SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Toms River and South Toms River have officially partnered to offer residents programs to save money by shopping local.
The way the program works is like this: Residents sign up for the free Estate Card; and businesses agree to participate. Then, whenever the resident spends money at one of those businesses, they earn something in return. As an example of how the program will run, a retailer in the program could set a 10 percent “reward” so that a customer spending $100 would have $10 credited toward their property taxes when using the Estate Card.
It’s a first-of-its-kind program in the area, South Toms River clerk and business administrator Joseph Kostecki said. While some towns have shop local cards, this is unique in that Toms River residents get a discount shopping in South Toms River, and vice versa.
When a card holder spends money at one of the participating businesses, they receive a credit applied automatically to their taxes. A Toms River resident will earn money on their Toms River taxes no matter whether the shop is in Toms River or South Toms River. The reverse is true for a South Toms River resident. The savings stay with the shopper, not the location of the business. An even greater level of reward is offered at participating local and online merchants.
“We are continually looking to improve the environment for businesses. This partnership establishes an innovative approach to drive customers to our local businesses, while driving down your tax or utility bill,” Kostecki said.
Borough officials urged residents and businesses to participate in order to grow the program and improve the benefits.
If you are in South Toms River:
- Visit SouthTomsRiver.org or SouthTomsRiverEstateCard.com and follow the instructions.
- The card will arrive in the mail within 7-10 business days.
- Each time the card is used, a percentage of that purchase is earned toward property tax reduction. Reward amounts are listed in both the cardholder’s online account and on the easy to use Card Rewards mobile app.
- Local merchants who are interested in participating may visit LocalCardRewards.com to enroll or email support@localcardrewards.com
- Questions can be submitted to support@myestatecard.com.
If you are in Toms River:
- Visit TomsRiverEstateCard.com to sign up.
- Merchants can join by visiting LocalCardRewards.com to enroll or by emailing support@localcardrewards.com.
- A growing list of merchants will be added to tomsrivertwpnj.myestatecard.com/ Click on the “Rewards” page.
- Questions can be submitted to support@myestatecard.com.
