What is The Lafayette Shop Local eCard Program?
The Lafayette Shop Local eCard Program is an online eCard (electronic card) gift card program supported by Yiftee.com, designed to support local Lafayette brick-and-mortar businesses during the business recovery period. It has many of Lafayette’s favorite retailers, restaurants, and services in one place. You can use the eCard at all participating Lafayette businesses – there is truly something for everyone.
What amount of ARPA funds have been allocated to The Lafayette Shop Local eCard Pilot Program?
As of May, 2022, the Lafayette City Council has allocated $100,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the eCard Program.
Can I use the same eCard at multiple locations?
Yes, as long as there is a remaining balance, the card may be used at any participating location. You can find a list of locations that accept the Lafayette Shop Local eCard at https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/lafayette--ca/locations
How much does it cost to purchase an eCard?
The eDelivery fee that covers processing costs is being paid by the City of Lafayette through its American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) funding. The eCard recipient and merchant receive the full value for the card, providing maximum benefit to local businesses. NOTE: Your Lafayette Shop Local eCard is NON-RELOADABLE and NO CASH ACCESS. Unless prohibited by law, a $3.00 fee will be deducted monthly from your eCard balance starting the 1st day after 12 months of inactivity. Activity means any action resulting in a change in eCard balance, other than fee imposition, or adjustment due to error or prior transaction reversal.
What denominations of eCards can be purchased?
Lafayette Shop Local eCards can be purchased in $50 or $100 denominations. Sorry, $10 and $25 cards are no longer available.
How is the digital gift card redeemed?
The eCard is keyed in manually into a business’ POS or terminal systems as a credit card. Because the eCard is an electronic, online gift card, it cannot be swiped.
Are physical cards an option?
There are no plastic cards available. The card is available electronically or if you choose, you can print it on a piece of paper.
Where can I purchase my Lafayette Shop Local eCard?
On the Yiftee website, go to Buy a Lafayette Shop Local eCard Program Gift Card (yiftee.com) On the City of Lafayette, CA home page (https://www.lovelafayette.org/home), click on City Hall, then Lafayette Strong, then Shop Local Lafayette eCard Program. You will be able to see the list of participating Lafayette businesses there as well.
Does the eCard Expire?
Bonus eCards are valid for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase only. Your purchased eGift Cards do not expire and will continue to be honored by the participating merchants; As long as you use your card at least once in a 12 month period, no fees are charged on the balance.
Why isn't my eCard order processed immediately?
Ecard orders can take one hour or more for the system to process, so they may not be available for immediate use. Sometimes our partner, Yiftee, needs time to ensure an order is correct. If your order hasn't been processed, Yiftee suggests checking your email inbox as well as your spam folder to see if they have sent a request for additional information.
How do Lafayette businesses benefit from the Lafayette Shop Local eCard program?
Participating Lafayette businesses benefit from your eCard purchases at their business. They also benefit from your referrals to family, friends and work colleagues, and gain new customers in the process.
Which businesses are participating in the Lafayette Shop Local eCard Program?
Here is the list of currently participating businesses in the eCard Program. The list is subject to change at any time.
Where can I check my eCard balance?
You can check your eCard balance at: https://c.yiftee.com/check-gift-balance
Can refunds be provided to my eCard?
Yes - just as refunds would be applied to your credit card, they can also be applied to your eCard.
What do I do if my eCard is declined?
If your eCard is declined, it could be because:
- The information is entered into the POS or terminal system incorrectly, try re-entering the information
- The value on the card is less than what is trying to be redeemed. Have an additional payment form ready in this instance.
- You are trying to redeem it at a non-participating business
Will my payment automatically deduct from the eCard if I don't have enough to cover my entire balance?
In the event that your purchase exceeds the amount in your balance, purchases will need to be split up separately with the eCard balance being paid first and then using a separate payment method.
What happens if my purchase amount exceeds the balance on my eCard?
In the event that your purchase exceeds the amount in your balance, you will need to have a separate form of payment to cover the difference of the purchase amount.
Where can my eCard be used?
These eCards are intended to be used in store or over the phone with the listed participating Lafayette merchants. They will not work with delivery services who cannot specify a participating merchant's point of sale system (e.g. Grubhub, Doordash, Uber Eats, Postmates) because enabling those third parties would allow gifts to be redeemed outside your community. Online purchases will be declined if the purchase amount is greater than the current card balance.
Can you accept international orders?
Unfortunately, Yiftee can only accept orders placed from within the United States and purchased with a credit card issued by a US bank to a US address.
