FAQ's

Sounds too good to be true, how can you give away $1000 worth of prepaid cards for so little?

We agree it does sound too good to be true. But it is true and its great getting the cards. There is a good business strategy involved. This is a true win-win-win; Hard Times Helper, the Gas Company, the Food Chains and you all win. In today's economy all consumers are being very careful with their money. Brand loyalty is disappearing, we don't care about the brand or the store (Shell, Hess, BP, Safeway, King Soopers, etc...) we are looking only for the lowest price. The requirement for the Hard Times Helper members is that you buy your gas from the same gas company and your groceries from the same supermarket, which you select when you activate your certificates. The companies are willing to spend to gain your loyalty, pre-paid gift card certificates are becoming a very popular advertising campaign for these major companies.

What does this cost?

It costs $99.00 to become a Hard Times Helper member. There is a 30 day money back guarantee. You will receive a link to download the Hard Times Helper package of infoproducts. Upon confirmation of your Hard Times Helper membership, your Gas and Grocery Certificates will be shipped within 48 hours by USPS 1st Class. Please allow 1 to 2 weeks for delivery. Once you activate your Gas and Grocery Certificates you can begin redeeming your gas and food receipts for monthly $25 prepaid cards. The certificates are free and there are no other costs or fees.

Why do you send the cards in $25 monthly increments?

By collecting receipts from the gas company and supermarket you have selected over a period of time, we can prove that we are helping to establish brand loyalty to the companies and that our members deserve to receive a discount for purchasing at their stores. Each month when you have spent $100 worth of gas from the gas company you selected when you activate your certificate. Send the receipts and the vouchers into the redemption centers as instructed and each month you will receive a $25 pre-paid gas card in the mail. Also, each month when you have spent $100 worth of groceries from the supermarket you selected when you activate your certificate. Send the receipts and the vouchers into the redemption centers as instructed and each month you will receive a $25 pre-paid grocery card in the mail. This is a huge deal.

How long does a membership last?

Your Hard Times Helper membership period is 24 months.

Why do I have to purchase at least $100.00 per month?

This is the minimum purchase requirement established by the program underwriters (gas companies and supermarkets).

Can I be sure I will get the cards?

Yes. Thousands of people are already getting and using the cards monthly. The brands that you can select from when to activate your certificates are all the major companies.

What happens if I don't spend $100 on gas or $100 on food during a calendar month?

If you did not collect the $100 of gas receipts or $100 of grocery receipts you would not be issued your $25 gas card or grocery card for that month. The underwriters of the programs require that you submit receipts each calendar month.

Why can't I change the brand of gas or supermarket I choose when I register?

Because these are loyalty programs. It's just like you choosing a gas or supermarket because their customer loyalty cards give you great discounts. Choosing one specific brand for the redemption period proves your loyalty to the underwriter.

What happens if the brand of gas chain or supermarket I presently use is NOT on your list of cards?

Then simply choose "Other" and type the brand in the box below that question. We will contact that company to see if they issue gift cards. If not, no need to worry. You can still participate in the program. We will just issue you a $25 Visa gift card instead.

Do I have to use the gift card to get gas or groceries?

No. You may use the card for anything that the station or store allows you to purchase with their card.

Can the $100 worth of receipts include other things I can buy at the station besides gas or groceries?

No. This is a brand loyalty program for gas or groceries and therefore the receipts you submit must be for $100 worth of gas or groceries, not other things.

If I get two certificates can I activate them both at the same time and get a $50 gift card instead of a $25 card?

No. We only issue ONE card for gas and ONE card for groceries per membership household address during the same membership period.

Can I buy more certificates directly from you?

No, you cannot BUY certificates. They are not sold. They are only used as gifts or giveaways from a business or organization.

Can the $25 gift cards be used as part of the $100 worth of gas or groceries spent during the month?

Yes

Do the receipts have to be mailed in by a certain date? Before the end of the month, or before the end of the next month?

The receipts need to be postmark before the end of the month the voucher is for.

Can I submit receipts dated the same day?

You can not have multiple receipts dated for the same day. One receipt totaling $100 or more is acceptable. The underwriters want you to visit multiple times per month.

Do we need to mail in original receipts, or can we provide photocopies?

We only accepted original receipts, we don't accept photocopies, scanned, or fax.

When do I have to register my certificate?

You should register your certificate as soon as you can because you cannot collect receipts until the following month. If you wait until February to register then you will not be able to collect receipts until March.