Who is doing this?
This is an Entrepreneur COMMUNITY project of Second Story Coworking.
Why are you doing this?
It’s part of our mission and we are feeling the pain too.
Is this free? How much does this cost?
Yes, this is free to you (in fact if you participate you will be saving money) and a free service to the businesses listed.
What if I don’t see a business I want to buy from? / Where is ________?
If your favorite hair salon, shopping boutique, or other business isn’t listed, let them know they can apply. They may be hard to reach if they are closed, but try give them a call or reach out to them on social media or other means and tell them to start selling gift cards on this platform because you would like to buy one. While you have their ear, offer up some encouragement that they will get through this.
Do the businesses get all the money?
Essentially yes, but not exactly. When you swipe your credit card at a local business the payment processing networks (visa, master card, am ex, etc.) take a cut. This is also a credit card transaction so the payment processing networks will take a cut of what ends up in the hands of the business. Since this is the same thing that would happen in-store, essentially yes, they will get roughly the same amount of money they would have in person. In this case they will get the purchase price minus 3.3%.
What type of businesses are allowed?
Locally owned businesses in the Midland/Odessa greater Permian Basin area.
Why do I see franchises or chains?
While franchises are national or global brands, most of the time the owners are local and most of the profits stay in the local community. A franchise is eligible to participate if it has local ownership. You shouldn’t see nationally owned chain stores. If you think you’ve spotted a business that isn’t “local enough” to be included please email us at support@… and we’ll look into it.
How can I include my business here?
Head over to our Vendor page and fill out an application.
Can I get a refund after my purchase?
Possibly, but not necessarily. This is a transaction between you and the business you buy gift cards from. It’s completely up to each business how they handle refunds. Only buy from businesses you trust.
What happens if a business I buy a gift card from goes out of business?
The entire purpose of this program is to try an prevent our local small business from going under due to lack of immediate cash flow.
Just like with any gift card, if the business where it is valid goes away, you’re left holding a worthless card.
How do I redeem the gift card?
That is up to the business you purchase it from. Most likely you show them the gift card receipt (either on a printed page, or by bringing up the email on your phone) that contains the unique gift card ID and the business with “redeem” that ID in their records.
Why do I have to wait until May to use the gift card?
This program is designed to bring money forward from summer into spring. The businesses involved are willing to discount that money to get some much needed cash flow right now. That’s why the gift cards are discounted, the idea is that you’re spending $80 now to get $100 later and the business is willing to provide $100 in services later to get the $80 now.
Will I get a physical gift card?
No. This is an all digital transaction. You will print your gift card(s) after completing the checkout process. We’ll also send you an email with the gift card receipt and ID. Treat the receipt and ID like cash.
What happens if I lose my receipt?
Losing your receipt is like losing a plastic gift card, which is similar to losing cash. It’s most likely gone. Be sure to search your email (and email junk folder) for the gift card. If you find it in your email you can print it again or show it to the business on your phone screen.
What about sales tax?
Buying a gift card is like buying cash and doesn’t incur sales tax. Sales tax will be assessed when you redeem the gift card if the product or service you are purchasing at that time is taxable.