T.R.I.P.
What is the TRIP program?
TRIP stands for Tuition Reduction Incentive Program. It is a fundraising program in which you purchase gift cards through the HSA and the gift card vendors offer the HSA a rebate on the purchase of the cards. The rebate is then split between the HSA and you. The HSA gets 60% of the rebate and you get 40%. The HSA portion is given to the school as part of the yearly fundraising commitment. Your portion of the rebate is applied to your tuition in May, prior to your last payment. If you are paid in full at that time you have the option of applying to the following year or receiving a check for the amount. This is a very important fundraising program for the school and an easy way for you to participate in fundraising without having to show up for something or spend any extra money than you would on a weekly basis. Simply buy cards every week for things you already buy like groceries, clothing, gas, and restaurants. It’s easy once you get started.
How much money can I earn by participating in this program?
The current TRIP year began on May 1, 2011. So far, the leading money earner in rebate is $467.20. Divided up that would mean $280.32 goes to HSA and the other $186.88 goes towards that persons tuition. There is no limit on what you can earn.
What are some of the places I can get gift cards for?
There are over 200 merchants that participate in the program. Some of the more popular ones are: Tops Markets, Tim Horton’s, Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart, Walgreens, Kohl’s, Amazon, Subway, Wendy’s, and Home Depot.
How can this work for me?
Simple, say you spend $200.00 a week on groceries shopping between Tops(100), Wegmans(American Express 50), and Wal-Mart(50). You also put $50.00 gas in your car and spend about $10.00 at Tim Horton’s. By purchasing gift card weekly to make your purchases you would be earning a weekly rebate of $7.13. Add this up weekly over the course of the year and you would have earned $370.76 in total rebate which breaks down to $222.46 for the school and $148.30 to you as a tuition credit. Now if you also make additional purchase around holiday time or birthdays you can earn even more. Or take the next step and enlist your family and friends to order through you on a weekly basis. You can really earn quickly.
How does the program work?
Orders are placed on Monday of each week unless the order center is closed. In that case the order will be placed on Tuesday. The gift cards are then distributed each Friday by being sent home from school with your children. Payment is due on Monday with the order. All orders are placed online at the website; www.shopwithscrip.com.
How do I get started?
You have received a manila envelope with this flyer. On the front of this envelope you will find your username for the website. Your initial password is the word school. You may keep that password or elect to change it if you wish. When you log on the first time you may be prompted to create some security answers for your account. Once in the account you can edit any of your personal information that you wish to have there. Please try to include your email address in the information as special offers for extra rebates will then be emailed to you.
Ok, I found my account, how do I place an order?
Here are step by step instructions to place your order:
- Go to the website – www.shopwithscrip.com
- Sign in using your username and password. You will see the following screen:
- The easiest ways to find a merchant is to use the express add found in the middle of the page. When you click there a search box will open up. As you type the name of the merchant you want it will pop up and you will be able to choose the merchant and denomination. Add the items you want to your cart.
- When you are finished adding all of the cards you want you click on checkout and confirm your order.
- Print out your order and send it to school on Monday in your manila envelope along with a check for the amount of the order made out to Fourteen Holy Helpers.
- Your order will be filled and sent home on Friday in your envelope with your child.
Is there another way to pay other than sending in a check?
Yes there is. Through the shopwithscrip website there is a service called Presto Pay. This is an automatic deduct from your bank account when you place the order. There is a .39 service fee for this however most families that already use it seem to like it. You can sign up for this on the website.
Is there any other way to order other than online?
At this time there is no paper order form. All orders have to be done via the website. If there is a strong demand for a paper ordering system we may revert to that however the use of the online ordering system makes the orders easier to place.
What do I do if I need help getting started?
On the website there is a user guide available to anyone that explains most of the system. You can also contact me at anytime and I will be more than happy to walk you through any problems you are having. I can be contacted via email at vtzjmz@verizon.net, or phone/text at 716-861-7819. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I would also appreciate it if everyone makes sure that they include their email address in their information on the website so that the coordinators can send you information when needed.
Remember this is a great way to earn money for the school and your tuition without having to fold chairs, sell tickets, or spend extra money. Please consider using it. Last year we were able to write a check for $5000.00 to the school. That was with an average of only 7 people a week using the program. I would love to double or triple that number.
You have to remember that with the % back, 40% goes back to you… 60% back to the school..
After you log in you can view all retailers by clicking on Shop near the top of the page and click on All Categories on the left side and you can order from there. If you click on a retailer, there is a spot to click on “add to favorites”.. if you do this, the next time you order you can just click on Favorites at the top and all your favorite retailers are already listed for you.. . any questions, please contact Jen at 310-4185, Val 668-6630 or Carol at 668-3528.
