|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Business Owner Questions
Q. How many members are in my immediate area? What are your projections for membership in this area?
You may be in an area with a large number of MPM members, or in an area we're still working to expand. Regardless, you can know we are working as a team to explode membership in your area. A rapidly growing list of Local Merchants will ensure that will happen more quickly, and you will be on the front lines to benefit. Your Business Partnership Specialist, as well as other members in that area, are working RIGHT NOW to expand My Power Mall membership in your area.
The great thing is that it will not cost you a thing to be at the forefront of the Business Partnership Program in your area. You do not pay a penny until AFTER we have sent you business!
Q. How will you be marketing to my immediate area in the future?
Our members have a myriad of marketing tools to use - causing the explosive growth that took us from Zero members on March 19, 2007 to 98,000+ members on January 14, 2008 (the day we launched the Business Partnership Program.) They will use everything from television, radio & Internet advertising, to classified ads, Invitation Cards, E-cards, Emails, etc. The growth of the Business Partnership Program in your area will motivate our members to make My Power Mall grow even faster in your area. They will motivate you, and you will motivate them!
Q. Will I have to supply marketing tools for my business to share MPM? (Flyers, Cards, Desktop displays etc…)
Yes. You may choose to do nothing but be a local merchant and are not required to do anything to grow your My Power Mall business. But, if you choose to take advantage of the amazing opportunity My Power Mall offers you for extra income, you will be responsible, as an Independent Contractor, to provide the tools to share it. You will have access to all our FREE tools just like any My Power Mall member. The Change The World Flyer is exclusive to businesses and will be a powerful tool for you to use.
Q. How will I know MPM has been marketing my business to your members?
You will see your listing on the website. As the membership in your area grows, members will be directed to your business. You will also receive regular communication from not only My Power Mall but also the Business Partnership Specialist who brought you in to our program. They are committed to, and invested in, your success.
Q. As a member of the Local Merchant Program, am I still required to purchase one thing a month?
Yes. Every single MPM member has to meet this requirement. The great news is that there is not a business owner in the world that can not benefit from buying online and who will not have at least one thing to buy per month. The more important thing for you is to understand the true potential of MPM for businesses. I don't know any business that doesn't spend at least $150 on things for their business. And who else does a business owner know? Other business owners. If you just knew 10, who knew 10, who knew 10... and all they were doing was buying for their business needs (not to mention their personal needs & wants) - WOW! If you can truly understand the power of this then you will be one giant step closer to creating true financial freedom - incredible extra income on top of your business income.
Q. How long does it take to start seeing an income or increase in traffic?
That's really impossible to predict. It will depend on the area and how many shopping members are there. We are laying the foundation right now – giving you a chance at “first shot” in your area. We can make no guarantees about income or increased traffic but please know we don’t make money if you don’t make money, and there is no risk to you because you are paying nothing. Just please know there are many members in your area working to build their teams - daily bringing on more people who will shop in your business.
Q. How exactly does the Discount/Rebate work?
Let's say you offer a 15% discount. When the customer comes in they will actually pay full price. In order to get the discount they MUST pay with their MPM Debit Card. When they pay using the card our system will track the purchase and know that 15% of the purchase price will be billed to you at the end of the month. That % will then go into our Pay Plan and be paid out to our members.
Q. How do you track the members coming into my business?
Through the Debit card. When that part of the system is ready we’ll have you register with the Debit Card company at no charge and then every time a My Power Mall Debit Card is used in your business, it will track it. You’ll have real time access to the reports so you can see what is happening on a daily, or hourly, basis! This is cutting edge technology that is truly allowing us to help businesses while we harness spending to change the world!
Q. Can a business get other business to sign up? If so, what do I get for doing that?
Certainly. You are a My Power Mall member and can share it with other business owners and create another source of income. However, we are in a Pilot Program mode until March 1, 2008. Talk with your Business Partnership Specialist to make sure we're ready for you to move in that direction. A better idea, until the Pilot Program is over, would be to ask your BPP Specialist to contact them. Don't worry - they will put them on your MPM team. :)
Q. If I sign up, am I locked into doing this?
No. It’s free to come in and you’re free to leave at any time. There are no penalty clauses for either the Processing, GTEKS, or MPM.
Q. What if I change Merchant Processing companies? Does my machine have to be re-programmed?
It depends on what current technology you are using. The key thing to know is that JetPay will take care of everything. If you require new equipment, as long as you have a minimum of $10,000 monthly in credit card charges there will be no charge for the equipment. In most cases, any activation can be done within 48 hours or so (without your current system having any down time), just by working over the phone with a Jet Pay representative.
Q. What happens if I sell my business?
The new owner will have to elect to continue the program; become an MPM member and sign new agreements with GTEKS and JetPay. The good thing is that if you been successful with the program, you will be eager to tell the new owners about it - knowing the projected sales figures you based the sales of the business on was partly dependent upon the MPM Local Merchant Program.
Q. What will it cost to be listed in the Local Merchant Directory?
Nothing. It is a feature of the FREE BPP Program. There will be some kind of cost if you want to be one of a handful of "featured" merchants but that program has yet to be fully defined.
Q. Can merchants be listed on the Mall if they do not accept the Debit card?
No. It is a benefit exclusively for our members if they offer a discount and accept the Debit Cards. If they ever stop doing that, they will be removed from the website and lose the exposure.
Q. Will I be able to sign up online?
You can certainly sign up for My Power Mall online. The processing application must be both faxed and mailed in. The Debit Card application will be an online process but you will also have to mail in original documents with their signature.
Q. Will I be able to change the discount amount myself? Will I have control over my information?
Yes – when we fully launch the Local Merchant Program you will have full control over the content in your listing. You will be able to access your back office area via a secured password. Their will be parameters around the percentages but we still have to determine exactly what they are. Once they have been determined you will not be able to offer a lower % than what we have set.
Please understand that you want to offer the highest % discount possible. If members have two dry cleaners to choose from, they are going to choose the one that offers the highest %. If they are close in %, they will probably choose the business closest to them, but if there is a huge disparity they will drive further to get the best discount. You want to be generous and strategic in your planning in order to maximize your benefits.
Q. Will I be able to specify when I will accept the debit card? (EG: Mondays and Wednesdays only)
No. We are sending you business. We require you to honor our members by offering them the discount all the time – not making them play games.
Q. Is there ANY RISK to the merchant with this form of advertising?
No. We simply give you a web presence and direct our members to shop at your place of business. Only then do you have to pay the discount you have agreed to pay.
Q. Does the Merchant have to sign some form of contract?
There are agreements and contracts with MPM, GTEKS and JetPay but none of them have a penalty clause for leaving.
Q. What are the obligations for a participating Merchant?
You must first be a My Power Mall member. Then you must agree to provide a reasonable discount to draw members in. Realize we have very savvy shoppers. They will want to do business with those that are offering the best discounts and the best service. You must also promptly pay the discount amount at the end of each month. If these conditions are not met your store will be deactivated and will no longer be promoted on the Mall.
Q. I understand this is some form of a “Loyalty Rewards” Program…How does this work?
Every business owner craves customer loyalty but also struggles with how to achieve it. Large Merchants have been using personalized Loyalty Rewards Programs for years. It has been proven to be extremely successful and many customers will not use a Merchant…unless they can earn Rewards for doing so! However, the truth of the matter is that it costs many thousands of dollars and in some cases millions of dollars to create and implement & track these Loyalty Rewards Programs.
The My Power Mall Business Partnership program gives merchants of any size the same opportunity that the “Big Companies” have. Loyal My Power Mall members will become loyal customers of your business because they will receive a reward every time they shop or do business with you!
Q. Is this software capable of processing on an International basis?
The ability for International businesses to benefit from the Local Merchant Program is dependent upon the Debit Card. Once it is available Internationally we will be able to expand this program to other countries - advancing strategically so it doesn't grow faster than we can handle well. Certain countries will also be able to offer processing, but again we will expand strategically.
Q. Can I offer more than one percentage at any one time for specified items? Eg. Could I choose to give a higher discount for the higher markup items such as “SERVICE” items?
No. We will have your % programmed into the Debit Card system. When a card is run, it will pull that % amount and bill you for the total activity on a monthly basis.
Q. If someone asks me how they can participate in my “Loyalty Rewards Program” what should I tell them to do?
Tell them you will be thrilled to get them started! Let them know they will have to join My Power Mall for Free. Give them a World Changer Flyer with your MPM ID# on it, hand them an Invitation card, or send them an email with a link to your My Power Mall site. You will be building an additional source of income in addition to building your customer base.
Q. What does the window Decal look like?
We're working on it - but it will resemble the business card and the flyers - with the blue globe on it.
Q. Can the Merchant have their Promotional materials Customized with their own LOGO?
If you want to use company approved materials and pay to have your logo on it - as long as there is also a company approved MPM logo on it - it's okay.
Q. What is the best way for a business to promote My Power Mall?
That will the different for every merchant. Some will have a natural venue to put out Invitation cards, etc. Some won't and some won't feel comfortable with it. We encourage all of you to utilize the flyers being created right now. These flyers will have a motivational story on one side, ideas from the 101 Ways Series and a promo of Together We Can Change The World Day, as well as a promo for My Power Mall - with the business owners website on each side. You can give a flyer to every customer. This is a perfect way for you to share your business and also have a positive impact on the world.
As we move forward as a team we will develop a whole list of ideas that will apply to businesses. In the meantime, all business owners will benefit from 101 Ways to Promote My Power Mall!
Q. Is there somewhere I can go to read a detailed list of all the “Benefits” of participating in this Local Merchant Program?
Watch the presentation and read the website. It will tell you everything.
Q. How can I find out more about the “Together We Can Change The World” Foundation?
Click Here to learn more about the Together We Can Change The World, Inc. divisions.
Q. How long has MPM and TWCCTW been in business?
TWCCTW was born almost 6 years ago. My Power Mall launched on March 19th, 2007.
Q. Do all my Customers have to purchase an MPM Debit Card in order to participate in my “Customer Loyalty” Program?
Yes. Any customers who want to benefit from this program must first become MPM members and then buy their Debit card. This will not only bring your more customers, it will help you develop another source of income and deepen your bond with your customer - now you are their sponsor into an exciting program as well!
Q. What is the Cost and procedure associated with this?
An MPM Debit Card costs $14.95. It can be bought from the GTEKS store in your Power Mall. What's exciting about this is that we're giving you a totally FREE system and then allowing you to share it with your customers for FREE, and for just the cost of a Debit Card be able to benefit from shopping in their local area from many merchants. What a powerful way to keep people shopping locally!
Q. How soon will my Customers receive their REBATE REWARDS?
There is the same 45-60 day payment delay as there is on the Mall. While we can track the purchases on a daily basis, we only bill for payment on a monthly basis, and then there will be a period of time for payments to be received by GTEKS and then forwarded on to MPM. Just like with the Online Mall, once the rebates start to flow they will continue on forever!
Q. How do they receive them? Or how do they get paid?
All payments are made to an MPM Debit Card once they have reached a minimum of $25.00 in earnings.
Q. Where can I see details of ALL THE BENEFITS and SAVINGS that my Customers will receive by participating in this Merchant Loyalty Rewards Program?
You simply need to understand the benefits of being a My Power Mall member. Watch the presentation and see for yourselves how financial freedom can be achieved by harnessing the power of EVERYDAY spending!
Q. Should I encourage all my employees to become MPM Members?
We would certainly encourage you to get all your employees involved. They certainly don't have to join but you could give them the benefit. Think about it this way; you're providing your employees a way to have financial freedom. What if each employee had a stack of their own flyers and could put one in the bag of every customer they waited on - or if they alternated which flyers went out (if you have that kind of business). Don't you think that would foster tremendous loyalty and goodwill? The employees would be building their own business, while they are building your business as well!
Q. Can my customers shop in my website and earn rebates as well?
Not yet. That is part of the total plan and will be available by late spring. Then you will be able to drive people there as well - giving them access to our national & global membership. In the meantime, you can benefit greatly from just the local shoppers as the membership grows in that area.
Q. Will there be some form of MAPPING SERVICE that will be available to help people to find my location…along with driving instructions?
We're looking into that software. It will be a part of the website before we launch it.
Q. In what order are all Merchants listed on the Local Merchant Mall Directory pages?
The shopper will have an option of listing merchants either alphabetically or by % discount offered.
Q. How many total Categories will Merchants have to choose from?
We're still working on the exact design specifications but we are working to make it as user friendly as possible.
Q. How many pertinent Categories can any Merchant choose to be displayed on? Is there a limit?
We're still working on the exact design specifications but will let you know in plenty of time to make those decisions.
Q. What kind of Search Features will the site have?
Members will be able to search through the Category Directory, as well as by Business Name, State, City & Zipcode.
Q. Will Ibe able to offer any form of COUPONS that could be printed off from the MPM Merchants Site?
No. The idea is that you don't have to do that anymore. The Debit card will provide a way for you to give an "instant coupon".
Q. What if I do not already have any Business web site of my own. Can I still participate?
Certainly. That's part of the beauty of this. It allows merchants who have no internet presence at all to have one - at no cost!
Q. What is the Association with “Together We Can Change The World”, and how does this effect and/or benefit the Merchant?
Ahhh... this is one of my favorite questions. Businesses everywhere search for a way to have a positive community/national/global image. Savvy consumers are looking to give their business to businesses who care about the world. In addition to giving the business owner a way to gain customers and additional income we are giving them a way to Make A Difference! A generous portion of every purchase will go back to national & global charities, as well as promoting Together We Can Change The World Day. A generous portion of every processing fee will do the same thing. We also give you a flyer you can share with every single customer - motivating them, giving them ideas for making a difference, and sharing your My Power Mall. with them. We also give you a copy of 101 Ways Your Business Can Change The World.
We are partnering with you and giving you all this because we want you to help us change the world; while we're helping you succeed!
Processing Service Questions
Q. Is the 1.65% processing fee for merchants guaranteed or does it depend on credit?
Guaranteed...for card present at the Point of sale.
Q. Who is actually providing this service. Where can I learn more about them?
All of our Processing services are provided Jet Pay Merchant Services. Jet Pay is a leader in Credit Card Services and is committed to quality Customer Service. Ask your Business Partnership Specialist for further details.
Q. How do I get this service?
Your Business Partnership Specialist will help you fill out the Application and other simple forms. Once you have been approved (99% approval rate) you will receive a call from Jet Pay and they will handle everything to get you set up.
Q. What if I currently have a lower % fee?
We will match whatever fee % you are currently paying as long as we can verify it with documentation AND we will still give you the 15% back.
Q. What is the monthly fee for credit card processing?
There is no monthly fee like most other businesses pay. There is just a minimal $7.00 charge for receiving your statement, though you will also be able to check everything "real time" online any time you want to.
Q. Is a contract required?
The service/processing agreement is required to make sure the business is viable. However, there is no penalty clause if you want to leave.
Q. What if I would like to use your service, but have a contract that will charge me a penalty to leave?
Provide us with a copy of your contract and we will cover the penalty.
Q. Is there a reprogramming fee to use my current equipment?
No - as long as Jet Pay is certified on it. If not, Jet Pay will replace it a their cost with your current machine as a trade in. As long as you have a minimum of $10,000 in monthly credit card charges, there will be no cost at all.
Q. Is 24 hour customer service available to merchants?
When you become a JetPay client, you will be provided with contact information.
Q. Is there immediate support for us as in someone we can call or someone the merchant can call?
For any sales question, please contact your Business Partnership Specialist.
Q. Is there any software or hardware to install?
Yes - if you use the Virtual terminal that is recommended. Jet Pay will do the install and training...all you need is a computer and high speed Internet.
Q. Will there be any down time or inconvenience associated with the set up?
We just need to schedule a time for the setup. It will be done at your convenience.
Q. Can a Business do just the Credit Card Processing, but not join MPM and want to be a Local Merchant?
Yes. We would hate for you to miss all the other benefits, but you do have that choice.
Debit Card/GTEK Questions
Please remember that this part of the Business Partnership Program will not be available until late February, and that you will receive email notification as well as communication from your Business Partnership Specialist when we are ready to roll it out.
Q. How do I register for the Local Merchant Program and to accept the MPM Debit Cards?
In order for a merchant to be approved as a member of the Local Merchant Rebate Program they will need to be entered into the system by a MPM member via the GTEKS MPM web store merchant sign-up interface. All information must be mailed to and confirmed by GTEKS prior to the local merchant being activated. Local merchants that are approved for the Local Merchant Rebate Program will receive an email with their Local Merchant Rebate Program merchant ID and a randomly generated password via the email address they submit in their application. Local merchants will be able to reset their passwords once they have successfully logged into the Local Merchant Rebate Program the first time.
In order to complete the application process the following information will be required unless noted otherwise:
Complete physical address
Contact Name
Company Name
Hours of operation
Rebate % offered (must be 5% or more)
Main Phone Number
Secondary Phone
Fax Number
Email address
Web address (optional)
Company description
EIN #
SSN of the owner(s)
Copy of owner(s)’ drivers licenses or other valid government issued id
Date of birth of owner(s)
Last two year of financials (only for loading station and retail debit card sales capability)
Bank Reference
Trade References (two)
Bank Institution Name
Routing Number
Bank Account Number
Name on Bank Account
Address on Bank Account
Pre Authorization Automated Clearing House (ACH) agreement
Voided check
It is important to understand there is no guarantee of acceptance and their activation will not be immediate. Activation will require the receipt and verification of all information. Additionally, in order for a merchant to be approved as a loading station additional documentation and processor approval will be required. Time constraints are out of the control of MPM or GTEKS.
Q. Will I be able to change my discount amount and other information myself?
Yes – when we fully launch the Local Merchant Program you will have full control over the content in your listing. You will be able to access your back office area via a secured password. Their will be parameters around the percentages but we still have to determine exactly what they are. Once they have been determined you will not be able to offer a lower % than what we have set.
Please understand that you want to offer the highest % discount possible. If members have two dry cleaners to choose from, they are going to choose the one that offers the highest %. If they are close in %, they will probably choose the business closest to them, but if there is a huge disparity they will drive further to get the best discount. You want to be generous and strategic in your planning in order to maximize your benefits.
Q. How will multiple locations be handled? Will each be a separate account?
Q. How long will it take for my “Loyalty Rewards” program to be up and running?
GTEKS will develop an easy to navigate web interface for the registration of new merchants into the Local Merchant Rebate Program. The online interface will include an online version of the agreements(s) and application(s) for the member or merchant to complete as well as links to download and print blank merchant agreement(s) and application(s) for the merchant to complete and mail back to GTEKS. These downloadable forms will be in a .pdf format.
MPM members will have merchant’s complete downloadable Local Merchant Rebate Program agreement(s) and application(s). These agreement(s) and application(s) must be completed, signed by both the local merchant and the registering MPM member and mailed to GTEKS in order for the merchant to be processed. An original hard copy of the agreement(s) and application(s) must be received at the GTEKS corporate offices at:
LMRP
c/o GTEKS
139 Sparrow Drive, Suite 1E
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
** All registrations received on or before the 10th of the month, pending approval, will be activated on the 15th of the month.
** All registrations received on or before the 25th of the month, pending approval, will be activated on the 1st of the upcoming month.
Q. How are the rebates paid out of the merchants account?
All local merchants that are signed up to the Local Merchant Rebate Program will offer a discount/rebate for all MPM/GTEKS cardholders based on their specific agreement with MPM and GTEKS. GTEKS will debit merchant rebates via ACH from the merchant’s chosen funding source monthly. Merchants will pre-authorize GTEKS to debit rebates automatically. There will be a $25.00 decline fee charged in cases where an ACH fails. ACH’s will be attempted one time per day for three days before local merchant account is suspended and it is deactivated on the Local Merchant Mall.
Invoices for the amounts debited will be made available in the merchant interface for merchants to review when they log in.
Q. How will I know it is in operation?
You will see your store on the Local Merchant Mall, will receive a package of information from GTEKS, and will also be contacted by your Business Partnership Specialist to congratulateyou when you are added in - assuring you they are there with you every step of the way!
Q. Can a Merchant be removed from the Mall?
Yes. There are a couple instances in which this could happen:
Non Payment: If GTEKS is unable to receive rebate funds from the local merchant after three attempts, the merchant will be suspended from the Local Merchant Rebate Program until the full balance is paid. Suspended merchants that pay to date will be made active on the 10th or 1st of the upcoming month. In any case where GTEKS feels that a merchant is showing a case of chronic delinquencies, they may, at their sole discretion terminate a merchant’s rights to membership in the Local Merchant Rebate Program. GTEKS will cancel all merchant memberships to the Local Merchant Rebate Program after 90 days of suspension and the merchant will need to pay any outstanding balances before they reapply for membership approval.
Unethical Behavior: If we discover a merchant is involved in unethical business practices, or is involved in any way with Pornography, terrorism or hate crimes, they will be removed from the Local Merchant Program and My Power Mall immediately.
Q. Will the merchant receive some kind of notification each time a transaction is made?
You will not receive notification because that would just clog up your email box but MPM Merchants will have the ability to see their transaction histories and will have the option of viewing or downloading files through a link in the GTEKS MPM web store by date range. The merchant login will be their MPM Merchant ID and respective password.
Q. Does the merchant have to pay for any “TRACKING” costs?
No. It is all part of the FREE program.
Q. Will the Merchant be able to see all Stats in “Real Time”?
Yes - through the password protected area in the GTEKS store.
Q. Where can the merchant find details about this Debit Card and the Supplier?
Though the initial card may be the generic, black CashPass card, very soon it will be a My Power Mall branded card so they will recognize our members instantly. We're working on bank approval for the art work (takes a few weeks to go through the process) and then we'll be getting 18,000 printed (the minimum # we can print to be cost effective).
Q. Are there any Security issues or risks pertaining to this Debit Card or the whole Rebate process?
No. Every piece of information will be encrypted and protected.
Q. Will I have the opportunity to sell Debit Cards through my business and become a loading station?
Yes. All the details will be available as we get closer to that time. Just let your Business Partnership Specialist know if you are interested so they make sure you get the information you will need.
|
