St. Anthony's Bakery on Water Street in Exeter is just one of many local businesses consumers can get discounts as members of Full Circle Coupons (www.fullcirclecoupons.com). A portion of each membership is also given to a charity or local fund-raiser of your choosing. Pictured from left are Anthony Antosiewicz, owner of St. Anthony's Bakery on Water Street, and Full Circle Coupons owners Martha and Brett Bogart.Marisa Novello photo
What if purchasing your morning coffee at a discount could help your favorite charity at the same time? Or the pizza you buy at a local pizzeria could help raise money for your child's school?
Full Circle Coupons (FCC) is a family-owned, Internet-based business where consumers can log onto the website, pick a fundraiser or charity to support, and print discount coupons for local businesses.
AT A GLANCE
Full Circle Coupons
Owners: Martha and Brett Bogart
What: Family owned, Internet-based business. Consumers log on, pick a fundraiser/charity to support, and print discount coupons for businesses on the Seacoast.
Cost: $12 out of the $25 membership fee goes to charity of your choice
Visit: www.fullcirclecoupons.com
Martha and Brett Bogart, of South Hampton, founded FCC and went live with the Web site on Jan. 1. They have 130 participating merchants with more than $5,000 in savings available to the service's members. For $25 per membership, the website enables customers to search coupons by town, zip code, or by category.
Brett Bogart was inspired to implement the idea when his uncle showed him his own physical coupon book.
"I thought it was clever," he said adding that he wanted to find a way to improve on the idea of a coupon book and bring it into the 21st century.
FCC, a member of Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce, features coupons from local spas, to chiropractors, restaurants, and even a coupon for a discounted rate on an oil change.
According to the Bogarts, the coupons help customers save money on items they would typically purchase, while helping out their friends, neighbors, and local businesses.
FCC offers a three-fold plan for the benefit of the merchant, consumer, and a charity. Bogart said it's ideal for businesses looking for a unique, fun way to advertise their business. The system is designed to help attract customers to local businesses. "If we can get them in the door, it's up to the business to get them back," said Brett.
The user-friendly site is easy to navigate, and according to Bogart, it's a great opportunity for people to raise funds, such as students trying to help raise money for their school.
The Web site enables a fundraiser to register online and send e-mails out to invite people to sign up as a member. For each member signed up on the site, FCC gives $12 out of the $25 membership fee to the charity of his or her choice.
At the end of each month, FCC will tally up a total and write a check to the charity to which members have registered to donate. At the end of the year, members receive a detailed summary of how much money they have saved by using the discount coupons, and are asked if they would like to renew their membership. If they do, residuals are given to the original charity or fund-raising event chosen.
With the economy the way it is, the Bogarts believe the full circle effect is a great way to give back to each other.
For more information visit www.fullcirclecoupons.com.
Fundraisers contact Lauren@FullCircleCoupons.com
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