Selling ShopDowntown.org discount cards is a proven way to raise funds, support local businesses, and provide value to your community. This guide will walk you through every step, from understanding the product to maximizing your sales and profits.

1. Understand the ShopDowntown.org Discount Card Program

What is it?

The ShopDowntown.org Discount Card Program is designed to drive local shopping and help businesses attract and retain customers. Cardholders enjoy discounts like percentage-off deals, buy-one-get-one-free offers, and other perks at participating local businesses.

How does it work?

Cards are purchased in bulk at a low cost (between $0.35 and $0.70 per card) and can be sold for fundraising or promotional purposes, often at $20 each.

The program supports cause-based fundraising, such as donations to the American Cancer Society, making it appealing to socially conscious shoppers.

2. Calculate Your Profit Potential

Bulk Pricing Advantage: Buy cards for as little as $0.35–$0.70 each.

Retail Price: Sell cards for $20 each (the standard suggested price).

Profit Example: If you buy 1,000 cards at $0.50 each ($500 total) and sell them at $20 each, your gross revenue is $20,000, yielding a potential profit of $19,500 (before minor expenses).

High Margins: Discount card fundraisers can offer up to 98.25% profit margins, much higher than traditional product-based fundraisers.

3. Prepare for Success

A. Know Your Product

Familiarize yourself with the discounts and participating merchants. Be ready to answer questions about the savings and how the card works.

B. Set Clear Goals

Determine how much money you want to raise and how many cards you need to sell to reach your target.

4. Identify Your Target Market

Ideal Buyers: Local shoppers, families, supporters of your cause, and anyone who frequents downtown businesses.

Community Groups: Schools, sports teams, nonprofits, and civic organizations are especially receptive to fundraising discount cards.

5. Develop a Sales Strategy

A. In-Person Sales

Set up booths at community events, farmers markets, school functions, and local festivals.

Go door-to-door in neighborhoods or partner with local businesses to sell cards at their locations.

B. Online Sales

Create an online store or use social media to promote and sell the cards.

Leverage email campaigns and community newsletters to reach a broader audience.

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C. Leverage Partnerships

Collaborate with local businesses to display and sell cards at their locations. Businesses benefit from increased customer traffic, and you gain more sales opportunities.

6. Marketing Tips for Maximum Sales

Social Media: Regularly post about the fundraiser, highlight participating businesses, and share testimonials from satisfied cardholders.

Email Campaigns: Send engaging messages to your contacts explaining the value of the card and how it supports the community.

Flyers and Posters: Place promotional materials in high-traffic areas, such as community centers, libraries, and partner businesses.

Word of Mouth: Encourage supporters to tell friends, family, and colleagues about the cards.

7. Handling the Transaction

Accept Multiple Payment Methods: Make it easy for customers to buy by accepting cash, credit/debit cards, and digital payments.

Track Sales: Keep detailed records of sales, inventory, and customer contacts for follow-up and future campaigns.

8. After-Sale Engagement

Thank Buyers: Send thank-you notes or emails to purchasers, reinforcing the impact of their support.

Encourage Use: Remind cardholders to use their discounts and share their positive experiences, which can generate referrals and repeat buyers.

9. Compliance and Transparency

Be Honest: Clearly explain how proceeds are used, especially if supporting a nonprofit or community cause.

Stay Organized: Maintain accurate records for accountability and potential audits, especially if working with a charity.

10. Advanced Tips for Boosting Sales

Offer Bulk Discounts: Incentivize larger purchases (e.g., buy 5 cards, get 1 free) to increase transaction size.

Tiered Pricing: Consider offering different card tiers (basic vs. premium) for different budgets.

Seasonal Campaigns: Run special promotions during holidays or local events when people are more likely to spend6.

Key Benefits Recap

Low Cost, High Profit: Buy for pennies, sell for dollars.

Supports Local Businesses: Drives traffic and sales to merchants in your community.

Easy to Sell: Tangible value for buyers, especially when supporting a meaningful cause.

Flexible Distribution: Sell online, in-person, or through partner businesses.

By following these steps and focusing on community engagement, clear communication, and effective marketing, you can maximize your earnings and make a positive impact selling ShopDowntown.org discount cards.

To effectively find local businesses to partner with for your ShopDowntown.org discount cards, follow these proven steps:

1. Make a Targeted Prospect List

Identify local restaurants, retail shops, grocery stores, and service providers that are popular and frequently visited in your area.

Ask your supporters, friends, and family for recommendations on their favorite businesses.

Look for businesses with a strong community presence or those that have previously participated in local events or fundraisers.

2. Attend Community Events and Network

Participate in local networking events, community fairs, and Chamber of Commerce meetings to meet business owners face-to-face.

Join community groups, business associations, and service clubs to expand your network and identify businesses interested in community involvement.

3. Research and Prepare Your Pitch

Before approaching, learn about each business—what they offer, their clientele, and their history of community engagement.

Prepare a compelling story about your cause and how the partnership is mutually beneficial: businesses gain new customers and positive publicity, while you raise funds for your organization.

4. Approach Businesses Professionally

Reach out via in-person visits, phone calls, or emails. In-person meetings are often most effective for building rapport.

Clearly explain what you’re asking for (e.g., a specific discount for cardholders) and how the partnership benefits them—such as increased foot traffic, brand goodwill, and community support.

Be open to their suggestions and listen to their needs; tailor your offer to make participation as easy and attractive as possible.

5. Offer a Variety of Participation Options

Encourage a range of discounts (e.g., 5–25% off, buy-one-get-one-free, or dollar-off deals) to make the card appealing to a broad audience.

Highlight that even small offers can bring in new customers and that participation is a low-cost way to advertise.

6. Maintain and Nurture Relationships

After a business agrees, keep in touch with regular updates and thank-you notes.

Promote participating businesses on your social media and website, and encourage your supporters to visit them.

Check in periodically to gather feedback and reinforce the value of the partnership for future campaigns.

7. Leverage Community Resources

Utilize the local Chamber of Commerce and business directories to discover new prospects.

Collaborate with local print shops, marketing agencies, or event venues for additional support and cross-promotion.

By following these steps, you’ll build a strong roster of local business partners, making your discount card more valuable and your fundraising campaign more successful.