Gift cards are hot — their sales totaled $97 billion dollars in 2007. And giving so-called “experiential” gifts — which includes a trip to the salon or spa — are among the fastest-growing trends. One way to cash in on all this enthusiasm is to join Spa & Salon Wish, a network of more than 3,600 salons and spas across the U.S. and Canada with a strong presence on the web. In July the company, a division of SpaFinder, also began selling Spa & Salon Wish gift cards in thousands of retail outlets across North America.

How it works for consumers: The gift-giver purchases a gift certificate or card good at any Salon & Spa Wish member salon for $25 up to $500. The lucky recipient receives a gift certificate or card with a personal message. The recipient can then redeem her gift at any of the spas and salons listed on the searchable database at spawish.com.

How it works for salon owners: Participating salons pay no upfront costs. When gift certificates/cards are redeemed at your business, the salon receives reimbursement from the company less a marketing fee of 17%. To join, fill out an application at www.spawish.com/partner.

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