What is the BG1 Card and how can it benefit my business?
The BG1 Card is Bowling Green State University’s official identification card for students, faculty, and staff.  The Community Merchant Program is designed to increase access for local businesses to BGSU students, faculty and staff while enhancing the goods and services available for purchase by BG1 Cardholders. By enrolling in our program, we will help market your company/business all across our college campus of more than 20,000 students and your sales will most likely increase!

What other merchants are currently accepting the BG1 Card? Click here.

Where is BG1 Card Services located and what is is the contact information?
BG1 Card Services is located on the first floor in the University Bookstore in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. You can reach the center by phone 419-372-4127 or by email bg1card@bgsu.edu.

What marketing does the BG1 Card provide for my business?
Your business name will be displayed on the BG1 Card web site. Your business may also be included in printed promotional materials that are distributed to students, faculty and staff through a variety of marketing opportunities.

Are there any setup or installation charges?
Your costs include the price of the equipment plus a transaction fee on all purchases. The transaction fee covers the management of the card program including accounting and advertising.

Is there a sample contract I can review? Click here.

How long will it take before I can begin accepting the BG1 Card?
Once your account has been established and your equipment has been installed, you can begin to accept the BG1 Card immediately.

How long does it take to receive reimbursement for BG1 Card sales?
Merchants are paid by the 15th of each month for the previous month’s sales.

Do I need to physically see the BG1 Card for the purchase?
If you choose to allow orders over the phone, you must verify the identity with the ID upon delivery or pick up of the item(s) purchased.

What should I do if the picture or signature on the BG1 card does not match the customer?
If the signature or picture on the BG1 Card does not match the customer, you should not accept the card and void the transaction.  Then you should call BG1 Card Services to report the situation at 419-372-4127.

Is it ok to charge students a fee for accepting BG1 card to offset the commission charged by BG1?
No. Part of the agreement for accepting the BG1 Card is to not charge a fee above the cost of the merchandise for people paying with a BG1 Card.

Do I need to submit an invoice to be reimbursed?
No. BG1 Card Services reimburses you from reports we run through our BG1 Card system. You have access to run the same reports from your equipment to verify the figures. 

What should I do if I accidentally overcharge someone?
You should process a return for the original amount to reverse the transaction. Then re-run the transaction for the correct amount.

Who do I contact if I am having technical problems?
Please contact BG1 Card Services at 419-372-4127.

Is there anything special about the phone line needed for the BG1 Card equipment?
The phone line must be a standard analog telephone line.

Do I need to get another phone line to accept the BG1 Card?
Not necessarily. The BG1 Card equipment has an "extra" built in jack, so it can "piggy back" on an existing voice, modem, or fax line. This will, of course, tie up that line during the transaction phase.

Do I purchase the BG1 Card units directly from BG1 Card Services?
Because the readers use operating software that is proprietary to the BG1 Card System, it must be purchased or leased from BGSU.

How do I reconcile at the end of the business day?
On the BG1 Card System, the end of the business day is at 3:00am of each day. You have the option to run reports on your equipment that will allow you to get your daily sales figures.

How long does a transaction take to process on BG1 Card equipment?
Transactions take approximately 15 seconds.

How will I know if the customer lacks sufficient funds to pay for the merchandise or service?
If the customer does not have sufficient funds, the transaction will be denied when you swipe the card or enter the ID number. 

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