EMG'S FIRSTADVANTAGE GIFT CARD PROGRAM

FAQs for Interested Merchants

What is FirstAdvantage?

FirstAdvantage is a gift card program.  The program allows merchants to increase their revenue by offering one of the fastest growing payment methods to their consumers. The FirstAdvantage program is easy to use, low in cost, and flexible to that merchants receive the greatest return.

FirstAdvantage provides all of the basic ingredients for a successful gift card program. Included in the starter kit are 25 ready-to-use gift cards, a merchandising display, gift holder/envelopes, a window sticker, a Quick Reference Guide, and a card re-order form.

What types of standard cards are available?

The merchant will receive 25 starter cards upon receipt of the agreement. These cards will include the merchant’s name, address, and phone number. There are three standard card designs and multiple card and print colors for the merchant to choose from when it’s time to re-order cards.

Can a merchant put a logo or other custom artwork on their card?

Yes. If the merchant would like a logo or other specific artwork on a card, they should format it in .jpg or .tif and inform the sales representative that the information is available. Cards can be printed in 1 color, 2 colors, or 4 colors.

How quickly will FirstAdvantage orders be completed and shipped?

The starter kit and all standard card orders will be shipped within 72 business hours from receipt of the completed agreement or card re-order form. All custom orders will be completed within 7-10 business days from receipt of confirmed artwork from the merchant.

Can cards be used at more than one merchant location? Can a merchant have a single bill for multiple locations?

FirstAdvantage gives merchants the flexibility to have active cards at a single location or at multiple locations. A check box on the agreement specifies whether the merchant has one or multiple locations. Merchants will be billed per location for each location using the gift card program.  Merchants have the option for individual statements per location, or for one statement that summarizes the activity for all locations.

Does FirstAdvantage support both gift and loyalty cards?

Currently, FirstAdvantage is available for gift cards only. Loyalty cards are expected to be available soon.

What kind of merchant is an ideal buyer for the FirstAdvantage program?

Because of FirstAdvantage’s low cost and flexibility, it is ideal for any retail or restaurant establishment.

Will FirstAdvantage pay the merchant for the gift card transactions?

It is not necessary for FirstAdvantage to pay the merchant for the gift card transactions. The money stays with the merchant. A customer purchases a card and pays the merchant. At that time, the merchant activates the card with that amount of money, and each time the card is used, the money is deducted from the card. The merchant receives the funds for purchases before they are ever made.

How will the merchant know how many transactions were completed?

Each month, the merchant will receive a statement detailing the transactions processed during that month. The statement will detail the type of transactions and the day they were processed.

What types of reports are available for FirstAdvantage?

Merchants can log on to www.first-advantage.net to view their monthly statement and transaction history. Transactions can be sorted by transaction type, date, range, and card number, and reports can be exported to Microsoft Excel or in CSV format for further analysis. Cardholders can also log on to www.first-advantage.net to check their card balance.

Who can I call if I have more questions?

Contact your sales office for complete details.

Terminal Compatibility

EMG's FirstAdvantage program is compatible with the following terminals:

Eliot 1000 and 2000
Hypercom T7Plus 35key or T7P 512K
Verifone Omni 3750, 3740, 3730
Nurit 2085, 3020, 8320

Technical and Customer Support

Both Technical and Customer Support for EMG FirstAdvantage can be obtained via the standard support number at 800-789-8897.