Cashback Contest

We have a promotion that starts on July 16th and ends August 16th. It is the cashback contest we started last year. If you shop with us between July 16th and August 16th, you’ll have a chance to win back the amount of your purchase. Each time you shop with us during that time period, a copy of your receipt will be entered into a drawing. At 5:00 on August 16th one receipt will be drawn and the person who made that purchase will get cash back equal to their total (up to $100). That means the more you spend, the more you may win! Even purchases made with the Georgia Classroom Gift Card (Sonny Money) are eligible.

Here are the rules:

• All receipts from cash, check, or debit/charge card purchases made at Teacher Toys July 16 through August 16 are eligible.
  
• Items acquired through reward points or gift card redemption do not qualify as purchases.
  
• At 5:00 on August 16 one receipt will be drawn. The customer whose receipt is drawn will get cash back equaling the final amount shown on the receipt.
  
• The maximum cash back amount is $100.00. If the receipt shows an amount less than $100.00, the amount shown on the receipt will be awarded. If the receipt shows an amount greater than $100.00, the winner will be awarded exactly $100.00.
  
• You need not be present to win.
  
• Winner will be notified Aug. 16 by email or phone.

Spring Sale

Last week I sent out an email to all of my customers who have signed up for Teacher Toys' Reward Points program. It seems that many of the public school teachers did not receive that email. Here's the information that was covered in the email:

Teacher Toys is having a sale. I'm trying to clear out some items to make room for new things. Everything on top of the front table of the store is 50% off. On the table you’ll find fabulous learning games and a variety of other items. In addition to the front table, the clearance box items are an additional 50% off. The table and clearance box are full now, but that won’t last long. Quantities are limited.

I’m exploring the possibility of creating a store advisory council. It would be great to get a group of us together to discuss current educational trends, recommend products for Teacher Toys to carry, get free products to test and review for our website, and have some fun. If you’re interested, please take a couple of minutes to answer some survey questions. Here’s the link for the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=7ha1r36FcdElRWmVoitDaQ_3d_3d

I've already ordered many back-to-school items for those of you who like to shop early. Come on in and see if I have what you need for next year or to finish out this year. If I don't have what you need, just let me know and I'll do my best to get it!

If you're wondering how many reward points you have, just email me and I'll give you your balance.

Reward Points

A new quarter starts tomorrow, so that means it is time to calculate Reward Point Bonuses. This is a fun system for rewarding shoppers with free stuff to thank them for shopping at Teacher Toys. I sometimes forget to fully explain the system to everyone when they sign up, so here's the scoop:

--Customers earn one point for every $5 (before tax) they spend at Teacher Toys.

--Once a customer reaches 20 points, a $5 store credit is earned. Get more than 20 points and earn even more credit.

--Reward results are sent out quarterly by mail or email. Expect to see your point tally on or near January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.

--Points are transferrable to other individuals or organizations. Some parents, for example, donate their points to a child's teacher.

--Points are awarded when purchasing in-store, special order, or buying gift cards.

--No points are awarded when redeeming gift cards.

--No points are awarded for online orders.

--Reward Point Cards are kept at Teacher Toys for your convenience. This way you won't have yet another membership card to clutter your wallet. Do you really need anything else to keep up with?

--Any customer who has earned fewer than 20 points in a quarter will have their points rolled over to the next quarter.

--Points and any rewards won expire one year after your last visit to Teacher Toys.

There. Does that all make sense? Basically, all you have to do is fill out a little card, shop, then come spend the rewards. How easy...and fun.

We're Blogging Now!

Alright. I've decided to join the rest of the world and start blogging. You'll forgive me for making silly mistakes, but I'm new here. I have to admit I'm not the most technologically gifted, so I'm slow to embrace these newfangled things. Well, here goes...

I'm writing this primarily for my Teacher Toys customers so they'll know what is going on with the store. In case you're not familiar with Teacher Toys, it is a fabulous teaching supply store located in Cumming, Georgia. Feel free to visit www.teacher-toys.com if you don't live in the area. If you're a local, drop by 316 Dahlonega St, Cumming, Georgia 30040. We'd love to meet you.

Teacher Toys is a tiny little store (think boutique) filled with many fabulous classroom, homeschool, and preschool learning aids. I'm in the process of updating the online catalog on my website. I've been neglecting it so there are many things to add so it is current. Right now I've made it up to Books:Language Arts in the online catalog.

This morning I contacted the Forsyth County Fire Department in regards to the regulations regarding classroom decorations. It seems many Forsyth County teachers are upset that areas of the classroom are now off limits for decorating with paper or fabric. I want to work with the fire department to clarify what is and is not allowed and help the teachers find new and creative ways to make their classrooms fun, attractive, and conducive to learning while still following the rules. I know this is not the only county that is experiencing this issue, so if anyone out there has constructive ideas I'd be glad to hear them.

I guess that's all for now. Maybe soon I'll figure out how to add photos and video. Wouldn't that be something!