What is the Monthly Reward Pot?
The Reward Pot is your monthly cashback budget — the amount your business sets aside to fund customer rewards on Zipstory. Funds are used through the Reward List (visible offers nearby customers can browse and reserve) and through Surprise Rewards (targeted offers sent directly to active local users). When a customer makes a qualifying purchase, cashback is verified automatically through their linked bank account. No manual review needed on your end.
How Does the Reward Pot Benefit My Business?
Think of the Reward Pot as a smarter way to use money you may already spend on promotions. Instead of broad discounts that are hard to measure, Zipstory directs that budget into targeted rewards that bring people into your business within a clear time window.
Your Reward Pot also funds Surprise Rewards — higher-value offers sent directly to active local users via push notification. These drive repeat visits and discovery without any extra setup on your end. Every cashback reward is verified automatically through the customer's linked bank account, so there is nothing for your staff to approve or manage.
Simple Reward Pot Example
Fund & Attract
Add $100 to your Reward Pot to offer cashback deals — like $5 back on $25 — that give customers a reason to choose your business and visit.
Verified Automatically
Customers visit, make a qualifying purchase, and cashback is verified through their linked bank account — no staff action, no receipt scanning.
Extend Your Reach
Some of your Reward Pot funds Surprise Rewards — push notifications sent to active local users, driving repeat visits and discovery with no extra effort.
Adjust your Reward Pot anytime to match your goals. Customers can also optionally share a post after visiting to unlock additional cashback — creating authentic local content around your business.
Zero Commission on Reward Pots
We don't take a cut of your reward pot. 100% of your contribution goes directly to customer rewards. You only pay standard card processing.
Every dollar you put in your reward pot goes to customer cashback rewards.
Payment Processing
Credit card payments are processed by Stripe at their standard rate:
2.9% processing + 0.5% recurring billing surcharge, plus $0.30 per transaction
Example: $100 Reward Pot Purchase
* Fee uses gross-up formula to ensure exactly $100 is available after Stripe takes their cut.
Why Zipstory Offers Superior Value
Predictable Costs
Clearly defined monthly subscriptions and reward pot contributions allow for predictable marketing budgets.
Direct Foot Traffic
Cashback rewards guarantee physical store visits, translating into measurable sales.
Upselling Opportunities
Customers redeeming rewards typically make larger purchases, creating opportunities to increase your average transaction.
Flexibility and Control
Easily adjust your reward pot anytime, providing real-time responsiveness.
Transparent Pricing
Clear, straightforward fees with no hidden surprises.
Customer Engagement
Encourages genuine, high-quality local content from active, loyal customers.
Questions About Plans or Setup?
Need help choosing the right plan, setting up your reward pot, or understanding billing? We are here to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about setup, billing, rewards, and day-to-day use.
Do I need a monthly subscription to use Zipstory?
Yes. Zipstory Business is offered through monthly subscription plans designed to maintain visibility and support consistent posting, cashback rewards, and analytics.
What is the Reward Pot and how does it work?
The Reward Pot is your monthly cashback budget — the amount your business sets aside to fund customer rewards. It is used in two ways: through the Reward List (visible offers nearby customers can browse, reserve, and act on) and through Surprise Rewards (targeted offers sent via push notification to active local users). You only pay when a customer actually visits and makes a qualifying purchase.
How does cashback verification work?
Customers link their bank account through Stripe when they set up their Zipstory account. When they make a qualifying purchase at your business, the transaction is automatically matched against their bank activity — no receipt photo, no manual approval needed. After a verified visit, cashback is issued automatically. Customers can also optionally share a post about your business to unlock additional cashback.
What are Surprise Rewards?
Surprise Rewards are targeted cashback offers sent via push notification to active local Zipstory users — people who regularly post and engage in your neighborhood. They are higher-value offers with a short redemption window (typically 24 hours), designed to drive repeat visits and discovery. They are funded from your Reward Pot automatically, with no extra setup needed. A cooldown period prevents the same user from receiving the same business repeatedly.
How quickly can I start posting?
Once your business account is set up, you can start posting right away. Zipstory is designed for real-time updates so customers can see what is happening when it matters most.
Can I run campaigns without a full monthly plan?
Some promotional options, such as banner announcements or special campaign placements, may be available separately. Contact support to discuss what fits your business needs.
Where can I get support if I need help?
Email support@zipstory.com anytime or use the support form. We can assist with setup, billing, and troubleshooting.