Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does it cost me anything extra to shop in the mall and support my organization?
A. No. You do not need to register or pay anything to access the mall.
Q. Do I pay the same price when I shop through the mall, even though my organization is receiving a percentage of the purchases?
A. You pay the same price for merchandise when shopping at the stores through your mall as you would if you were shopping directly at the merchant’s web site. In fact, the price is often better, because we negotiate exclusive offers and promotions that are available through the mall. Many merchants also offer free shipping and often purchases made online are not subject to sales tax.
Q. How much will my organization earn by shopping through the mall?
A. There is no limit to how much your organization can earn. Every purchase you make through the mall earns your organization money.
Q. Why would anyone want to shop online when they could go into the actual store and get their items faster?
A. This is an important question! By shopping online, you will often find special deals and offers from merchants that you may not find in the store itself. Shopping online is also far more convenient, as you do not have to leave your home or office. There is often no sales tax on purchases you make online. The simple act of shopping online through the mall helps your organization to grow and prosper.
Q. Can I shop directly in a store and still support my organization?
A. In order for your organization to receive a percentage of online purchases made, you must first go to the mall and then shop at a merchant’s store. As a reminder – if you go directly to the merchant’s web site and shop, without first going to the mall, then your organization will not receive credit for the purchase. You must access the merchant through the mall.
Q. Can I order products from merchants over the phone, instead of going through the mall?
A. In order for your organization to receive a percentage of purchases, all purchases must be made through the mall.
Q. Is shopping online easy? Is it safe?
A. Shopping online is safe when shopping is done at well-known reputable merchant web sites. We only contract with the most reputable merchants on the internet and we bring the highest standards of suitability and taste to our selection of merchants. Using a credit card online is fast, safe, and easy; plus it saves time and travel. If you are ever uncomfortable with an online store or have questions about the way a merchant runs their online business, you are encouraged to contact the merchant directly to ask questions.
Q. Can only members of my organization shop at the mall?
A. No. The mall is open to anyone. You are encouraged to ask your friends and family to shop through the mall. Any purchases they make will be credited to your organization.
Q. Will anyone in my organization know what I bought or where I shopped?
A. No. Privacy is important. When you click on a merchant from the mall a unique id code is generated that identifies your organization to the merchant. When you make a purchase it is then credited to your organization
Q. How often can I shop? Do I have to spend a certain amount?
A. As you know, every penny counts when raising funds. You can shop as little or as much as you want and spend as little or as much as you want. From time to time the mall will have special offers, such as coupon codes and special discounts on merchandise. These specials will appear near the store’s name.
Q. What if I have a problem with one of the merchants or something I bought online?
A. If you have questions about shipping, merchandise or the services of any online merchant, you should contact that merchant directly for assistance.
Q. If I bought something from a merchant in the mall and later I receive a special offer direct from that merchant by email; and then click on the link they I was sent, will my organization get credit for any purchases?
A. No. Please remember that the ONLY way your organization will receive any money back from your purchases is if the purchase was made by first going through the mall. If you receive a special coupon code or discount offer from a merchant in your email, you should visit the merchant by first going through the mall and use the coupon code to make your purchase. Your organization will then receive proper credit for the purchase..
Q. What if I don’t want the merchants to contact me via email?
A. If you receive an email direct from a merchant, simply unsubscribe from their emails. There is usually an unsubscribe link at the bottom of the merchant’s email.
Q. Who do I contact if I want to return something I bought online or have problems with a merchant or with my order?
A. When shopping online at a merchant’s store, you should read the merchant’s return policy. For questions about individual merchant return policies, shipping rates, or what to do in case of a problem with an order, you should contact the merchant store online. Most merchants will have a customer service phone number or email address for any such questions.
Q. How do I know the online stores listed in the mall are secure?
A. Typically, when you begin to purchase or "check out" in an online store the transaction is moved to a secure server to encrypt and protect the information they provide.
There are two ways for you to tell if you are interacting with a secure server when you are providing confidential information -- the web site address in their browser window begins with https instead of http and a small lock icon appears in the bottom right of your web browser.
