About the Program
Visit Occoquan Gift Cards are a new way to promoting shopping small in our community. These cards will be used as prizes for town events and promoted and sold to people in our community and around the United States.
Visit Occoquan Inc. is the community coordinator for this program and is working directly with Giverrang, a Connecticut company that works exclusively with non-profit communities, helping to support the #shopsmall movement.
How to Join
Submit this form to opt-in to the Occoquan Gift Card Program. You may opt out at any time by emailing us at info@visitoccoquanva.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to be in the program?
Nothing! It is free to join and there are no fees for businesses to participate.
When will the program start?
We are scheduled to launch to the public on Monday, March 11, 2024.
How does it work?
Just like a credit card. It's that easy!
How am I paid for the purchase?
Redemption is handled by Mastercard and paid out by your payment processor. Your payout will come at the same time as any other Mastercard you accept.
Do I need to have a storefront or physical location to participate?
No! Any Occoquan business can be in the program regardless of whether they have a physical space. Simply ask your customer to give you the card details over the phone (or in a secure manner) and enter them manually into your point-of-sale (POS) terminal. It's the same as taking a credit card payment remotely.
Can I accept Occoquan Gift Cards if the customer is not physically present?
Yes! If your customer is not physically present, simply have them give you the 16-digit card number, expiration and CVC code on their card over the phone (or in a secure manner) and enter that code manually into your point-of-sale (POS) machine or virtual terminal.
Where can customers purchase a gift card?
Gift Cards may be purchased at visitoccoquanva.com (a page will go live on Monday, March 11, when the program is ready to launch). Visit Occoquan also plans to sell gift cards at various events, when possible. We will provide in-town businesses interested in promoting the program with a small QR code sign, directing people on where to purchase online.
Will every gift card look and work like a traditional credit card?
Yes and no. Every gift card will WORK like a credit card, but customers are offered two options when purchasing:
- Physical Card - this card will look very similar to a Mastercard credit card. Customers will need to wait for this card to be mailed to them or their recipient before using.
- Virtual Card - customers will have the option to purchase a gift card that is immediately emailed to them or their recipient. Similar to the physical card, it will have a 16 digit Mastercard number that can be used to make the purchase.
If it's just a credit card how is it only able to be used in Occoquan?
We have the ability to select which businesses are included in the program. If someone tries to use the card in another town or with an Occoquan business who is not participating, the card will be declined.
Can customers use this card for food delivery apps?
No. As many restaurant owners are aware, food delivery apps like Doordash and Uber Eats take the money directly, then payout to the local restaurant, making it impossible for the system to know if the money is being spent in Occoquan or not.
Do gift cards expire?
Funds expire after 5 years and are charged a monthly fee of 5% after 1 year of inactivity.
What if I want to stop participating in the program?
You can opt out of the program at any time. Simply email info@visitoccoquanva.com and we will remove you from the online directory and disable your access to accept the cards.
Are any items prohibited for sale in this program?
View of list of prohibited items
here. We believe all Occoquan businesses will be able to participate. These are policies set by Giverrang, not by Visit Occoquan.