There are two ways of setting up stored value accounts for multi-unit operators as follows: 

Option 1: Pool Value Across Multiple Locations Affiliated under 1 Master Account (Pooling): 

Requires setup of multiple locations under a single master account with one login ID.

OR

‍Option 2: Keep Balances Separate Among Different Master Accounts (No Pooling): 

‍Requires setting up brand new accounts, each with their own unique login ID.

The litmus test that determines which direction to go is whether the operator wants to pool stored value (gift/rewards/comp balances) together in a giant pool to allow all locations the ability to redeem value regardless of where the value was originally loaded or earned.

Option 1: Pool Value Across Locations Affiliated under 1 Master Account

Creating one (1) master account with multiple locations affiliated enables all value to pool across locations so Mary Jane can use ALL her stored value (gift balances, rewards balances, and/or comp balances) at ANY location affiliated under the master account regardless of which location that value was originally loaded or earned. This option has the advantages of using a single login ID to access one back office account.  It is most commonly elected by multi-location operators under the same brand name with the same owner. In addition, all promotions such as Automated Promotions (Birthday, Account Activation, Mother’s Day etc.) and reward ratios are centralized (identical) among ALL locations under one master account. This means if the reward ratio is 10% instant cash back rewards with a $10 activation bonus, all locations offer 10% cash back rewards with $10 activation bonus. 

Furthermore, master accounts support only one (1) patron database including only one Text to Join keyword and one FROM email address for scheduled email marketing.  All patrons who signup from any list building source feed the same database. However, even with a master account containing multiple locations, transaction data is still reported by location inside the REPORTING> Reconciliation Report for ease of accounting reconciliation.   

In addition, master account administrators can query their database and segment customers based on the individual location customers most frequently patronize for running more targeted marketing campaigns on a location-by-location basis.  Better yet, we make location-specific targeting easier by supporting virtual subscriber lists of patrons who most frequently visit specific locations. These virtual lists are automatically refreshed daily under the location name to keep lists accurate inside Mobile Text Marketing and Scheduled Email Marketing modules.   

Adding locations to an existing master account is easily done through the back office by authorized users with Administrator security clearance by performing the following steps: 

1. Click or tap SETTINGS > Locations and click the Add button
2. Complete the online form to setup a separate location starting with the location name. This includes physical address details and contact info. Click the help icons for helpful descriptions of fields.
3. If adding locations yourself after initial installation, check with Technical Support to verify your terminal devices (e.g., VeriFone Terminals, POS integrated terminals) are assigned to the proper location in the database to keep reporting accurate. If using the Virtual Terminal, return back to SETTINGS > Users and SETTINGS > Clerk IDs and edit profiles as applicable to reflect which location each user or clerk works who is responsible for processing transactions.

NOTE: You may be charged additional fees for adding new physical locations under your master account. Check with your sales consultant or Technical Support to inquire. 

Pooling Stored Value Balances between Different Brand Name Businesses

There have been some instances of merchants electing Option 1 (Pooling) that operate two (2) different businesses under completely different brand names in order to take advantage of the pooling attributes this option offers. When this particular situation arises where the same owner owns 2 different businesses, the business name is usually edited to reflect two different brand names, for example, "Sunrise and Seminole Lanes" or "Captain Joe's and Alexander's Grill". The reason the business name must be edited in this way is so automated communications such as thank you note emails, birthday announcements, mobile text responses etc. reflect the proper branding elements and sender From name of both pooled locations. If the same owner operates more then 2 businesses (which would be a REALLY long business name) we recommend setting the business name to match the corporate entity (Iconic Properties Inc., for example) In addition, automated messages (Activation, Birthday, Thanks for Visiting, etc.) are customized to promote the logos and brands of both or multiple locations electing this strategy. This customization is important so patrons understand they can patronize any location inside the local coalition.

Option 2: Keep Balances Separate Among Different Master Accounts (No Pooling)

Under this option, each location is setup as its own master account and tracks balances completely separately from other locations. Redemptions can only be processed at the location where the value was originally loaded or earned. There is no pooling of gift balances, rewards balances or comp balances. However, by system design, balances can be accumulated separately among locations. For example, if Joe Smith earned $8.42 in rewards at Location A he could only redeem that $8.42 back at Location A. Joe could not redeem one penny at Location B or C. But if Joe visits all 3 locations, he would maintain 3 separate balances on his account. He may have $10.00 in rewards at Location A, $23.50 at Location B, and $12.52 in rewards at Location C. Joe can only redeem up to $10.00 at Location A, up to $23.50 at Location B and up to $12.52 at Location C.

This option is useful for multi-unit operators with different ownership structures over locations who do not want to complicate accounting by determining which locations need to reimburse other location(s) based on where the redemptions are processed in comparison to where the value was loaded or earned (a major hassle). If the same owner operates locations under different brand names (and possibly different marketing and promotion parameters), this option is also recommended since we can only print 1 business name on the transaction receipt. In addition, the email marketing and mobile marketing modules support only one FROM Name to identify the sender and one FROM email address so if an operator owns several different businesses and wants to maintain separate marketing and promotions among locations (decentralized) then each location should be setup as its own master account.

Please contact your sales consultant or Technical Support for assistance setting up a new master account.