Across the nation, billions of dollars are spent on gift cards annually.
Many of the cards issued, however, remain completely or partially unused.
Card holders now have the ability to use them to help non-profits.
Michael Whitlock, owner of Transaction Expert in Manassas, is working with his business partners on a project that allows consumers to use gift cards as cash.
Non-profits can use the program — known as Braandz — to raise funds for their organization. They will be charged $10 each month.
“A non-profit has the ability to accept new and partially used gift cards for payment, and I turn it into cash,” Whitlock explained. “They don’t have to take the gift card and give it to somebody else, like they do now.”
Donors simply fill out information about themselves and the card.
“You get a charitable donation slip, the non-profit gets the cash in the next day,” Whitlock said.
For questions, contact Whitlock at mwhitlock@transactionexpert.com.
In addition to running Transaction Expert, Whitlock serves as Chair of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador Committee.
The mentoring program is the most rewarding part of serving as an ambassador.
“So, a new member can ask for a mentor and one of the ambassadors kind of shadows them for an hour or so, and guides them through the process of maximizing everything that they want to do with the chamber,” Whitlock said.
