SPEND IT LOCAL
Empower your local businesses with our 'SPEND IT LOCAL'
Introducing SPEND IT LOCAL gift certificates that can be redeemed at local businesses, all proud Chamber members. Each certificate is a perfect way to show appreciation to friends, family, and coworkers while encouraging community growth. Purchasing certificates is easy and convenient; simply buy them online in just a few clicks!
Support Local Businesses
SPEND IT LOCAL is a ‘local businesses only’ eGift Certificate program powered by the Greater Vancouver Chamber, created to celebrate and support our local businesses. Instead of searching for the “perfect” gift, give the gift of choice. With SPEND IT LOCAL, your friends and loved ones can shop at a wide variety of participating local businesses, making it easy to find something special for everyone on your list.
Want to sign up your business as a participating merchant?
Join 50+ Thriving Local Businesses
Sign up online in just 60 seconds
Using basic contact information, sign up your business to accept SPEND IT LOCAL eGift Certificates.
Accept eGift Certificates from customers
Scan the unique QR code on each eGift Certificate, presented either digitally or on paper, using the free merchants app.
Cash in your eGift Certificates & get paid
Just log into your merchant portal and choose to be paid either through ACH bank transfer or paper check in the mail.
WHY JOIN SPEND IT LOCAL
Merchant Benefits
Be a local entrepreneurship leader by showing your commitment to your community. Participating in programs like SPEND IT LOCAL tells your customers and neighbors that you are here to stay.
WHY SHOP LOCAL
Good for you, great for business!
Shopping local strengthens our community, fuels our economy, and supports the businesses that make our area vibrant and unique. Your local purchase makes a big impact, keeping dollars close to home and helping our neighborhood thrive!
Advertise with GVC
Get your brand seen by a wide audience! By placing your ad on every gift certificate (both digital and printed), your message travels from the gifter to the recipient, and finally to the merchant. That's a lot of eyes on your company!
SPEND IT LOCAL FAQs
Get the answers to all your questions here.
Where can I spend my SPEND IT LOCAL eGift Certificates?
Click here for a full list of participating merchants.
What kinds of businesses accept SPEND IT LOCAL eGift Certificates?
Retailers, service providers, coffee shops, and restaurants that can accept in-person eGift Certificates transactions.
Do eGift Certificates expire?
No. We hope you support local business all year round!
Do I have to spend it all in one place?
Yes and no. Each eGift Certificate is worth $5, $10, $20, $25, $50, or $100. Each eGift Certificate needs to be spent during a single transaction. If your eGift Certificate has remaining funds after your purchase, the merchant will have the option to issue you in-store credit or a cash balance. This is up to the discretion of each merchant. If you’re not sure how the eGift Certificate(s) will be spent, we recommend purchasing several in small increments. For example, a single $50 eGift Certificate must be spent all at once at one merchant, but five $10 eGift Certificates could be used across several merchants.
Do I have to print my eGift Certificates?
No. eGift Certificate QR codes can be scanned from your mobile device via the confirmation email. The eGif Certificates QR codes must be presented at time of purchase. Once your code has been captured by a merchant it cannot be used again.
I lost my printed eGift Certificate! What should I do?
You can reprint the eGift Certificate(s) any time from the email you received when you purchased the eGift Certificates(s). eGift Certificates are only “spent” when they are redeemed at a retailer. For this reason, we recommend that you protect your eGift Certificates as if they were cash.
Can my eGift Certificate be used more than once?
No. Each eGift Card has a unique QR code that, when verified by a merchant, cannot be reused or reloaded.
Will I get a receipt?
Yes. A receipt will be emailed to the address that was used to make the purchase. If you do not see a receipt after your order, check your spam folder. In the case that you do not receive a receipt, please contact us at: YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com
Can I make a bulk corporate gifting purchase?
Yes. We encourage SPEND IT LOCAL for all sorts of corporate gifting! If you're buying certificates in large quantities (1,000+ eGift Certificates), please contact us at: YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com. We will be able to organize this on behalf of your company or organization, and even include your logo on the eGift Certificates. We can also add a special message to the redemption page.
FAQs Merchants
What kinds of businesses can participate in SPEND IT LOCAL?
Retailers, service providers, coffee shops, and restaurants that can accept in-person eGift Certificates transactions are welcome to join.
What does it cost to participate?
SPEND IT LOCAL program is an exclusive benefit for Chamber members. The merchants receive 100% back! The Chamber covers operational costs, as well as credit card fees. No additional POS system or equipment is needed.
What if I have multiple locations?
The more the merrier! If you have multiple locations, you'll only need to sign up once to participate as a SPEND IT LOCAL merchant. Just like your sophisticated POS system, our SPEND IT LOCAL program will track your purchases inside your merchant portal.
Can I integrate my Square POS System?
Yes, Square is compatible with your SPEND IT LOCAL merchant participation. There are a few steps to set this up:
- Add/ scan the items the customer is purchasing
- Hit charge (blue button at the bottom right) Hit "split amount" (top right)
- Enter the community cash amount. Continue
- Hit "more" then click "other gift card or certificate" (enter a note that states it’s community cash)
- Hit Record Payment (blue button, top right corner)
- Then if there is a remaining balance it can be paid like normal.
Will my employees have access to my merchant portal?
You control what your employees have access to. Your merchant portal hosts a variety of financial information and company details that, if you wish to keep private, you can restrict your employees' permissions to be only able to scan the QR codes for the program. Ensure your staff knows how to redeem these gift certificates by checking out our SPEND IT LOCAL Reference Guide.
How can I connect with other participating SPEND IT LOCAL merchants?
Join the Chamber's SPEND IT LOCAL Facebook Group, exclusively created for participating merchants!
What do I do when a customer does not spend their entire eGift Certificate?
Ensure they will continue to support your business on their next visit by issuing your own gift card for the remaining amount. You may also choose to issue cash back to the customer. As long as it is redeemed through your scan, you will receive the full cash amount of the SPEND IT LOCAL eGift Certificate.
I've signed up, but I don't see my business listed. What should I do?
Thank you for your interest in SPEND IT LOCAL! If you don't see your business listed under the participating merchants tab, this may mean you need to follow some additional setup steps. Try these steps:
- What's your industry? At this time, SPEND IT LOCAL is for retailers, service providers, and restaurants that can accept in-person gift certificate transactions. If you are unsure if you qualify to participate, please contact us.
- Check your email: If you qualify and you tried signing up but did not receive a Welcome Email guiding you to your Merchant Portal, make sure to check your spam folder. Additionally, check your 'blocked' senders.
- Sign up tutorial: Just in case, view this sign-up tutorial video to make sure you followed each of the proper steps. Watch sign up tutorial
- Setup tutorial: This video will guide you through the setup process for your Merchant Portal. Watch setup tutorial.