What are the benefits for participating?
Businesses will attract new customers as a result of program related marketing and promotions including; media and publicity, inclusion in our online directory, community events, and member communications. In addition businesses can expect an increased frequency of sales on above average transactions from cardholders that are rewarded for buying from the local businesses and giving back to schools and local not for profits.
Does it cost me anything to join the program?
There is no cost to join the program. You are charged a rebate only when someone makes a purchase and you are billed accordingly on a monthly basis.
Do I have to change any hardware or software to participate?
No. The program will work on your existing MasterCard or Visa credit card terminal.
What if I don't have a MasterCard or Visa terminal?
Businesses can manually enter transactions into their on-line account. If you want a terminal to swipe the I Buy NEO Cards, Interra will work with your organization to obtain one.
Is there a time commitment when I sign up for the program?
Yes. Businesses commit to participate in the program for two years. The agreement renews automatically on a year-to-year basis after the first two-year term until a notice of termination by the merchant is received.
The businesses set a rebate amount and a minimum purchase amount. The rebate can be a %, fixed or maximum amount, e.g. 5% rebate for purchases over $20.00 or $5.00 on purchases over $50. The rebate parameters may include: date, time, rebate % offered and required threshold for rebate to be recognized, e.g. 5% off every purchase, 10% off if you spend over $50 up to $20.00.
Yes. Businesses can change their rebate at any time and as often as they would like.
Can I offer any specials that override the rebate plan?
Yes. A business can create and manage multiple specials. A special is an alternative rebate plan that can be activated on one or more days of the week and last for a range of dates. For example, on the first Tuesday of every month businesses can increase the rebate to a certain %. This can also be used for cross-marketing amongst neighborhood businesses, e.g. offer a special during the monthly Artwalk.
How will the merchant rebate be collected and dispensed?
On a monthly basis a merchant's account will be debited for the total accumulated rebates generated through participating shoppers. These rebates will then be distributed to the customers and chosen beneficiaries as cash back rewards and donations respectively.
Is there a cost for swiping any card in a terminal?
There is a $.26 transaction processing fee using the credit card terminal that Interra pays our payment processor. The fee is deducted from the rebate amount. You are not charged an additional $.26. To cover the cost of this processing fee, merchants must set a rebate amount that at a minimum covers the transaction cost of $.26.
What is the rebate breakout on a qualifying transaction?
If the total purchase amount is $12.60 and the rebate is 10% then the total rebate amount is $1.26.
After the $.26 cents has been deducted, the remaining $1.00 is broken out as follows:
- $.35 as a reward to the cardholder
- $.35 as a donation to the cardholders beneficiaries (not for profits or schools)
- $.10 to the local community program
- $.20 to administer the program network
In addition to providing a rebate, in what other ways can I participate?
Businesses can inform other businesses, tell customers about the program or donate other resources to introduce and promote the program to the community.
How will businesses promote the program?
Businesses will be provided window, point of sale and in-store decals and displays to draw attention to the program. Cardholders will receive monthly e-newsletters highlighting local businesses, events and nonprofits. Stores can also individually promote benefits that they decide to offer through the program. Window posters will promote other businesses participating in the program.
What does a store employee need to know to process a community change card?
1) The customer presents the Community Card to the cashier at Purchase
2) The cashier enters the total purchase amount into the credit card terminal
3) The Community Card is swiped through the terminal
5) The terminal returns a “Decline for Payment†or “Invalid
Card†message. This is due to the fact that the Community Card is a
non payment card.
6) The customer then proceeds to pay in any form desired (Cash, Check or Credit Card) as usual and the transaction is complete.
It's easy and there is no cost to enroll. Complete and sign the merchant agreement, void a check, set a rebate plan, and we will stop by to do an initial test swipe.
