BOULDER, CO -- (Marketwire) -- 01/24/13 -- LocalGiftCards.com, an online gift card market catering to a buy-local audience, has launched a new feature for its merchants and their customers. Online shoppers can now choose to schedule a future delivery for digital gift cards. The new feature comes just in time for consumers looking to get their Valentine's Day shopping done early.

Digital gift cards are delivered by email (e-gift cards) or by text message (mobile or m-gift cards) and have become a very popular option in recent years because of the unmatched level of convenience they offer to consumers. Shoppers can choose to purchase e-gift and m-gift cards up to 90 days in advance of the delivery date.

"The scheduled arrival was a nice feature to have for a Christmas present for my girlfriend," James Evans said about his digital gift card purchase from the Art of Skin MD, located in Solana Beach, California. "I liked the convenience of ordering it ahead of time, and it's harder to lose than a physical gift card."

Since its launch in 2012, LocalGiftCards.com has gained an impressive following of small, independently owned businesses and their faithful customers. LocalGiftCards.com makes purchasing gift cards from small businesses as convenient, or even more so, as buying from a larger retailer. "We've found that most major online retailers are not offering the scheduling option to their customers," explains Sarah Miller, Marketing Manager at LocalGiftCards.com. "In fact, a lot of the big chains aren't offering digital gift cards at all. These capabilities give small businesses a competitive edge."

LocalGiftCards.com gives customers a big advantage, as well. Instead of defaulting to chains with a national presence, shoppers can easily buy gift cards from their favorite businesses, even if they aren't close enough to shop in person.

"I do not have a Buddy's close to me, so it was much more convenient to buy and send online. It was quick, easy and saved me a long drive and the cost of shipping," said Kelly Misyiak-Bartashnick about her recent e-gift card purchase from Buddy's Pizza, located in Detroit, using LocalGiftCards.com. "Without this option, I would probably have bought a card from another restaurant. Buddy's is my boss's favorite, so I'm thankful I was able to get him what he wanted most."

Customers interested in purchasing a local gift card, for now or later, can visit LocalGiftCards.com and select their state to see participating businesses in their area.

About LocalGiftCards.com

LocalGiftCards.com was created to help small businesses enter the online gift card market and provide consumers with a convenient way to purchase gift cards online while supporting local businesses. LocalGiftCards.com provides small merchants with the same or better technology than what the big box and national chain stores are using. The web site is owned and operated by Smart Transaction Systems, Inc. in Boulder, Colorado, at SmartTransactions.com.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2209821

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine