoppers’ Stop, Central, Landmark or LifeStyle. Sit back and watch while him or her having a ball shopping!Your recipient can enjoy several shopping trips with just one card!

Tons of Delight!

It’s your parents’ anniversary. You’re gifting them a trip to Mauritius. What have you actually done? You’ve spent 5 minutes to buy a gift card from TravelTours, Yatra.com or MakeMyTrip.com. What are they getting? Many delighted hours of planning and then the excitement of the trip itself!