|
New Program - Just Between Members
We have been asked by a number of members and potential members if we have a Member Discount Program that would provide an additional benefit to membership. Until this point, we have had to say we did not.
However, to respond to those requests, we are considering starting a new program tentatively titled "
Just Between Members."
The "Just Between Members" Member Discount program would consist of member-to-member discounts being offered on a monthly basis to encourage member to member purchases of goods and services. Each month, one member business would be given the opportunity to provide a discount to other members to encourage others to purchase their goods or use their services.
The discount would only be valid for that calendar month and only one discount would be announced each month. A participating business could choose to participate in a future month but the offer must be different than the one previously offered.
Before we can implement this program, we would like to have at least six member businesses commit to offering a discount for a period of one month each.
Please review the additional program information below and please contact Erik Volk at [email protected] or via phone at (802) 518-0030 if you would like to help launch what we believe could be a very valuable member benefit.
Q. Is just the business owner eligible or does the offer extend to the rest of their family and/or their employees?
A. The discount would be generally extended to the designated business owner(s.) However, the business owner could make the purchase for other family members or employees. If a business would like to extend the offer to employees or family members, that is their option but that will be at the discretion of the participating business.
Q. How does the participating business verify that the person is a Chamber member?
A. The participating business can validate the person's membership by visiting the Resource Guide at our WEB site. Valid participants name will appear beneath the business name on our WEB site. We would also encourage the individual redeeming the discount to bring the printed email communication announcing the discount to the business as further proof. If a business chooses to extend the offer to members' families or employees, we will not be validate those individual's eligibility. However, we don't anticipate that people will take advantage of the program. If this does become an issue, we will look into creating a membership card to minimize issues.
Q. Are there any minimum requirements for the discount that is offered?
A. There are no minimum requirements in terms of percentage off or dollar value. However, the offer must not be available to the general public during the time period and must represent a unique savings opportunity for member businesses. We encourage businesses to offer a meaningful discount to make the program successful and a true benefit to other members. In addition, the offer can be available for no longer than a month. A business can choose a shorter time period if desired, as long as it does not last longer than a month.
Q. Do I have to offer a discount to take advantage of a discount?
A. No. You do not need to offer a discount for your own business in order to take advantage of discounts through the program. Participation in the program is purely optional.
Q. Is there a fee to participate either as a business who wishes to offer a discount or for a business owner who wishes to take advantage of a discount?
A. No. This is a member benefit covered by your normal membership fee.
Q. How will the businesses offering the discount be selected?
A. The program will be offered on a first-come first-serve basis. We will keep a running tally of interested businesses and work down the list. If a business has a need to offer a discount during a specific month or specific period of time, we will do our best to accommodate that, checking first with the businesses higher up on the list.
Q. How will the discount be communicated?
A. The discount will be communicated via an email blast to all members on the 1st of the month (or as close to the first of the month as possible.) The offer will be reiterated in our newsletter and will also be listed on our WEB site. We will not broadcast the discount on social media since it will not be available to the general public.
Q. What is the benefit to me offering a discount?
A. This is a chance to expand your customer base and take advantage of our membership of approximately 150 member businesses. In addition, your business will be featured at no cost to you on our WEB site and in various communications. We anticipate this discount program will benefit not only retail member businesses but also all businesses which offer business-to-business services. In addition, by participating, it shows your commitment to the Chamber and the communities it serves.
Q. Has this program been tried at other Chambers of Commerce?
A. Yes. Discount programs are a common benefit offered to Chamber members at a significant number of Chambers across the country. However, we are designing ours slightly different than some Chambers by placing a time parameter on the offer which allows participating businesses to offer a more substantial discount, allows our discounts not to become stagnant and encourages excitement and anticipation each month as members await the discount for that month. This "limited time" discount program has been offered at other Chambers with great success.
|
r Garden Tour & Tea scheduled for Saturday, July 16 and our Farm Tour scheduled for Sunday, August 21. We are putting the finishing touches on both events and look forward to showcasing the beauty, working landscape and the creative economy of the region. So mark your calendars!
