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| FAQ Informational Brochure |
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 Have any questions about the Gift Cents process? We just might have the answer you’re looking for. Please take a look at some of our FAQ's listed below:
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Who is eligible for the Gift Cents Scrip program? Any non-profit organization can participate in the Gift Cents Scrip program. Proof of tax-exempt status and/or non-profit status must be provided with your registration materials.What are the potential profits that my organization can expect? Discounts vary depending on the individual merchants. Potential earnings are entirely dependent upon the discounts offered and the level of participation by your members. Once your supporters realize that it costs them nothing extra to earn funds for their organization, there is NO reason to expect less than 100% participation. The more accustomed people become to using scrip to make everyday purchases, the more your revenue will grow. Your supporters should know that the more they buy, the better you will do.Are there any minimums or maximums required? There are NO minimum requirements or maximum limits on your orders. We encourage our customers, however, to keep in mind that shipping costs should be included when calculating your profit. If your net profit after shipping is higher than your gross profit, you should consider waiting for additional orders.Is there a cash investment necessary to get started? No. Orders can be placed on an "as needed" basis. Payment is made with your order to Gift Cents, Inc. for only the net amount ordered. You realize your profit immediately. If you choose to carry an inventory, payment for that inventory is required with your order.What makes the Gift Cents program successful? The scrip program costs your members absolutely nothing more than the money they are already spending for groceries, clothing, CD's, DVDs, entertainment, dining out, books, and all of their other purchases. These are funds your members are already spending in your community; using scrip allows your community merchants to support your organization, as well.How are these cards and certificates used? Gift cards and gift certificates can be used for daily shopping or as gifts for any occasion. They are used the same as CASH. Many come with gift envelopes. In addition, they travel well! They can be sent all over the country for national stores and movie theaters, so they make great gifts! ONE SIZE FITS ALL!Can we continue to run other fundraisers? Absolutely! This program does not interfere or compete with other fundraising programs. When it is used on an ongoing basis, this program provides additional opportunities to raise funds for your organization.What if I want scrip for a store which is not on the list? We add new merchants all the time. We encourage our participants to inquire about any stores they would like to see included. If there is interest, we will make every effort to offer those merchants. We have found, however, that many well-known discount merchants and warehouse membership companies choose NOT to participate in this fundraiser.What payment methods are accepted? Gift Cents Scrip accepts your organization's checks, money orders, or bank checks. We cannot accept personal checks or credit cards. To expedite processing and delivery of your orders, we offer the option of our ACH Debit Program (at no additional charge). Payments are debited electronically using your bank ABA routing number and bank account number, which are run through the Automated Clearing House (ACH).What are your shipping charges? We use USPS Priority Mail or a courier service, signature required, for a flat $10 fee in the contiguous US. This includes both shipping and handling. For Alaska and Hawaii, we use FedEx or USPS and the flat shipping fee is $22 which also includes shipping and handling. We can also ship FedEx expedited service for an additional fee, based on weight and zone.Do gift cards expire? The gift cards vary regarding expiration dates. Some are valid for a year, some for two and others never expire. There is legislation being introduced in many states to eliminate the use of expiration dates altogether. Generally, there are rules and specifics on the back of most of the gift cards. Our inventory is current and it turns over quickly enough to keep it fresh.What merchants do you offer in my town? The majority of our merchants are national or regional. Please refer to our Merchant List to see which stores we offer.Can I change my order after I have placed it? Orders are processed very shortly after they are received. Once an order is received, we cannot accept any modifications. We will create a new order to avoid any confusion.When can I expect to receive my order? The turnaround time (from start to finish) is about one week (or less) after payment has been received. During the end year holidays, this timetable is subject to change.How do I place my order? Orders are accepted online, by fax, or phone 24/7. Online orders will receive email acknowledgment of receipt. If you fax your order, use our current order form and call to make sure we received it.What happens if gift cards or gift certificates are lost or stolen after they are received? Since gift cards and gift certificates are the equivalent of cash, they cannot be replaced if they are lost or stolen.Is there any bookkeeping involved? Each organization handles the program differently. We find Excel or QuickBooks to be excellent programs for keeping track of your purchases.What if my gift card doesn't work? If someone has difficulty using a gift card, ask for a manager for assistance. Sometimes the cashiers are unfamiliar with how to process the cards properly. With very few exceptions, problems are usually a result of the card having already been used by the cardholder. Call the number on the back of the gift card for the automated system to get the balance remaining. If this is unsatisfactory, follow the prompts to speak to someone and ask for a history of the card. |
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