Way back when, several years ago when the Kwik Trip Scrip program was rolled out by then-Rotarian Brian Welke, I’ll admit – I didn’t get it! In fact, for probably close to two years, I didn’t get it. I would buy a $100 card to keep as a “rainy day” card for when money was tight, and I needed gas.
It never occurred to me that this was a way to pre-pay for my gas each month while helping Rotary do good things at the same time. With little or no effort on my part, frankly!
Then one day, Elizabeth Karsell and I were talking about the program, she said, “You know, every time you buy a card, Rotary gets 5% right off the top. And another 5% if you buy something in the store.” Or something along those lines.
And the light bulb clicked on! .png)
Since then, I’ve been purchasing $150 to $250 of Kwik Trip cards every month. I give half to my husband for his Kwik Trip gas and other purchases – remember, we get another 5% on in-store purchases!
So, get this – I buy $200 worth of Kwik Trip cards at the beginning of the month. Rotary gets $10 right off the top – Rotary pays $190 for $200 of value. Then, when one of us goes into Kwik Trip to buy bananas or donuts or other treats for the day, Rotary gets another 5%! If we use half of our Kwik Trip money for gas and the other half for in-store goods, Rotary gets $15 from those $200 of cards.
Then, let’s say you buy $100 worth of cards and do the same thing – that’s another $10 – that didn’t cost you a thing!! You say you don’t go into the store? Well, swipe your card at the pump and Rotary still receives $5 for your $100 purchase! Money you were likely going to spend there anyway.
Win-win – you win, Rotary wins! And the world wins since Rotary helps the world!
If half the club – that’s about 80 people – bought just $50 of Kwik Trip cards each month that would be $200 to the club with the potential for more on in-store purchases. Per month! That’s $1,200 per year! For buying gifts cards and shopping somewhere you likely shop already.
The really good news? WE’RE EXPANDING THE PROGRAM!!! That’s Right! We are adding Menards, Apollo Liquor and hopefully, Target (this one is in the works).
With Menards, it will work much the same as Kwik Trip – the Club purchases cards at a discount (we earn 4% with Menards) and sells them for full face value. Planning on doing some home repairs or remodeling? Know someone who is? Pre-pay for your Menards’ purchases with gift cards and help the club. Tell your friends and neighbors how they can help Rotary by doing the same thing.
Apollo will work just a little differently. You will be able to purchase $10 gift certificates (no cash value so no change) to use for purchasing beverages at any Apollo Liquor in Rochester. Planning a party and need some wine or spirits? Buy a few $10 gift certificates and help the Club. We earn 5% with Apollo.
As mentioned above, we are still in negotiations with Target to bring you the option to purchase their cards. We will let you know when this is ready to roll out.
Are you a local business owner? Do you offer rewards or other incentives to employees or customers? Buy your Kwik Trip cards from Rotary! We have several businesses that are already doing this – you can join them!
Gift Cards Make Great Gifts!
Need some great gifts? Kwik Trip cards make great Christmas stocking stuffers and Graduation gifts! Or imagine giving a new home owner a Menards gift card as a housewarming present! You and I both know that owning a house makes Menards one of your favorite places to shop! (And if you’re a realtor, what better way to say Thank You than with a Menard’s card that you bought from Rotary!)
One important thing to note – due to the cost of credit card processing, this is a cash or check-only program. As a Club, we pay 2.75% for each credit card transaction so with such small margins, we are not able to offer credit card purchasing with this program. (And that 2.75% is something to keep in mind with anything you do with the Club and use your credit or debit card . . . . just saying.)
So, grab your checkbook (if you have one) or get some cash from the closest ATM (Kwik Trip has fee-free ATMs!) and buy some gift cards – Kwik Trip for your gas and other in-store items, Menards for your home improvement needs and Apollo for your next party! I know I’ll be buying some Apollo gift certificates and Menards cards! Hope you will, too!