The Challenge: In 2017/2018, our journey began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to support our children’s school in Calgary, Canada, through fundraising. Recognizing that not all parents could contribute significantly, we were determined to find a way for everyone to give without increasing their financial burden.
The Discovery: Our exploration led us to the cashback industry, a colossal $84 billion market. Surprisingly, within our school community, a vast majority (98%) showed little interest in personal cashback gains from online shopping. Their reluctance stemmed from skepticism and infrequent online shopping habits. However, the tide turned when we proposed a cashback system benefiting our school or other chosen causes. Our findings were clear: by redirecting just 3-5% of daily purchases, online and in-store, we could substantially fund our school’s needs. The real challenge was harnessing in-store cashback.
The Breakthrough: We reached out to local businesses – grocery stores, barbershops, restaurants, car repair shops – and found them eager to offer cashback for customer loyalty. Additionally, non-profit organizations were excited about a tool that enabled supporters to contribute through their everyday purchases.
The Evolution: This was our moment of expansion. We extended the ChipIn service to all legally registered non-profits in our city and beyond. Our vision transformed into a broader mission: to revolutionize the shopping experience.
Our Mission: At ChipIn, we’re not just about transactions; we’re about transforming everyday shopping into an act of purpose and community support. Join us in making a difference, one purchase at a time.
