Weho Loves Locals – Get Started
We’re launching a new gift card program that will be accepted only at participating West Hollywood businesses. It kicks off in mid-September with a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) offer — fully funded by the City. Businesses that sign up by August 28 will be featured in the full campaign rollout.
Don’t Miss This Fantastic Opportunity to Grow Your Business
The WeHo Loves Locals program is a City of West Hollywood initiative to increase foot traffic, drive local spending, and support our vibrant business community. It’s 100% free to participate and includes signage, promotion, and onboarding.
Submit Your Business
New: Gift Card Program with BOGO Launch Offer
The new WeHo Loves Locals Gift Card is a digital card that shoppers can buy online and use at participating businesses.
The City is launching this with a Buy-One, Get-One (BOGO) offer — customers receive a 50% bonus when they purchase a card.
- You pay nothing — the City covers the bonus
- Customers spend more at your business
- You’re paid just like a standard Mastercard transaction
- Your business is promoted online and potentially in our advertising
Always-On: Resident Offers Program
The Resident Offers Program promotes special deals just for West Hollywood residents — like 10% off, a free drink with purchase, or $5 off your next visit.
These are promoted all year long through our website, email, and social channels. You choose the offer, and we handle the rest.
Business FAQs
How do I sign up?
Shortly after filling out the interest form (usually within 1 or 2 business days), you will be emailed an Activation Card from Yiftee — a 10¢ prepaid Mastercard. Run it through your POS system to authorize participation. You may also run it for $1, if your POS requires a minimum. Either way, the card will be declined, but that will successfully register your POS with our system. Once that’s done, you’ll be added to the WeHo Loves Locals Gift Card directory.
I already have a gift card program. Why join Yiftee?
No problem! Keep selling your own cards. The Weho Loves Locals Gift Card attracts new local shoppers — bringing in business you might not reach otherwise.
How will this increase my sales?
From time to time, West Hollywood will execute promotions to encourage additional card purchases – like the BOGO launching in September (e.g. “Spend $100 and get a $50 bonus card, thanks to the City of West Hollywood”). In general, the program helps drive foot traffic and redemptions at your business. More visibility means more opportunities to capture new customers and increase spend.
Is there a contract or commitment?
By opting in, you agree to the Community Card Merchant Agreement. There's no commitment other than agreeing to redeem Community Cards when customers bring them in. You can leave the program at any time by request or at the discretion of Yiftee or your Organizer.
How are payments processed?
The card is entered manually or tapped at your register, like any Mastercard. You receive funds in your normal credit card settlement.
Does Yiftee take a cut of redemptions?
No. You receive the full transaction amount, minus your usual credit card processing fees.
Is marketing support included?
Yes! We provide in-store signage and a digital media kit. Yiftee also offers templates for social posts and email promotions.
What’s the best way to succeed with this program?
Promote visibly and consistently — signage, social media, and newsletters go a long way. The more customers see it, the more they’ll use it.
Is tech support available?
Yes. Yiftee’s team is available during business hours with an average response time of 17 minutes.
How do I train my staff?
You’ll receive a one-page training guide to keep near your register for quick reference.
What if a purchase exceeds the card value?
Perform a split tender transaction: run the Weho Loves Locals Gift Card for its balance, then use another payment method for the rest. Balances update live in the Yiftee app and on digital cards, but not in a Mobile Wallet. For printed cards, scan the QR code to check the balance.
What if the card is declined?
Check that the balance is sufficient, the info was entered correctly, and that you’re still registered. If you’ve recently changed POS systems, you may need a new Activation Card.
How do I check a customer’s card balance?
Customers can view their balance online or scan the QR code on printed cards. Or you can visit this link to check manually.
Can customers leave a tip?
Yes — but tips must be pre-authorized with the total amount at checkout. Tablets often do this automatically.
Can cards carry a balance and be reused?
Yes. Customers can use the card until the full balance is spent, across multiple visits and merchants.
Can I issue refunds to the card?
Yes. Just process the refund like you would on a credit card — it will return to the customer’s digital card.
Can I pass credit card fees to customers using the card?
Yes, if fees are pre-authorized and the total charge (including fees) is under the card balance.
Is there a cost to buy a Community Card?
Yes — buyers pay $1 + 5% to cover delivery and processing. Merchants still receive 100% of the card’s value.
Is there a deadline to join?
To be included in this year’s advertising, join by August 2025. You can still sign up later and be added to the program.
Business Resources
Download helpful materials to share with your team or display in-store. We’ll continue adding new resources as the program expands.
Questions? Email us at info [at] weholocals [dot] com
