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In the world of fundraising, organizations like FundScrip offer a seemingly effortless way to raise money for various causes. Shifting supporter payment behaviour, however, can be more difficult than anticipated for fundraiser administrators. Many supporters are accustomed to using credit cards for convenience and rewards, making it challenging to persuade them to change their payment method to using gift cards for regular shopping, which requires more forethought. Unlike credit/debit cards that allow for impulse purchases, using gift cards requires planning since they have to be ordered and received before shopping with them. However, by understanding the psychology behind payment behaviour, administrators can employ effective strategies to encourage supporters to adopt gift cards and purchase them with FundScrip's no-fee payment methods.

Encouraging Supporters to Pay for Everyday Expenses Using Gift Cards

Highlighting the Benefits: To encourage supporters to embrace the use of gift cards, administrators should highlight their benefits:

a) Budgeting: Creating a budget for your various expenses is a great way to spend within your means and increase your savings. Promote the idea that supporters can practice responsible financial behavior using gift cards. If supporters commit to making their everyday purchases with their FundScrip gift cards, they can easily spend within their budget and avoid unnecessary debt or interest charges associated with credit card usage. By highlighting how gift cards facilitate responsible financial management, administrators can turn the program’s preparation aspect into a positive for their supporters.

b) Convenience: Even with possible budgeting positives when using gift cards, credit and debit cards are still psychologically powerful impulse-facilitating payment methods. But, with FundScrip, any potential gift card inconveniences are mitigated thanks to the vast selection of our participating retailers, which allows supporters to shop where they normally would for their everyday expenses such as groceries, gas, or online shopping. This flexibility, similar to that of credit/debit cards, provides a smooth transition once supporters have gotten used to the planning aspects of the program.

Advanced Notification

Using gift cards to pay for all your expenses may initially seem simple, but it can be challenging for people to adopt this behaviour. By informing supporters about the upcoming campaign, administrators can give supporters time to plan and adjust their payment behavior accordingly. This proactive approach allows supporters to prepare and embrace the change mentally.

The Power of Group Psychology

Harnessing group psychology can be a powerful tool to drive change in payment behavior. Organizing regular meetings with the fundraising group allows those who have successfully switched to gift card payments to share their experiences. Hearing success stories from peers can motivate other supporters to follow suit. Additionally, these meetings can serve as a platform for addressing concerns and guiding those hesitant to change their payment behavior.

Using No-Fee Payment Methods When Purchasing Gift Cards from FundScrip

With the convenience of online transactions, supporters can contribute to their chosen cause by ordering gift cards via the FundScrip platform. However, if supporters use their credit cards to purchase gift cards through FundScrip, the donation percentages are reduced by 1.99%. In other words, money that could go to the fundraising cause would instead go to credit card processing fees. Administrators should remind supporters of this point, as they will likely want their efforts to yield maximum results.

Although the credit card fee is indicated when supporters order gift cards from FundScrip, many still choose this option because of its familiarity. Therefore, it's important to communicate to supporters the free alternatives' safety and ease of use.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): EFT is recommended for its relatively quick processing time. Money is directly withdrawn from the supporter's selected bank account, and all orders placed before 9:30 AM EST are processed on the same day. Setting up EFT is easy, either by submitting a photo of a cheque or by connecting to your online banking account via PLAID.

Online Bill Payment: Supporters can use Online Bill Payment as an alternative to credit cards. However, it's important to note that OBPS has a slower processing time, taking up to 3 business days before FundScrip receives payment. Other details and FAQs for this payment method can be found on FundScrip's online bill payment page.

Emphasize that the full donation percentages are retained using gift cards purchased via EFT or OBPS, ensuring that every dollar spent goes towards the cause.

Changing payment behavior can be a daunting task for fundraising organizations. However, administrators can persuade supporters to switch to gift card payments by employing psychological strategies. Utilizing advance notification and regular meetings can motivate and inspire supporters to make the change. Additionally, by communicating the ease of use and maximum results of FundScrip’s no-fee payment methods, administrators can increase the success of their FundScrip campaigns.