3 Discount Card Fundraiser Misconceptions to Avoid

What schools need to know about selling discount cards.

Many groups use discount card fundraising as their way to raise money. They are helpful to the consumer because they help them save money at some of the more popular stores and restaurants they already frequent. In addition, discount cards can be used repeatedly over an extended period.

Discount cards are easy to carry and don’t break or melt. This makes them convenient for both the fundraising sponsor and the buyer. And even though there are several advantages to choosing a discount card fundraiser, there are also some misconceptions about them.

1. Beware of Low Card Order Requirements

Before deciding on a discount card program, many groups ask themselves two questions:

1. What is the minimum order requirement?
2. What is our cost per card?

When comparing school fundraising companies, if you see a minimum order requirement below 250-500 cards with a profit more significant than 50%, chances are you’ll be required to find and submit your businesses for the back of your card. If you don’t have the time to go out and find your vendors, then deciding solely on order volume and cost is probably not your best approach.

2. Not All Discount Cards are Created Equal

Suppose you want a personalized card with your local businesses on the back. In that case, you probably won’t want a generic savings card using national brands that require additional steps, like online redemption. These cards usually come with a low order obligation and a higher profit, but there’s a reason for this. Some hoops, like registration requirements, usually involve disclosing personal information. These cards are also produced in very high quantities, saturating the market.

Instead, we recommend going with a card that offers the discount directly off your bill at the physical place of business. The only way to do this is to hand your discount card directly to the merchant at the time of purchase.

3. Customized Cards Take Time to Build

There’s no way around it. If you want a customized card that offers discounts at popular local establishments that you preselect, you’ll need to be willing to plan your discount card fundraiser. The average build time is around 4-6 weeks. Then, once you receive your cards, you can offer a personalized card with your own handpicked businesses on the back that no one else can offer. Only then have you established a niche.

See our discount card fundraiser.

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.