F.A.Q

• What is TRIP?

• How do I get started?

• How do I place an order?

• When do I receive my certificates?

• How do I receive my credit?

• Can I order for other people?

What is TRIP?

TRIP is offered to promote the education of students at Eastern Christian School Association. It is a way for you to reduce your tuition bill every time you buy food, clothing and other items, by making your purchases at stores that are in this program. You don’t have to buy anything extra, you don’t have to pay a penny more, and you can make your purchases whenever you like.

There is no minimum amount you have to buy. You will be paying for your purchases with gift certificates instead of cash, check or credit card.

TRIP also offers a Small Business Voucher Program. When you make a purchase from one of the participating businesses listed on the attached Small Business Voucher chart (pink), give them your TRIP account number and a percentage of your purchase will automatically be credited to your tuition.

How do I get started?

Read through the materials and fill out the registration form . This form then needs to be brought to the TRIP office located downstairs in the High School across from the Art room. You can bring it there directly, or your child can bring the form to his/her school’s office, and it will be forwarded to the TRIP office. You will then be assigned a TRIP account number. This number is very important, as it will be used to keep track of your credits. You should receive a phone call with your TRIP number, and can then place orders.

How do I place an order?

Using a TRIP ORDER ENVELOPE, indicate which stores, and in what denominations you would like to have gift certificates. Enclose your check or cash for the full amount you wish to purchase. Orders are processed every Monday when school is in session. Your child can bring the order to school on Monday mornings. They are collected in each classroom and brought to the office. Orders must be in the school office by 9:00 as they are picked up at that time and brought to the TRIP office. You can also bring your order to the TRIP office located in the house behind the high school by 10:00.

If you do not have children in school, you can drop off your order envelope at any school during the day on Friday. Or, perhaps there is an EC child in your church or on your street that you can give your order to.

If you forget to place an order on Monday or are not able to send your order in with an E.C. student, the TRIP Store, located in the TRIP office, is open on Friday mornings from 8:30am – noon. “In Stock” certificates can be purchased at the TRIP Store.

When do I receive my certificates?

Every Thursday afternoon your filled order, along with a new order envelope, will be available for pick-up at the high school and elementary school from 2:45 to 3:15pm. Orders can also be sent home with your child if so designated on your order envelope.

Please be sure to indicate the pick-up instructions clearly on your order envelope so your order gets to the correct school. These certificates are just like cash. ECSA cannot accept responsibility for lost or misplaced gift certificates.

How do I receive my credit?

The Merchant Certificate Listing indicates the percentage of your purchase that will be credited to your TRIP account number each time you place an order. These credits will accumulate and twice a year your tuition bill will be directly reduced by the credits. Currently the November tuition bill is reduced by credits applied by early October, and the May tuition bill is reduced by credits applied by early March. You will receive a Tuition Earnings Statement that lists your weekly purchase amounts prior to the credit dates. Credits less than $50 are not applied.

Can I order for other people?

Definitely! This is a great way to increase your credit amount. Ask relatives and friends to consider shopping with gift certificates. Enclose their check in your order envelope. We can only process one envelope per TRIP number, but in that envelope you can have as many checks as you want.

My children are not in school yet, but I’d like to start TRIP now!

Be sure to indicate on the registration form that you are a FUTURE family. Your credits will continue to accumulate year after year. Once your child is in school, you need to inform TRIP that you would like the credits applied.

We would like our credits applied to another family.
On the registration form, fill out the appropriate box as to where you want your credits applied.

Questions? Call the TRIP Hotline: 973-427-9294 ext, 210. The TRIP coordinator will be glad to help you.