The LHG E-Gift Card
The Heritage Corridor Business Alliance is now offering the LHG Card for purchase at lhgcard.com. It's an e-gift card that the general public will be able to purchase these cards online and use at participating member locations. Note: This program will phase out our current paper gift certificate program.
- There is no charge to participate in the program. When you accept the LHG Card, your credit card processor will charge you the "CNP" processing fee (card not present).
- Your Alliance Membership must be current and in good standing to participate.
HOW IT WORKS
- Your customer will present either their e-card on the phone or a printout of the card.
- Your cashier will manually enter the info on the card
WHY PARTICIPATE?
- Drive more business into your store!
- Keep customers spending local!
- Cards can ONLY be used at participating merchants!
- No special technology or administration required to participate! (Must accept Mastercard and be able to key in the transaction like a phone order.)
- No back-office administration! Funds are automatically paid to you, via your usual Mastercard processor.
- There is no fee to participate!
WHO PURCHASES COMMUNITY CARDS, LIKE THE LHG CARD?
Customers buy them online and give them as gifts, thank yous, etc. to support local businesses. They can be purchased from our website, merchant websites, and Facebook pages as well!
Local companies use them for employee rewards, customer appreciation, marketing and other programs!
Realtors and other professionals use them to appreciate their customers and prospects!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What company is behind the LHG Card?
A: The Heritage Corridor Business Alliance has teamed up with Yiftee.com. Yiftee has worked with a number of communities, including Detroit, Cincinnati, and Buffalo/Niagara Falls. In fact, Yiftee has over 290 community cards listed on their site.
Q: Is there a deadline to participate?
A: We are planning a launch on November 1 to introduce the community the LHG Guide. Sign up before then so that you are a part of the launch program and get this incremental business.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Let Dan at the HCBA know that you want to participate and he will send you an electronic activation Card, which is a 10 cent prepaid Mastercard. Running the Activation Card is your authorization to opt-in to the program which means you agree to the Yiftee Merchant Agreement here: https://yifteeutil.com/merchant-agreement
Q: What if I can’t process the Activation Card, which is a $0.10 credit card transaction?
A: No problem. Process the Activation Card for your minimum amount. It will be declined but Yiftee will get the information they need to add you to the program.
Q: What if I can’t key in a Mastercard?
A: This is very unusual. Ask your processor as this is a configuration and usually not a technical limitation. Some national chains like Walmart and McDonalds HQs do not allow their cashiers to key in the codes but the local businesses can usually do it.
Q: What if the purchase is for more than the Community eGift Card value?
A: Run the LHG Card for the remaining balance on the card, and ask the customer for a different form of payment to cover the rest of the transaction. Gift recipients can check balance on Yiftee.com or go to https://c.yiftee.com/check-gift-balance or use the link at the bottom of the printed gifts.
Q: What do I do if the eGift Card is ‘declined’?
A: The transaction is declined if you try to redeem more than the value of the card, or if any of the redemption information is mis-typed. Start the transaction over with the correct value and info. Go to https://c.yiftee.com/check-gift-balance to check the balance of a card or use the link at the bottom of printed gifts.
Q: Is tipping allowed on the LHG Card?
A: No, unless you pre-authorize the amount with the tip included, since this is a prepaid card. It is suggested that tips be paid in cash or another form of payment if possible to prevent any issues - as should be done with any prepaid gift card.
Q: What if someone doesn't have a smartphone?
A: Consumers are able to print out their voucher and bring it in. You will still process these the same, keying in the gift card account number, expiry, and zip.
Q: Does the eGift Card function as a ‘pre-paid’ credit card regarding automatic tipping hold-backs?
A: No. It can be redeemed for the full value.
Q: Since the eGift Card is like a Mastercard, can it be redeemed anywhere?
A: No. They can only be redeemed at participating locations who have run their Activation Card.
Q: Is there a fee to purchase the eGift Card?
A: The gift sender pays $1.00 plus 5% of the gift value. The gift recipient gets 100% of the gift value. The store is paid the full value of the card, less their normal card-not-present (CNP) Mastercard fee.
Q: Can the eGift Card be used more than once?
A: Yes. They are multi-use and the current balance and expiration date are always reflected on the digital voucher. Recipients receive monthly reminders to redeem. You can check balance on Yiftee.com or https://c.yiftee.com/check-gift-balance or use the link at the bottom of printed gifts.
Q: Can I apply a refund to the eGift Card?
A: Yes. Refunds can be applied to a valid (unexpired) card just as you would to a credit card.
Q: Can I cancel my participation?
A: Yes. Anytime, by notifying your organizer. You will be removed from the marketing materials online and can no longer process the cards.
Q: Does the HCBA make any money on the LHG Card?
A. No. This service is provided to our members as a benefit. The HCBA does not make any money from sales of the LHG Card.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
HCBA Members, contact Dan at 630-257-5997 or dan@myhbca.com to get started.