[MainstreetManagers] Helpmainstreet.com

[Buffy Hughes]

Hi all.  I've been researching and playing with the gift card site called Helpmainstreet.com.  It is a one stop shop to buy gift cards for businesses, and it's searchable by town or business.  I can type in Okmulgee, OK and every gift card available will pop up.  Below is a link to the Forbes article.

This is a crowdfunded platform to support shops and restaurants, and their workers, keep afloat through gift card purchases.  100% of the money goes to the business owner.  There are NO fees to join, NO service fees - nothing.  It was developed specifically to help local businesses that are in need because of COVID-19.

What to do...
When you launch the site, there is a search function (by merchant, city, zip), and a button if you don't see your favorite business.
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If you don't see your favorite business, click and you will be asked 6 questions.


1.       Business Owner or Patron

2.       What is your name?

3.       What is your email?

4.       What is the name of the business you're submitting?

5.       What is the business full address? (including zip code)

6.       Got a link to the gift card website page?

a.       Copy and paste the URL or if there isn't one, then

b.       No problem! Please nudge your favorite business to contact their Point of Sales provider for a gift card solution or use Square, for an independent setup.

Send this link and have them sign up!

I played with it and added my sister's bakery in Memphis, TN (she had a URL for gift cards) and I added The Black Scintilla.
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When I was done with the six questions, I received the message that the businesses would be live in 24 hours.

The catch is that there has to be a url for gift cards, but the site could evolve.  It's only been up and running for a week.

This is something you can do for your businesses right now.  Include a link on your site and publicize it.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/monicamelton/2020/03/18/a-new-site-to-donate-gift-cards-could-help-your-favorite-restaurant-survive-the-coronavirus-shutdown/#48ef707ff03a

Have a good day,
Buffy

Buffy Hughes
State Main Street Director
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
900 N. Stiles Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73104
E: Buffy.Hughes at okcommerce.gov<mailto:Buffy.Hughes at okcommerce.gov>
P: 405.815.5249
C: 405.664.1260
OKcommerce.gov/main-street


[OKLAHOMAMAINSTREETCENTER]

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