About Scrip

What is Scrip and how does the STCS Scrip Program work?
Scrip is a term that means "substitute money". When you purchase Scrip, you're purchasing negotiable gift certificates and prepaid cards that are just like the ones the merchants sell. You pay face value for the certificate or card and when you redeem it at the participating merchant, you receive face value. You can use Scrip to purchase everyday expenses like food, clothing, and other essentials, and with every purchase, you earn revenue for our school.

If Scrip doesn't cost me anything extra, how does the school make money?
The school buys the certificates and cards from participating merchants at a discount. For example, Harkins gives the school a 10% discount so we make $10 on every $100 of Harkins Scrip sold.

Why should I buy Scrip?
Scrip is a win-win situation. Both you and your child benefit at no extra cost to you. Monies are raised to fund staff continuing education and the campus expansion project and with enough purchases parents earn rebates in April. In 2010, we gave out nearly $20K in Scrip rebates. So, everyone wins when you buy Scrip!

What is Stocked Scrip?
Scrip for over 70 different merchants is kept on hand for immediate purchase. We carry Scrip for all of your basic needs and much more! A complete list is on the Stocked Scrip Form.

What is Special Order Scrip?
In addition to the Scrip we keep on hand (stocked), we can get Scrip for many other merchants if you don't mind waiting a little longer - 7 to 10 days. Special Order Scrip must be pre-paid. A complete list is on the Special Order Scrip Form. Also, we are constantly evaluating what Scrip we stock. If there are enough orders for a particular Special Order merchant, we may start stocking Scrip for that merchant.

There's a merchant that I frequent, but you don't have Scrip for it. Can you get Scrip for this merchant?
We are happy to take requests. However, some popular merchants just don't participate (including Costco, Target & Trader Joe's). If it's a merchant that we can get Scrip for and we get enough requests for it, we will consider adding it to our list of merchants.

During the school year, how can I buy Scrip?
In person:
Tuesday & Thursday:
   -  before school (7:50 - 8:15) in front of the School Office
   -  during school (8:30 - 12:00) in the Scrip Office
   -  after school (2:50 - 3:15) at the student pick-up area
Sunday:
   -  (10:00 - 10:30) in the church ramada

By order:
   -  Complete a Stocked Scrip Form or a Special Order Scrip Form and send it to the School Office with
      payment.
   -  Phone (602-840-0010 X179) or email the Scrip Office (payment C.O.D. or by credit card on file)
   -  Order online now. (payment C.O.D. or by credit card on file)
Note: Orders are filled Tuesdays & Thursdays. Orders on Tuesday & Thursday need to be in our office by noon in order to be filled that day.

Can I buy Scrip in the summer?
We sell Scrip in June and August. We typically do not sell in July. Watch for Scrip Updates and fliers going home with the details of our summer hours.

The cashier at the theatre asked if I would like to reload my gift card. Should I?
All gift cards are technically "reloadable". However, the only cards that "reload" to benefit STCS are Bashas', AJ's and Fry's. (We call them "reloadable" on our order form.) So, except for Bashas', AJ's and Fry's, you DO NOT want to reload those cards. Instead, keep buying Scrip from STCS and have your purchases benefit us.

How do I reload my Bashas'/AJ's or Fry's card?
You can do it either of two ways: (1) Before you shop, stop at Customer Service and tell them you want to reload your card. Then go shop because it will take about 15 minutes for the transaction to hit your card. (2) At checkout before any of your other items are rung up, give the cashier the card and say you want to reload it. This must be done as a separate transaction from your grocery purchase but the reload hits your card immediately.

Important notes about the Fry's reloadable card:
   -  You may pay for the reload with cash, check or debit/credit cards.
   -  Be sure to reload the card before the cashier starts to ring up your order so that your purchases go toward
      our school.
   -  You can always find the balance of your card by looking at the bottom of your latest receipt or by calling the
      number on the back of the card.
   -  Cards having a zero balance for over 30 days will become expired and be unable to be reloaded.
   -  Fry's Gift Cards are the same as cash and may be used to purchase items at your nearest Fry's Food & Drug
      or Fry's Marketplace stores.
   -  Fry's gift cards are also accepted in all Kroger owned stores throughout the U.S. and can be sent to family
      and friends out of state and still benefit our school as long as it is reloaded.

Can I use my credit or debit card to purchase Scrip?
We accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards for Scrip that has a profit of at least 4%. However, because of the fee charged by the bank for either credit or debit cards, your profit percentage will be lowered by 2.5%; i.e. instead of Safeway earning you 4% profit, you would earn 1.5% profit.

About Rebates

Is it true that I can get a rebate for buying Scrip?
Absolutely YES! Scrip Program profits (not purchases) accumulated by a school family during the rebate year (April 1 - March 31) over $150 will be split 50/50 with the family. Rebate certificates for split profits will be distributed in mid April. The rebate certificates are good for tuition or Scrip and expire on June 15. In 2008 we gave out over $20K in Scrip rebates.
Encourage others to get involved too - the highest rebates have gone to families who get orders from other family members, friends, business associates and/or co-workers.

What profits count?
Family Scrip Accounts are credited with profits generated from:
   - eScrip Rebates
   - Reload of Fry's Gift Cards purchased from STCS
   - Reload of Bashas'/AJ's Gift Cards purchased from STCS
   - OneCause Rebates

How much do I have to buy to get a Scrip rebate?
Well, that depends on the profit percentage offered on the Scrip you buy. For example, if all you bought was Safeway at 4%, you would have to buy $3,750 before you would start earning a rebate. If you buy Scrip that earns more than 4% then you could buy less.

How do I find out how much Scrip profit my family has earned?
Give Marybarb a call at the Scrip Office (602-840-0010 X179) or send her an email.

About eScrip

What is the difference between Scrip and eScrip?
eScrip is not Scrip! Scrip is physical certificates and cards that you buy from the school. eScrip is electronic tracking by ESI of purchases made at participating merchants by supporters enrolled with eScrip (ESI) with registered cards.

How does eScrip Work?
eScrip and merchant partners have created a system that rewards customer loyalty by contributing a percentage of purchases to your chosen group. You shop the way you like to shop (grocery shopping, buying clothes, travel and entertainment). Once your cards are registered, Saint Theresa Catholic School makes money every time you swipe a registered card at participating eScrip merchants. That's it! Then all you have to do is visit eScrip merchants to shop and earn. It's automatic! It is important to note: Due to eScrip's ease of participation, eScrip rebate percentages are much lower for those merchants that also provide Scrip for sale. For example, Safeway pays 1% on eScrip purchases, with limitations. We sell Safeway Scrip with a 4% profit and it can be used to purchase anything at Safeway.

Who are some local eScrip merchants?
eScrip is primarily Safeway but has some restaurants connected through their Dining Rewards program.

Is my information safe?
Yes. eScrip is firmly committed to the privacy and security of customer information and it will not be sold.

How do I register for eScrip?
On-line:
   -  Log on to www.eScrip.com and go to sign up.
   -  Designate STCS to receive contributions. Our Group ID is #6675957.
   -  Register your Safeway Club Card, and your debit/credit cards.

At school:
   -  Complete the Safeway Sign-up Form and return it to the school office.

More Questions?
Call Marybarb Galeziewski in the Scrip Office at 602-840-0010 ext. 179.

Thank you for supporting our school!