FAQs - MBSEF eMALL

Q. Does it cost anything extra to shop in the eMall and support MBSEF?

A. No. Individuals do not need to register or pay anything to access the eMall. You pay the same for your regular online shopping whether you go through the eMall or directly to the online store's website. BUT--making that extra click to the eMall first and then to the online store means MBSEF gets a contribution. If you shop directly from an online store's website, the buck stops there! The eRetailers do not contribute to us unless your purchase starts from the eMall. Why not make your dollars go farther for an important cause?

Q. Am I paying the same price when I shop through the eMall, even though MBSEF is receiving a percent of my purchases?

A. Shoppers pay the same price for merchandise when shopping at the online store through the eMall as they would if they were shopping directly from the online store’s site. In fact, the price is often better because of exclusive offers and promotions available when you shop the eMall. Check for announcements from MBSEF for eMall special offers. Many online stores also offer free shipping.

Q. Why would anyone want to shop online when they could go into the actual store and shop?

A. Shopping online is usually more convenient, efficient and sometimes, costs less. By shopping online, you will often find special deals and offers from online stores that you may not find by walking in a store. Shopping online is also far more convenient since you don’t have to leave your home or office. Also, most online store sites have a “search” function that allows you to quickly find the exact product you’re shopping for. And, it’s easier to do comparison shopping online since you can look up products from many different online stores at the same time; rather than calling or driving from one store to another. But remember, the best reason to shop online is because when you choose to shop through the eMall, you help MBSEF grow, prosper, and continue to serve people around the world.

Q. Can I shop directly in a store and still support your organization?

A. No. In order for MBSEF to receive a percentage of online purchases made, shoppers must access the store through the eMall. As a reminder, if a shopper goes directly to the store’s website and shops, without first going to the eMall, MBSEF will not receive a contribution. You must access the online store through the eMall.

Q. How does my purchase make a donation?

A. When you go to http://www.mbsefemall.com first and then click to the online store you want to shop, Sparhawk can track your purchases. Only those purchases that are tracked through the eMall will count towards a contribution. Contributions from the stores average 3%.

Q. Will anyone know what I bought or where I shopped?

A. To ensure your organization receives their percentage from your purchases, the dollar amount and date of purchase is tracked through the eMall, which is for allocation purposes only. No personal data or purchase details are collected.

Q. What if I want to be recognized for my contribution to my organization?

A. Since no personal data is collected from the eMall, MBSEF beneficiaries will not be able to recognize shoppers who use the eMall for purchases. If you would like to be recognized for a contribution, write a letter to the organization telling them that you’re using the eMall because you know it will benefit them. It would be great to hear that supporters are helping by using the eMall!

Q. Is shopping online easy? Is it safe?

A. Shopping online is safe when shopping is done at well-known, reputable online websites. Using a credit card online is fast and easy, saves time and travel. Many eRetailers use eCommerce security products, such as VeriSign, that ensure privacy and protect online interactions. If you are ever uncomfortable with an online store or have questions about the way they run their online business, contact the online store directly to ask questions.

Q. Am I crazy to shop and donate online?

A. No way! Did you know that according to eMarketer, 74% of all internet users bought something while they were online in 2005? And, according to the 2005 US Census report, Americans over 14 years old bought over $149 billion in online shopping! The eMall is a way for your organization to tap into some of the eShopping that’s going to happen now and in the future. MBSEF stands to capture an average of 3% of every dollar spent through the eMall. Why not make all of those purchases count towards good and important causes that can change the world?

Q. Do I need to sign up?

A. No, that is part of the privacy policy. We won’t know who you are even after you buy through the eMall and your purchases are tracked. Only the dollar amount, date, and which store it came from are captured.

Q. How often can I shop? Do I have to spend a certain amount?

A. Every penny counts towards contributions. You can shop as little or as much as you want and spend as little or as much as you want. Shop as you normally do. The only change is to remember to go to the eMall first, and then click from there to the online store you want to shop. That simple switch in habit can make an enormous difference in your organization’s fundraising—and an important cause.

Q. Which online stores will make a contribution when I shop via the eMall?

A. 100 of the Top 500 highest revenue generating eRetailers—the best, most trusted stores with quality products and services and excellent customer service—participate in the MBSEF eMall program. And the list just keeps growing! These stores have partnered with Sparhawk (our ePhilanthropy technology partner) so that they can easily give back to a great cause like MBSEF.

Q. Why are the donation percentages so different for each online store partner?

A. Just like any business, there are different margins available for each product – depending on the competition. The airline travel and electronics industries are highly competitive, thus they can’t contribute as much. Hotel, rental cars and clothing are less competitive and therefore, the merchants can give more money to your organization. Remember, when computers were in boutiques and you paid a ton of money for them? Well guess what – they didn’t really cost that much more than they do today, but the competition has brought the prices way down. That’s why when you buy a Dell Computer through the portal for $750, MBSEF will get less than if you spent $500 at Amazon on Books and DVDs for a birthday gift this year or at Babies “R” Us on baby shower presents.

Q. Is my donation tax deductible?

A. No. Privacy is everything and yours should not be compromised. For your purchase to be tracked so a contribution can be made to your organization, the eMall only needs to know the date, purchase total and store of the eMall transaction. To make your donation tax deductible, much more personal information would have to be captured—and that compromises your privacy!

Q. What if I have a problem with one of the merchants or something I bought online?

A. If you have questions about shipping, merchandise or the services of any online store, you must contact that eRetailer directly for assistance.

Q: How do I know the online stores listed in the eMall are secure?

A. There are two ways to tell if you are interacting with a secure server:

The URL in your browser window begins with https instead of http
A small lock icon appears in the bottom right of your window frame

Typically, when you begin to purchase or "check out" in an online store, the transaction is moved to a secure server to encrypt and protect the information you provide. Unfortunately, when you shop through the eMall, the tracking process that matches your purchase to your organization obscures both these means of identifying a secure server. To verify a site is secure from a Marketplace web page, simply follow the instructions below:

Using Internet Explorer: Position your mouse in the center of the page, right click (Mac users use Ctrl click), and click on Properties. The URL for the check out Web page will appear and you can verify it begins with https.

Using Netscape: Position your mouse in the center of the page, right click (Mac users use Ctrl click), and click on Open Page in New Window. The URL for the check out Web page will appear and you can verify it begins with https.

Q. This eMall fundraising program sounds like fun—and a great way for me to help the cause I care about. Can I talk to someone at if I have questions?

A. If you have questions about eFundraising, what it can do and how it works, email your contact person at MBSEF.

Help us change the world today.
Click http://www.mbsefemall.com to shop and donate now—and from now on!

MBSEF Fundraising eMALL powered by the Sparhawk Fundraising eMALL Engine