1) What can Retail Council of Canada do for me?
Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is a not-for-profit association for retailers in Canada. We are a member-owned retail association that saves retailers money; offers programs and services that can assist in lowering your operating costs; and, lobbies to the federal and provincial government on retail specific issues.
2) I already belong to other associations, why should I join RCC?
RCC is the voice of retail in Canada. We have 9,000 members, of which 90% are independent retailers. Our members receive relevant retail research information, a national retail magazine, weekly e-newsletter, as well as quality retail programs that save retailers money. We also provide our retail members access to an online Retail Resources Guide.
3) Who can join RCC?
RCC has two categories of members; Retailers and Non-Retailers. Retail members provide products and services to the end user and consumers. Non-Retailers provide products and services to retailers.
4) Do I have to be a member to use any of the programs or attend events and or receive correspondence like newsletters?
Non-members can only receive limited information from our Web site, attend events, and participate in educational programs. However, their costs are much higher, in some cases 20 – 50% more. Non-members can subscribe to our e-newsletter, as well as purchase a subscription to our magazine, Canadian Retailer. Only Members are given unlimited access to cost saving programs, such as discounts on merchant rates and educational materials, events, and access to the online Retailer Resources Guide, all correspondence including quarterly Retail Conditions Reports, Retail Matters, privacy legislations, White Papers (Information Papers), and access to the Members-Only Web site.
5) If I have more than one store does each store need a separate membership?
If your stores are owned under the same holding company and sell similar merchandise, you do not need to have individual memberships for each location. All your locations would be linked to the main store and be entitled to receive the savings and programs RCC offers. If your stores operate as separate entities, or different owners, then you will need a separate membership for each store.
6) What are the cost saving benefits that RCC offers?
> To find out Retailer benefits, click here.
> To find out Non-Retailer benefits, click here.
7) Do I have to have a merchant account with Paymentech to benefit from the Visa, MasterCard, and Debit preferred rates?
Yes, you must have a merchant account with Paymentech.
8) Do I have to have to use a Paymentech terminal to receive preferred rates?
Yes, you must have a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal or processing system through Paymentech.
9) Do you have a preferred rate for American Express?
No, they do not offer any association preferred discount merchant rates.
10) What is IVR? And how does it work?
IVR means Information Voice Recognition. Instead of renting a POS terminal monthly you can use IVR. There is no charge from Paymentech, and it's easy to use — all you need is a phone. You dial a 1-800 number, enter your merchant number using the dial pad, enter the credit card number and the expiry date using the dial pad, and wait for authorization.
11) What merchant rate does IVR provide?
IVR Visa/MasterCard Canadian merchant rate is 2.25%.
12) Can I have my business account with any bank?
Yes you can. If you are a member of RCC, there is no cost to use Flex Banking with Paymentech. Flex Banking means that you can deposit your funds into any Canadian bank of your choice at no additional cost from Paymentech.
13) Why do you need my merchant numbers for MasterCard and Visa?
In order to receive the appropriate banking discount offered through RCC, members must provide RCC with all applicable merchant numbers. It is the responsibility of members to notify RCC when their merchant numbers change, or when adding new store locations to the program. By completing the FAX BACK TO RCC form in your new membership package you will be ensured that you continue to receive the preferred merchant rates offered by RCC.
14) How do I take advantage of your benefit programs other than merchant discount rates?
When your membership is setup with RCC, we will send you a welcome package, which outlines all of the benefits and all applicable contact information. You simply call the benefit partners directly with your RCC member number and start taking advantage.
15) Where is my member number found?
The membership number is located on the welcome letter, in the original Welcome Package that was sent to you when you joined RCC.
You can also find it on your renewal notice, under the heading member number.
2007, Retail Council of Canada — The Voice of Retail