How long is a voucher valid?

As a rule, the standard limitation period of three years to the end of the respective year applies. Shorter time limits are only permissible to a limited extent. When in doubt, have your voucher conditions reviewed legally.

Do I have to pay out remaining balances?

With value vouchers, guests can also redeem a partial amount, and the remaining value usually stays on the voucher. A cash payout of the remaining value is typically not mandatory, provided your conditions clearly regulate this. Have this point reviewed legally if in doubt.

Do I need a point-of-sale system for this?

A classic point-of-sale system is not strictly necessary for online sales. You simply need a way to offer, pay for and redeem vouchers online. With gastronomx this process runs automatically through your website.

How does the voucher reach the customer?

After online payment, the voucher is sent automatically by email, often as a printable PDF. The recipient can print it out or show it digitally. This makes a last-minute gift effortless too.

Selling Vouchers Online for Your Restaurant: A Guide

By the gastronomx editorial teamUpdated in June 2026Reading time approx. 4 min

Online vouchers are a simple way for restaurants to generate immediate revenue and reach new guests. In this guide you will learn why digital voucher sales pay off, which types exist and how to set them up step by step. We also share legal notes and practical tips along the way.

Why online vouchers pay off

Vouchers bring money into the till before a guest even sits down at a table. Especially during quieter periods, this gives you noticeably more breathing room. Digital sales run around the clock and without extra effort at the counter.

Immediate liquidity through advance payments
Gift occasions to tap into all year round
Winning new guests through the people gifted
Predictable upfront revenue for slower times
Stronger loyalty among your regulars

A voucher is always a recommendation too: whoever gives one extends a personal invitation to your restaurant. This way you reach people you might otherwise never have met. The effort stays manageable, while the effect pays off throughout the year.

Which types of vouchers exist

Not every voucher suits every occasion. With a manageable selection you cover your guests' most important wishes. The key is that the options are clear to understand and easy to redeem.

Common variants

Value voucher for a freely chosen amount
Menu or experience voucher for a fixed offer
Digital instant delivery as a printable PDF
Personalised voucher with a greeting message
Promotional voucher for holidays or campaigns

The value voucher is the all-rounder and fits almost any occasion. Menu and experience vouchers work well when you want to highlight a special offer. Promotional vouchers, in turn, help you make the most of seasonal peaks such as Christmas or Mother's Day.

Setting up online voucher sales

Getting started is less complicated than many think. With just a few steps you have a working sales channel on your own website. It is best to proceed in order.

Create the voucher product in your system
Define values, designs and conditions
Activate and test online payment
Set up automatic delivery and code generation
Promote vouchers on your website and social media

Make sure to keep the purchase process as short as possible. The fewer clicks needed to reach payment, the more vouchers you sell. Test the entire flow yourself once before promoting it publicly.

Legal aspects and practical tips

When selling vouchers, certain legal conditions apply that you should be aware of. The following points are general notes and do not replace legal advice. When in doubt, have your conditions reviewed legally.

Validity usually three years to year-end (standard limitation period)
Formulate clear terms and redemption conditions
Document redemption cleanly and traceably
Handle value-added tax correctly
Secure codes against multiple redemption

Clear documentation protects you from misunderstandings and double redemption. Record which code was redeemed when and which remaining value is left. This way you always keep an overview and avoid disputes.

How gastronomx enables voucher sales

With gastronomx you sell vouchers directly through your own website, without commission to third-party platforms. Your guests choose a value, pay securely online and receive the voucher automatically by email.

Everything from one source

Online payment is integrated, and every voucher automatically receives a unique code. So you have to worry about neither delivery nor manual code assignment. Redemption can be tracked clearly.

This way you save time, win new guests and strengthen your revenue all year round. Set up your voucher sales and get started today.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a voucher valid?: As a rule, the standard limitation period of three years to the end of the respective year applies. Shorter time limits are only permissible to a limited extent. When in doubt, have your voucher conditions reviewed legally.
Do I have to pay out remaining balances?: With value vouchers, guests can also redeem a partial amount, and the remaining value usually stays on the voucher. A cash payout of the remaining value is typically not mandatory, provided your conditions clearly regulate this. Have this point reviewed legally if in doubt.
Do I need a point-of-sale system for this?: A classic point-of-sale system is not strictly necessary for online sales. You simply need a way to offer, pay for and redeem vouchers online. With gastronomx this process runs automatically through your website.
How does the voucher reach the customer?: After online payment, the voucher is sent automatically by email, often as a printable PDF. The recipient can print it out or show it digitally. This makes a last-minute gift effortless too.

Sell vouchers directly through your website

With gastronomx you offer online vouchers with secure payment and automatic codes. Set up your voucher sales in just a few steps.

Start selling vouchers