VI LOCAL - DISCOUNTS FOR USVI RESIDENTS

checking it out now, thanks

"businesses on St Croix, St Thomas & St John/Water Island"

Already I see a problem if they think St John and Water Island are one location.

I would like to see Bacchus and The Brew pub sign on... Oh and WAPA..hahaha!!!

It looks like someone who designed a maid service site created an advertising site:) No one really on there yet but good idea for a site/community thing. But wait you have to pay for a card? I would assume the money made from advertising from retailers on their site would cover expenses then free cards for members and the site might grow at a faster rate.

Good idea. free membership would be nice.

What?

First I show you proof I'm a local for the privilege of purchasing a card from this site. Then I need to show photo ID along with the card to participating establishments to get the discount. Almost complicated enough to qualify as a government program. Um, why wouldn't participating establishments just take just my VI DL as proof I'm a local without going thru the process of purchasing the additional card? I think there may be a flaw in your business model - charging the locals, then giving them a discount. Brings to mind the quote, "Badges! We don't need no stinkin badges!"

I like going to places where they know I'm a full-time local, and treat me accordingly. That's how you build customer loyalty and repeat business.

At the end of the day I'm not sure I'm a fan of programs that openly publicize charging non-locals a higher rate. Not the best message to send to prospective tourists.

Most local business will haggle or give you a discount if you ask nicely. I've never paid sticker price for furniture, appliances, jewelery, etc...

I don't see the point in this, UNLESS Plaza, pueblo, kmart, etc are going to participate.

If you qualify for a senior card, issued by the VI government, you get discounts at groceries and other places. The best is car registration is half-price. The card is $5.00, and you need to be 60 years old and a resident.

I agree the website looks more like an ad for a maid service. I couldn't even figure out what the discout was for the cleaning. LOL

But, it is just starting up and at least someone is being creative. I guess it will depend on how much they charge for the card and what you'll get for it. Might be a good idea to give a free "temporary" card to get it off the ground. Then one could decide if it's worth it to them and go ahead and buy a card, if desired.

We used to love to buy the coupon books for restaurants on St. Thomas, but that was for charity....not the same thing.

Are there any discounts for Veterans?

Hi everyone.

Thank you all for your comments. They have been quite insightful and helpful.

VI Local is an idea, and with any idea that ever turns out to be great, it is a constant work in progress and will rely on the thoughts of many. VI Local is a local initiative looking to provide a service for the local population and hence values the ideas and opinions of everyone. VI Local aims to be a rewards program much like the 'Entertainment Book" or the above mentioned coupon books but with a slight twist. We are providing the same discounts and perks that these books provide but only to residents of the VI.

Since reading the above comments over the last couple of days the website has already changed and will continue to. It is not an advertisement for a maid service, however starting out and not having any businesses on board, a maid service is used to show businesses who potentially would like to get involved what our advertising looks like from a professional point of view.

The website is not in any way, shape or form meant to appear vindictive towards tourists or tourism in the VI but rather promote 'community' between business owners and the residents that live here and have done so, whether it be 10 days or 10 years! Most of the time tourists and locals pay exactly the same price, but shouldn't there be some reward for the local who spends their hard earned cash at the same bars and restaurants on island, week after week??

A price point for the program has not been reached yet, and the current price only gives an indication of what it may turn out to be. There may be a temporary "free membership", there may be a first XXX people receive a free membership, it may range from $10-$30 depending on overhead costs, or it may well become a free program. Profits may end up going to a U.S.V.I. charity like the Animal Welfare Center or something else like it. We will have to see what business model works best for us and for our customers; both business and residential.

This website was launched and listed on this website to gauge people's reactions to the possibility of a program like this being launched in the VI. We will, over the next couple of months be reaching out to businesses in the U.S.V.I. and doing exactly the same thing; asking their opinion whether a program like this has the ability to fit into their business' model. We understand that some businesses in the VI already offer locals discounts, either upon asking or upon haggling with you. VI Local's goal is to have a one stop reference point for all businesses who offer locals discounts, and to take the haggling out the the equation for you. You know that they offer it so you go there.

This program may not be for everyone. Some people who have their own local jaunts and hang out there everyday may not have a second thought about it, but for that family out there or people looking to save money and explore what these wonderful islands have to offer - think what the smallest discounts amount to after a year!

I thank you all for your comments and hope that you can email any ideas, business that you would like to see partner with VI Local, concerns or well wishes to info@vilocal.com so that together we can make a workable, mutually beneficial rewards program for the people of the U.S.V.I.

Have a great long weekend.

VI Local
info@vilcoal.com
www.vilocal.com

Sounds like you're a bit all over the place, better to wait and launch when you have everything sorted out. I can't see paying for a card right now that gives discounts that I can get without paying for a card.