|
Frequently Asked
Questions |
General Questions
Non-Profit Questions
General Questions
Internet retailers generate millions of
dollars annually. In this highly competitive market, online merchants
seek out publishing web sites that will advertise and provide links to
their stores. When someone accesses a merchant's store from one of
these publishing web sites and a purchase is made, the publisher is
paid a commission. When a non-profit joins SMC they are given a
tracking code. When you select your particular cause to support and
make a purchase at a retailer's web site, that non-profit is credited
with the sale and SMC forwards them their portion of the earned
commission.
No. The retail price is many times less than what you would find in a
physical store. The reason is that the merchant has less overhead
expense. The merchant views these commissions as advertising costs
similar to newspaper ads, billboards, TV, etc. It's the cost of doing
business.
No. Anyone that has Internet access may shop on the SMC Shopping
Network for free.
Non-profits receive 50% of all commissions earned.
It depends on the number of purchases made through the SMC web
site on your cause's behalf. Commissions range from as little as 1% to as much as 28% of gross
sales, not including shipping and taxes. The more people that your
cause can encourage to shop through the SMC web site the more money
they will make.
Commissions are paid by the merchants whose goods are sold to
individuals who linked to their web site from the SMC web
site. Payments come to SMC who in turn distributes 50% of the
commissions to the appropriate non-profit.
How do I
save money using the SMC Shopping Network?
The SMC Shopping Network
provides coupon codes that are issued from online merchants. Much like
a coupon you cut out of the newspaper, they are used to give you
discounts. When shopping a particular merchant always hit the Check for
Coupons & Specials link to discover available deals. In addition,
shopping online is generally less expensive because it cost merchants
less in overhead expenses. There are no floors to maintain or windows
to keep clean. Therefore, merchants can sell their products for less.
All this works together to bring you great savings when you shop.
Toward the top of each page there is a box preceded with the
words "You are currently supporting." The box will state the name,
city and state of the non-profit that
will receive commissions from your purchases. If you discover that you
are supporting in the wrong organization, simply go to the SMC Home
Page (http://www.supportmycause.net)
and select the non-profit you wish to support.
Can I donate to more than
one cause?
Yes. If you want to
divide your purchases simply return to
http://www.supportmycause.net after
making one purchase and choose another organization in the search
index. You can do this as many times as you like.
What if I do not
select a cause to support?
You may shop without
choosing an organization to support. Revenues generated from
those who shop without selecting a cause to support will be used by SMC
for operational expenses.
How can I make it so that each time I visit SMC my cause is selected?
The SMC Shopping Network
uses cookies which contain your organization's tracking information.
When you return to the SMC web site that information is retrieved and
the last organization that you supported is automatically selected. In
the event that cookies on your computer are deleted or expire, and you
see the "No Cause Selected" message, simply choose your organization
and the information will be re-recorded.
How can I
spread the word about Support My Cause?
Click here for ideas on spreading the word about SMC and your
cause's involvement.
Non-Profit
Questions
Yes. You not only save money by shopping online through the SMC
Shopping Network, but you are also earning
commissions. You will receive money back for the items you purchase.
To participate in the SMC Shopping Network your organization must be a
registered non-profit. This can include...
Each organization wishes
to participate in the SMC Shopping Network must go through an approval
process to confirm their legitimacy. Upon approval they will be
notified by email and further instructions will be given at that time.
At SMC's sole discretion, it reserves the right to refuse participation
to any organization in the SMC Shopping Network for any cause.
How much does it cost for a non-profit to join the SMC Shopping
Network?
Nothing. Participation
in the SMC Shopping by non-profit organizations is free.
Does SMC work with non-profit organizations outside of the United
States?
No. Currently we only
work with non-profits registered in the United States.
How can a
non-profit join the SMC Shopping Network?
Follow the instructions
on the SMC
Non-Profit Application Page.
How long will it take for an organization to be verified and their SMC
web site operational?
Approximately two weeks.
Delays will be incurred if the application is not filled out completely
or there is not ample documentation verifying your non-profit status.
Upon approval you will be notified by email with a set of instructions
on paying for the hosting services. Once this is completed your SMC web
site will be configured and made operational. You will be notified
again by email when your SMC web site is active.
When will the
non-profit receive a check?
Working on a 12 month
calendar schedule, organizations will receive checks quarterly. Checks
are mailed according to the following schedule:
1st Quarter - April 20
2nd Quarter - July 20
3rd Quarter - October 20
4th Quarter - January 20
Before a check is
mailed, there must be a minimum of $50 credited to the non-profit's SMC
account. If $50 is not reached in a given quarter, earned commissions
are carried over into subsequent quarters until the total reaches or
exceeds $50.
How does
a non-profit change it's contact information?
Resubmit the one page SMC Application
with the appropriate changes and mark it as an update.
If I run a non-profit how can I promote SMC to my supporters?
Click here for ideas on spreading the word to your supporters. |
