Merchant FAQ

MERCHANT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How will Boston Community Change strengthen me and my community?

• The program empowers businesses to build loyalty and frequency with customers while driving up average tickets by limiting rebates to a specific ticket threshold.
• Every time a card is used a donation goes to a local nonprofit of the consumers choice, creating a “cause marketing” opportunity for merchants and a chance for customers to support things they care about as they shop locally.
• The program connects residents to businesses and businesses to other businesses encouraging crossmarketing and opportunities for cooperative marketing or purchasing.
• Through individual merchant accounts, a merchant can review valuable information about the shopping habits of their customers, thereby improving their ability to target market.

What kind of card are we talking about?
Change Card has a magnetic strip on the back and functions as a loyalty and identification card. No money is stored on the card, and the customer can pay any way they want. The card transmits transaction data through the MasterCard exchange, so processing is as simple as swiping the card through the credit card processor.

What are some rebate examples that businesses can provide customers?

• 5% off every purchase
• 10% off if you spend over $50
  

How will residents know which stores accept the loyalty card, and what type of discounts or loyalty benefits the store offers?

• There will be instore decals and displays to draw attention to the program.
• Rewards will be updated dynamically and online at www.shoppingonmainstreets.com
• Periodic enewsletters will be sent out highlighting local merchants.
• Stores can individually promote benefits that they decide to offer through the program.
• District Main Street offices can promote benefits offered by district stores.

How do non-retail businesses participate?
Cardholder data may be entered with transaction information following a qualified purchase using the online merchant account. Merchants without access to credit card terminals, or service providers, may capture cardholder information on an invoice or sales ticket for later data entry. This provides participation opportunity for a variety of business owners, including real estate agents, home-based consultants, lawyers, health care providers, event vendors, financial planners, etc.