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Maximize Your Cookie Sale Using Simple Technology for Credit and Debit Card Sales!

In 2012, Girl Scouts NorCal is teaming up with Intuit’s GoPayment mobile platform to launch a council-wide pilot program for accepting debit/credit cards on cookie purchases.

A few local troops tested the viability of credit transactions last year, and with the generous donation by Intuit, we’re able to extend the option to troops across our 19 counties. This not only can help maximize your troop's sale by attracting customers who aren't carrying cash, but it also showcases that Girl Scout programs embrace technology and real-world skills as teachable moments for our girls.

Benefits to Your Troop

How can the simple GoPayment technology benefit your troop?

• It is quick and easy to use.

• It is convenient for people that don't carry much cash anymore.

• It may increase opportunity for sales.

• Girls in the troops as well as the cookie managers and leaders will have an opportunity to learn about this new technology and how it works.

Online GoPayment Training

Set up is simple and the benefits can be great! Click here for online training for GoPayment technology.

GoPayment Q&A

You can find answers to questions about GoPayment technology below. You can also visit Intuit's GoPayment website.

Q: Once I have set-up my GoPayment account, when can I begin processing transactions?

A: If your troop GoPayment account is set-up by Feb. 6, you may begin processing transactions on Feb. 13, 2012 - Go Day! If your troop GoPayment account is set up after Feb. 6, there is a 5 business day waiting period for council to work with Intuit to link your troop for council payment of the transaction fees.  If you process transactions after Feb. 13, but prior to council linkage, the troop will be responsible for transaction fees incurred prior to troop account linkage to council payment.

Intuit will not guarantee that they will notify council when troop accounts are linked. Council is not responsible to pay fees for troops that are not linked.

Q: How does my troop get credit? 

A: During account set up, the troop is instructed to enter their troop bank account number (instructions provided in the training, found online here).

Q: Is it linked to our bank account or does council send us a check?

A: It is linked to the troop bank account and deposits are made directly to the troop.

Q: Do I have to have an iPhone?

A: No, Blackberry and Android phones also work, even an iPad, if you have a data plan or are in an area with wireless internet.

Q: Will this add to my phone bill?

A: That is a question for your carrier.

Q: Is there a fee for using the device?

A: There is a 2.1% transaction fee which council will pay during the 2012 cookie sale pilot.  Troops will be responsible only for fees that may be incurred prior to account linkage.

Q: If so, does the fee come from troop profit or council profit? If troop profit, how are we billed?

A: Council will cover the transaction fees during the 2012 cookie sale pilot once you account linkage has been completed. Intuit will not guarantee that they will notify council when troop accounts are linked. Council is not responsible to pay fees for troops that are not linked.

Q: Is there a cut-off date for troops to set up GoPayment accounts?

A: Yes, the deadline is Friday, Feb. 24, 2012. Troop accounts after that date will not be processed for linkage to council due to the 5 day turn-around time and the sale ending on March 18.

Q: Can girls operate the machine or just adults?

A: Girls can be trained to use the equipment with adult supervision.

Q: Why does GoPayment request a SSN and how do they use it?

A: Enter the council tax ID number 94-155-1410, not your personal SSN number.

Q: Do we have the ability to provide the customer a receipt?

A: Yes, receipts can be emailed or texted.

Q: What’s the min/max a customer can charge?

A: Minimum charge is $4 for one box of cookies, no maximum.

Q: How would we handle refunds if a customer charges, then finds the product unsatisfactory and doesn’t want an exchange?

A: The simplest way to handle this is just as you would any other sale -  reference p. 18 in the 2012 Troop Cookie Manual.

Q: Where do we get the device? 

A: Council will supply the device to you after receipt of your PCI Compliance form, which is provided in the online training course, found online here.

Q: How soon after the sale do we return the device and to whom? 

A: You do not need to return the card reader.

Q: Can we use these for nut sales?

A: Possibly, dependant upon the results of this pilot, if the program is offered in the fall, the equipment will be reusable.

Q: What do I do if it becomes lost or broken?

A: Contact your area Product Sales Director.

Q: We have a large troop. Can we have more than one? If so, how many?

A: Yes, submit your requested number on the PCI Compliance form. You will need a card reader for each smart phone user participating in credit card sales simultaneously.