OUT THE BOX

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

ORGANISE WHIP-ROUNDS THE EASY WAY

A NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN MICONEX AND COLLECTION POT MAKES IT EASIER THAN EVER TO ORGANISE ONLINE COLLECTIONS FOR ANYONE FROM STAFF AND TEACHERS TO KEY WORKERS ANDGOOD CAUSES.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

Collection Pot, an online service that allows anyone to organise online collections while also ensuring that the money raised is spent in local businesses.

HOW DOES THAT WORK?

Retailers can simply set up a Collection Pot then ask for donations from whoever they choose, using social media, in-store POS, local press or whatever channels they choose. The money donated is collected online and then converted into a pre-paid MasterCard that can be used in stores in the local area that participate in Miconex’s Town and City Gift Card programme.

A MODERN VERSION OF THE ‘WHIP ROUND’?

Exactly. With cash less common than ever and lockdown in place, Collection Pot allows retailers to collect money digitally for any type of good cause – and hand that money out in a format that ensures the money donated is spent locally.

WHAT COULD RETAILERS USE IT FOR?

The uses are limited only by their imagination. They could set up a Collection Pot to let local customers show their appreciation for the hard-working staff in the store. They could organise a Collection Pot to thank the local nursery or to show their appreciation for NHS workers in their local community. The list is endless.

AND THE MONEY IS RETAINED IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY?

That’s the key point. The company behind Collection Pot initially allowed the donations to be converted by the grateful recipients into Amazon vouchers or vouchers for big brands like Apple, but Miconex worked with them to develop a system through its Town and City Gift Card programme that ensured that every penny donated would be spent in hyper-local businesses.

HOW MANY CITIES AND TOWNS OPERATE A TOWN AND CITY GIFT CARD PROGRAMME?

Forty-three at the moment, but that number is growing constantly with 20 more in the pipeline. Around 5,500 businesses across the UK currently accept the cards and, what’s more, the typical ‘overspend’ is 65%. In other words, if a recipient receives a £10 card, they typically spend £16.50 in the store.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?

Email Colin Munro at Miconex here: colin@mi-cnx.com or visit www.mi-cnx.com