[fusion_text]Launching a chamber bucks program can be an amazing boon for local business. It allows them to compete in the gift certificate realm without handling the administrative headache on their own. Best of all you’re able to deliver a check to them every month, making you one of their favorite Read more
If you have a chamber bucks program, one of the most critical things you can do for its success is marketing the concept. Without marketing, your members won’t know to want to be a part of it, shoppers won’t know it’s available, and employers won’t be using it to reward Read more
For many local businesses after the Christmas/winter holiday season passes, the business doldrums of January set in. People have large bills coming in from December spends, the weather keeps people inside, and everyone hunkers down. This makes it difficult to sustain business during this time, particularly in parts of the Read more
Merchants love being a part of local gift certificate programs. Many of them know the work behind offering a gift card program and are unable to invest the time to research setting one up for their own business. If your chamber, or local business association, offers one that’s something members can’t Read more
You already have too much on your plate. You’re stretched thin. Your to-do list is longer than your Facebook stream. But how do you get it all back under control? Cancel all meetings? Lock your door and turn off the lights? Unplug your computer? These are all temporary solutions that Read more
In Hollywood, a movie franchise that realizes it needs a stronger foundation to the story can create a prequel. Being able to go back and forward in time gives them more story-telling flexibility and money-making potential. A local gift certificate program does not have that flexibility. You have to build a strong Read more
While it doesn’t have to be an either/or argument between adopting a local currency program and using Groupon, or other savings site, there are a number of reasons why a currency or gift certificate program brings in more of the business merchants want. More Money for Merchants One of the complaints Read more
Chambers and business associations have shared so many fun ideas with us on how they’re using their chamber bucks or gift certificates as awards within their community. These prizes are enticing people to shop local and they’re all so fun we just had to share them. We hope you enjoy them Read more
Dads may not always be big shoppers but most of them probably appreciate working hard and showing pride in their hometown. It’s expected that 16.9% of spending this Father’s Day will be in local small businesses. What do you say we try to get that number up? Ideas for a Read more
Shop local programs sometimes draw fire. Franchise owners and box stores feel left out when a chamber or downtown association launches an aggressive shop local campaign. But they don’t have to be. You can include them in your shop local efforts through instituting a local currency or gift certificate program. Read more
