First Data

Today, First Data jumps into the world of social networking with the launch of the First Data ^SM eGift Social ^SM solution a new eGifting technology that offers consumers across the U.S. the chance to send real gifts in real time through social networks. Cold Stone Creamery, one of the largest super-premium ice cream brands, is the first merchant to use the product, allowing consumers to share a Cold Stone moment with their friends and loved ones for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, promotions, or just because.

Here’s how it works:
Consumers access eGift Social by visiting Cold Stone Creamery’s Facebook Fan Page or website . They select one or multiple friends to send gifts to either by adding them from Facebook or entering their e-mail address(es). The sender selects the product they want their friend to receive, adds a personal message and proceeds through the secure checkout process.

The recipient receives a Facebook message, e-mail or both, with an alert that they have received a gift, the account number and redemption instructions. Visiting any participating Cold Stone location, the recipient redeems the eGift item in a flavor of their choice by using the account number at the point of sale. Consumers can access the site using either a computer or Web-enabled mobile device.

eGift Social benefits consumers, Cold Stone Creamery and First Data. This new solution offers consumers the ability to connect with their friends and loved ones in their social networks by sending gifts securely and in real time. Cold Stone Creamery and its franchisees can now reach its loyal customers of all ages and generate revenue in a new way. In addition, its franchisees don’t have to make a financial investment to redeem the gifts at their locations. Finally, since social networking is here to stay (i.e. Facebook has more than 400 million active users, with more than 100 million users accessing it through their mobile devices), eGift Social reinforces First Data’s leading role in the industry by offering one complete solution for merchants wanting to reach consumers through social networks.

To learn more, take a listen to our recent podcast with First Data’s Chris Wuhrer and Dan Beem, president of Cold Stone Creamery, who provide more “scoop” on eGift Social.