Why Cash is a Better Gift than Gift Cards?
BFC Enterprises • October 21, 2022

Gift card sales have boomed in the last few years. But is that the best use of your money?

Find out why CASH is a better option this holiday season and all year long. 

Gift card sales have boomed in the last few years. In 2020, gift card giving was the go to item for Christmas and birthdays as shoppers avoided stores and even holiday gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Due to supply chain issues in 2021, many gifts were unavailable and gift cards were again popular as many consumers hoped their friends and loved ones would be able to make their desired purchases when items became available.

 

This holiday season, as inflation looms heavy, gift cards are once again predicted to be the gift of choice for many consumers. While it’s difficult to buy gifts in normal times, with inflation at a record 40-year high many consumers are concerned about being able to buy gifts and stay on budget. Gift cards may seem like an easy way to avoid spending additional money on gift while still offering something of value… but there are many drawbacks to gift cards.


But Gift Cards are Not as Fantastic as They Seem

There are a lot of reasons to see gift cards as a good gift option. They are easy to buy, don’t need to be wrapped and they are convenient. But the truth is you might be throwing your money away. Billions of dollars in unused gift cards go to waste each year in the US every year.

 

Nearly half (47%) of Americans have at least one unused gift card, voucher or store credit sitting in a purse or wallet, or collecting dust in a drawer. And eventually those unused gift cards expire, which means the recipient loses their gift while the business gets to pocket the value of the card.

 

Most gift card recipients work hard to make a purchase that stays within the card’s limit. If they purchase something that is less than the value of the card, the remaining balance often languishes. Those who can’t find what they want that is within the price range typically spend 40 percent or more over the value of the card.

 

But the biggest reason gift cards aren’t as great as gift givers may think is that it forces the giftee to make their purchase from a specific store.


Cash is a Better Gift Option

While it may not seem like you put much thought into a gift if you give cash, it’s actually a better deal for the recipient. Providing cash to friends and family means you are looking out for the short or long-term worth of the gift you are giving. Cash doesn’t expire and can be used for anything the receiver desires – whether that’s something extravagant, a meal, a toy for a child or rent.

 

Some might argue that gift cards look nicer. But you can’t fold a gift card into a fancy bow, and you can just as easily dress up cash with a fancy box, card, envelope or get some great ideas on Pinterest as you can some rounded-cornered piece of plastic.

 

But one of the best reasons cash is a better gift option is that it’s exciting to get cash and its ongoing use by every generation. Cash use grew to 22 percent in 2021. Americans 18-44 usually hold around $50 on-hand at any given time and Gen Z, especially, is beginning to discover the true value of cash when it comes to budgeting and gifts.


This Holiday Season, Choose Cash

Inflation and supply chains issues may make gift cards an attractive option this year. But stop and think about the difficulties gift cards really create for recipients. Rather than putting limits, expirations and responsibilities on your friends and family, instead consider giving them the freedom the gift of cash offers.


Find out if your business qualifies for a free, turn-key ATM. Contact BFC Enterprises today!

How BFC Enterprises Helps You Choose Games That Keep Customers Playing

By BFC Enterprises • October 27, 2025
That's exactly why partnering with BFC Enterprises to select and manage your amusement games is a smart move. You get expertly matched equipment that maximizes fun, keeps customers engaged, and hits your revenue goals, without any of the guesswork or hassle. Game Selection Backed by Real Experience BFC Enterprises has spent decades placing games in all kinds of business environments. We've seen what works in shopping centers versus family restaurants. We know which games draw teenagers at youth sports facilities and which ones keep adults entertained at bars while they wait for their food. When we evaluate your location, we're looking at your customer base, your foot traffic patterns, and your available space. We're thinking about who's walking through your doors, how long they typically stay, and what kind of entertainment matches their vibe. Then we match game styles to those factors for optimal performance. You shouldn't have to figure this out through expensive trial and error. We already know what works. Maximize Play and Profit Here's a truth every business owner should know: not all amusement games perform equally in every location. Some games get tons of attention and consistent play. Others just take up space. We use data and hands-on experience to choose games that will actually get played. We place the ones that grab attention, generate consistent activity, and deliver the highest revenue return. This means more passive income for you without spending months testing different machines to see what sticks. Think of it this way: we're not just dropping random equipment in your location and hoping for the best. We're strategically placing proven performers that match your specific environment. That's the difference between a few extra bucks a month and a meaningful revenue stream. Regular Rotation Without the Hassle Even the best games can get stale after a while. That's why we don't just set it and forget it. BFC Enterprises actively monitors game performance at your location. When we notice engagement dropping or when there's an opportunity to refresh things, we rotate games to keep your customers interested and having fun. We also select seasonal prizes that keep people playing longer and coming back to see what's new. The best part? You don’t have to track any of this yourself. We handle the strategy, the swaps, and the prize selection. Your customers stay entertained, and you keep earning, all without lifting a finger. Full-Service Support You Can Count On When you partner with BFC Enterprises , you're not just getting equipment delivered and left behind. You're getting complete, ongoing support. We handle compatibility issues, maintenance, prize stocking, and repairs. If something breaks, you're not scrambling to fix it or figure out who to call. Our team takes care of everything while you focus on what you do best – serving your customers and running your business. This is truly passive income. No headaches, no technical problems to solve, no wondering if you picked the right equipment. Just steady earnings from games that work. The Bottom Line Adding amusement games to your location is a smart way to increase customer engagement, extend dwell time, and create an additional revenue stream. But only if you choose the right games and manage them properly. When you partner with BFC Enterprises, you get the best-performing, highest-return amusement setup – customized specifically to your business and your customers – without any of the work. We bring the expertise, the equipment, and the ongoing support. You bring the space and the customers. Together, we create more fun, more engagement, and more profit. Ready to get started? Contact BFC Enterprises today and let's build the perfect amusement game setup for your location. 📞 (314) 961-9000 🌐 bfcenterprises.com/contact
Boost staff morale, reduce turnover, and create a new revenue stream with an ATM on-site

How an On-Site ATM Can Help Restaurants Keep Their Best Servers

By BFC Enterprises • October 9, 2025
Inflation and staffing challenges continue to squeeze restaurants and bars. Learn how an on-site ATM can boost staff morale, reduce turnover, and create a new revenue stream — all while helping customers tip in cash.