Have you signed up for AmEx Small Biz Saturday?
According to them if you sell any alcohol or tobacco products you can not participate in Small Business Saturday per their terms of agreement.
I’ve tried to contact them for clarification on “wine” but no response. I don’t recall this last year. Then again we’re toast because of selling cigars but would like to see our friends be able to be included.
Oh snap. We promoted it a bit last year but I never even knew you had to ‘sign up.’ I don’t recall any restrictions. Also it’s pretty lame that they don’t include our industry. Maybe they noticed too many of the qualifying purchases were for tobacco, wine & spirits? ![[drinkers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/8/82916bed5ad74ac8470bc04089d9758b0c80c9fa.gif "drinkers"){kind=small}
I didn’t see anything in the mail or via email this year and I just forgot about it.
When I went to sign up there was “read terms and agreement to participate before continuing.” I believe it was the second paragraph that stated no alcohol or tobacco.
I’m sure there are some retailers that signed up but didn’t notice it. I wonder if they’ll honor those.
So even restaurants apply? Since they well alcohol. I know I’ve used it at restaurants with liquor and it worked
I went ahead and signed up. I’ll let you know if they approve it or not. Still no answer clarifying the “alcohol” wording in their terms.
I got an email this afternoon from a local wine retailer about the promotion. Apparently they were approved.
Are you sure that the thing you are talking about is not the free advertising offered as part of this versus the $25 credit for shopping at a small business? Plenty of liquor stores show up when you search for eligible small businesses to shop at and get the credit.
I have used our AMEX cards at Ojai Beverage Company the past 2 years with no problems.
I know the card holder has to have the card registered to get the rebate.
Carrie, I think they are picking on you. 
Bruce,
A business has to register to quality for the Small Business Saturday for their customers to be able to get the $25 credit. They don’t automatically give it to anyone using an AmEx . It clearly states businesses that promote alcohol or tobacco do not qualify. So my question is, there are lots of retailers, wineries, and other related places that are signed up and listed in their Small Business Saturday program, will the customers qualify for the credit in these stores and such? They also state that if the terms are not met the credit can be reversed. I don’t know if wine falls into the category (in their minds) of alcohol and have not been able to get my question answered which I posed to them over a week ago. I get the tobacco part. I have registered to see if they approve us, I have not heard back from them regarding that either. Makes me want to pull our acceptance of AmEx.
Below is the part I’m talking about in the terms of agreement
Small businesses that promote any of the following are not eligible for the Program: pharmaceuticals, drugs, politics, pornography or sexual aids, diet aids, gambling, liquor, tobacco, firearms/weapons, or any sensitive topic with respect to current events. By participating in this Program, you represent and warrant that (i) your business complies with the requirements set forth herein and (ii) you are the owner of the business and have the right to participate in this Program on behalf of your business and to grant the rights herein. Program is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws.
Carrie,
It sounds like you participated in the past - did it bring you some additional business?
Not according to the FAQ section
No, you don’t have to “sign up” to be a part of Small Business Saturday. The day is for all to celebrate you and the contribution your business makes to the community and the economy. Thus, whether you are a brick-and-mortar retail store, restaurant or online-only business, just by being a small business owner, you’re already a part of it. As such, participation is as simple as being open for business this November 24th.
Bruce,
That’s interesting and not how it was promoted to me. I don’t understand why they have the “enroll” for businesses to participate .
You are welcome Carrie.
And to be certain, I checked for you on the Amex Map and you are there.
Where’s the actual ‘sign up’ section? All I see is the promote section
Woo Hoo! thank you Bruce 
OH and Bruce, the map also lists Carpet One here, that’s what this building used to be. Must be an old map.
Here ya go. Some fo the Promo crap you can sign up for or check out Small Business FB page
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/Shop-Small/business-advertising
We’re listed on there too, now that I look for it. Hadn’t signed up yet.
I can’t find any of the wine stores I use in NYC on the list. Anyone know of a moderately priced wine store in Manhattan that’s participating?
Barry–If you can’t find a wine store in NYC to use on Sat., you could call in an order (or order via the web) with a participating LA/CA wine store on Sat.
Bruce