What’s Black & Gold And Saves You A Flat 20% Off Purchases? The Black & Gold Card

New Loyalty Discount Program Launches in Scottsdale With Plans for Valley-Wide Presence by 2011
By: ANGLES Public Relations
 
 
Simple Concept, One Card, Consistent Savings.
Simple Concept, One Card, Consistent Savings.
March 16, 2010 - PRLog -- Scottsdale, Ariz.  — Whether it's fine dining, spa treatments, dry-cleaning, or home improvements that have you thinking twice about spending,  you no longer need to worry about paying full price, thanks to the launch of The Black & Gold Card, a new membership loyalty program which offers a flat 20% savings at all participating merchants.

The introductory membership fee of $35 per year quickly pays for itself considering that it entitles the cardholder to a flat 20% discount at merchants like SandBar, AZ Limo, La Torretta Ristorante, Modern Closets, Organic Cleaners, Platella Jewelers, The Healing Joint and Urban Angels Boutique to name a few.  

In March 2010, the impressive list of merchants has already reached 300 participating businesses, with new ones being added daily.  From dry cleaning to bouncy house rentals, landscaping to popcorn ceiling removal, the diverse list has ways to save for everyone.  The current participating merchants are primarily based in Scottsdale, but The Black & Gold Card plans to expand to the East Valley this summer and fall, with Valley-wide presence planned for 2011.  The biggest differentiator between The Black & Gold Card and other loyalty programs is the consistency in savings.  While other programs offer variable discounts, The Black & Gold Card offers members 20% discount to participating merchants – no blackout dates, no gimmicks.

The Black & Gold Card is the brainchild of Wade Hardie, a Scottsdale entrepreneur, whose business background helped him identify this niche.   "The current economic conditions created a unique marketplace.  It’s obvious that businesses want to see their customer relationships through this difficult time and build brand loyalty.  It’s also quite evident that people are shopping for best prices – so the obvious solution is incentives," he said.  

Prior to starting The Black & Gold Card, Hardie ran a $7 million company in Scottsdale.  He sold the business, but the entrepreneurial drive would not let him enjoy retirement.  He decided to start The Black and Gold Card in the spring of 2009, based on a concept that he once pursued back in 1993.  Then called The Preferred Buyer’s Card, the business was strictly a fundraiser for charities in the North Scottsdale area.   Hardie built on the original concept to improve the business model and create a win-win for charities, businesses and consumers.  

"Everyone wants to shop smart, get great deals and help local charities, but let’s be honest - discounts in the coupon form don't fit a lot of Valley’s personality profiles. We created The Black & Gold Card as an exclusive membership allowing local merchants to expand their marketing reach and to offer their valued customers a special rate without compromising brand integrity.  It’s a win-win,” said Hardie.

Hardie revised and expanded upon his original concept, but one element that remains the same is the charitable connection.  The Black & Gold Card has a fundraising engine built into its business plan.    With a designated code, ten dollars from the membership fee can go directly to a charitable cause.  

The Black & Gold Card is already partnering with local charities.   Most recently, The Black & Gold Card formed a partnership with The Arizona Animal Welfare League, as a result of which, for every card purchased with the code PAWS, ten dollars will be donated directly to The Arizona Animal Welfare League.      

“It’s a great way for non-profit organizations to enhance their fundraising efforts, while offering additional value and building relationships with the business community,” added Hardie.

From small school and children’s sports team league fundraisers to large non-profits’ annual campaigns, The Black & Gold Card can be easily integrated into development efforts.

The introductory $35 per year membership fee will be offered until the card reaches 10,000 members.   The current membership number is approaching 3,000 as of March 5, 2010.    When the “10,000 members” milestone is reached, the membership price for new members will be increased to $50 to maintain membership every year.  The charitable donation will remain at ten dollars per membership card.

For a complete list of merchants, charities or to purchase and active your membership visit The Black & Gold Card online at:  www.TheBlackandGoldCard.com or call 480-515-9500

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About The Black & Gold Card

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, The Black & Gold Card is revolutionizing the way that customers save and helping businesses build brand loyalty. For an annual membership fee, cardholders receive a flat 20% discount at all participating merchants spanning business categories from restaurant, spas, home improvement to tax services and landscaping. The consistent savings is good year round, with no weekend exclusions, coupons to carry, or blackout dates.
The Black & Gold Card is a strong community partner. A dedicated amount of each card purchase can be donated to charities. The Black & Gold Card offers fundraising programs to the local non-profit community and is dedicated to forming new alliances.

Simple Concept, One Card, Consistent Savings.

For more information visit online at www.TheBlackandGoldCard.com
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Source:ANGLES Public Relations
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Tags:The Black & Gold Card, Discount, Wade Hardie, Scottsdale, Dinner, Spa, 20, Membership, Savings, Fund-raisin
Industry:Deals, Coupons, Consumer
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