Credit, Debit, and LINK Cards at the Market

UPDATE, August 4, 2011: Starting Saturday, August 13, the Market will begin its Double Value program for LINK recipients, matching transactions for up to $20 per LINK card per day. If you receive LINK benefits, this is a great way to stretch them. Go here for more information, or see the media release (PDF) below.

In 2010, we began accepting credit, debit, and LINK cards on behalf of our vendors. We call it Market Scratch. Here's how it works:

1. The patron brings their credit, debit, or LINK card to the City tent, located at the northwest entrance to the Market.
2. The card is swiped for the desired amount at the City's wireless terminal.
3. Upon approval, the patron receives the desired amount in appropriate Market Scratch - wooden tokens for either credit/debit or LINK purchases. Credit/debit tokens are worth $5.00 each. LINK tokens are worth $1.00 each.
4. Patron goes into the Market and spends their Market Scratch at any vendor booth within the main Market space.

Here's an F.A.Q. answering some questions we heard quite often during our pilot season:

Why would I want to use Market Scratch?

Most of our vendors don't accept credit, debit, or LINK cards on their own. Market Scratch enables these vendors to accept plastic, which can come in especially handy for larger-ticket purchases. It also comes in handy if you run out of cash while at the Market - no trip to a cash machine necessary. Finally, Market Scratch finally enables patrons receiving LINK benefits to purchase locally-produced foods directly from the vendors at the Market using their LINK cards.

Does every vendor accept Market Scratch? What about LINK?

Yes. Every vendor will accept the credit/debit version of Market Scratch. Vendors selling LINK-eligible foods will also accept the LINK version of Market Scratch. The City will also accept Market Scratch for the Market's merchandise (T-shirts, shopping bags, etc). However, community groups selling merchandise DO NOT accept Market Scratch.

Do I have to use Market Scratch to shop at the Market?

No. Cash and (in most cases) checks are always welcome at every vendor booth at the Market. Market Scratch is just another way to pay.

Does it cost anything to use Market Scratch?

Yes. Credit and debit transactions carry a $1.00 fee, no matter how large or small the transaction, which is added to the total amount you request. This fee goes toward managing the Market Scratch program. There is no charge whatsoever for LINK transactions.

So, say I buy something for $4.00 and give the vendor a $5.00 token. Do I get change back?

Yes! Credit and debit tokens are treated same as cash, so you'll get cash when change is given. Change cannot be given for LINK tokens, so the purchase is rounded up or down as appropriate by the vendor.

What happens if I don't spend all my Market Scratch? Can I use it the following week?

Extra Market Scratch is never a problem - it's good week-to-week and season-to-season.

Still have questions? Contact Lisa via email or at 217-384-2319 for more details.