Invite customers in with a curated perk, redeemable only through the Hello! Marin app.
**Join Free Through 2025**
Marin is full of incredible restaurants, shops, and experiences — but locals and visitors have endless choices. Hello! Marin puts your business directly in front of people deciding where to dine, shop, and explore, from Sausalito to Novato.
By offering a simple, exclusive perk — a special invitation redeemable only through the Hello! Marin app at your business — you’ll attract new guests, build loyalty, and stand out in Marin’s must-have lifestyle app.
What’s a Perk?
A perk is an exclusive offering that makes someone choose your business over another in Marin. It’s redeemed only through the Hello! Marin app, turning app users into real customers.
A perk doesn’t have to mean “discount.” It’s about creating a moment that feels like local hospitality:
- A complimentary appetizer with dinner in Mill Valley
- A gift-with-purchase at your Corte Madera boutique
- A private shopping discount in San Rafael
- Early access to a new tasting menu in Sausalito
Why Offer a Perk?
Marin residents love discovering hidden gems, and visitors want authentic local experiences. Offering an exclusive perk gives them a reason to walk through your door.
Studies show that customers are more likely to visit — and return — when they receive an offer that feels personal and available only through an app.
With Hello! Marin, perks create curiosity, drive foot traffic, and build lasting connections — all while keeping the spotlight on your unique Marin story.
The Benefits for Your Business
- Premium Visibility
Your perk is showcased in the Hello! Marin app — right where locals and visitors are deciding what to do this weekend. - New Customer Foot Traffic
Perks bring people off the app and into your store, restaurant, or tasting room. - Free Through 2025
It costs nothing to participate this year — just provide a perk, and we’ll do the rest. - Simple Setup
Sign-up takes only minutes, and your perk will be live quickly for Marin audiences.
A Note on Exclusivity
We ask that your perk be exclusive to Hello! Marin — not something already promoted in-store or online. This makes app users feel they’re getting something truly special by choosing your Marin business.
Ready to put your business in the spotlight?
Fill out the form below and your perk will be live in the app — ready to bring new customers through your door, and ready to show off the best of Marin.
Thanks for joining Hello! Marin! Once we receive your perk, our team will review it and confirm with you by email. Your exclusive offer will then go live in the app — ready to be discovered by thousands of locals and visitors looking for the best of Marin.
Please provide:
- Your business details (name, category, contact info, address)
- The perk you’d like to offer (title, description, restrictions, valid dates)
- Redemption instructions (how users claim it)
- Your logo or image (to make your perk stand out)
To ensure every Hello! Marin user has a smooth, consistent, and positive experience when redeeming a perk at your business.
What You Commit To (Required)
- Clear Offer
- Keep it simple and specific: what the guest gets, what they need to buy (if anything), and when it’s valid.
- Publish blackout dates and any restrictions upfront.
- Provide a real perk that is exclusive to Hello! Marin users. This means it should not be an offer already available to the general public (e.g., new customer specials, promotions already listed on your website, or standard loyalty discounts).
- Staff Awareness
- Train all team members before launch; refresh weekly.
- Make sure staff knows: if a guest shows a perk marked as “I’m ready to Redeem”, it must be honored.
- Post a one-page “Perk Cheat Sheet” at the register or host stand.
- Honor Every Valid Redemption
- If the guest shows a perk in the Hello! Marin app that says “I’m ready to Redeem”, staff must fulfill it—no questions, no friction. Click on the Redeem Offer button to ensure that they can only redeem the offer once.
- If an item is out of stock, offer a fair substitute of similar value.
- Point of Contact
- Assign a manager and backup who can quickly answer perk-related questions.
- Respond to Hello! Marin inquiries within 1 business day.
- Accurate Information
- Keep location, and perk details current.
- Requests to change or take down a perk will be honored with 48 hours notice and should be submitted to the form.
- No Surprises
- Disclose any exclusions, service charges, or gratuity requirements in the perk details.
- Avoid “bait and switch” offers, hidden fees, or overly complex fine print.
Recommended Best Practices
- Simple Perks Work Best: “Free dessert with 2 entrées” is clearer than “Complimentary treat.”
- Time-bound Perks Drive Traffic: e.g., weekday happy hour specials.
- Upsell Naturally: Design perks that encourage add-ons (free upgrade → higher-margin base item).
- Signage Helps: A small sign by your register or menu board that says “We accept Hello! Marin Perks” builds awareness.
- Promote It: Mention the perk on your social channels or email newsletters.
Staff Cheat Sheet (Example)
Offer name: Free Coffee with Any Pastry
Valid: Mon–Fri, open–2pm (not valid holidays)
How to verify: If guest shows perk as “Ready to Redeem” → apply discount / hand over perk item
Limits: 1 per person
If issues: Honor the perk, then call/text [Manager Name + phone]
Staff Scripts (Keep It Simple + Friendly)
- Guest shows perk:
“Great! Thanks for using Hello! Marin. I’ll apply that right now.” - If item unavailable:
“That perk item’s out today, but I’ll substitute [X item] for you.” - If unsure:
“No problem, I’ll honor this now and confirm details with my manager later.”
Guest Experience Flow
- Guest show perk to staff and it displays “I’m ready to redeem” in the app
- Staff tap on the Redeem button, click confirm, and it instantly flips to “Offer Redeemed.”
- Staff fulfills the perk immediately.
- Guest leaves happy—no awkwardness or delays.
Quick-Check Before Launch
- Perk description is clear, simple, and specific.
- Staff briefed (cheat sheet posted at POS/host stand).
- Substitution plan ready if item is unavailable.
- Manager and backup contacts provided.
- Staff tested the process with a live redemption.
✅ By agreeing, you commit to honoring valid redemptions and ensuring your staff knows how to recognize and fulfill Hello! Marin perks smoothly and consistently.
Q: What is Hello! Marin?
A free app that highlights the best of Marin — from restaurants and shops to events and hidden gems — with exclusive perks for users.
Q: How much does it cost?
It’s free through 2025. Starting in 2026, you can choose to stay in the free tier or upgrade for premium features.
Q: What do I have to do to join?
Provide one exclusive perk (discount, freebie, or special experience) that you don’t already promote in-store or on your website. We handle setup and promotion.
Q: Why does the perk have to be exclusive?
Exclusivity makes the app valuable to users. If they can already find the offer elsewhere, it doesn’t motivate downloads or engagement. Special perks drive foot traffic and help your business stand out.
Q: What kind of perk works best?
Simple, exclusive offers get the most traction. Examples:
- “Buy one, get one free coffee — Hello! Marin exclusive”
- “Free appetizer with entrée (Hello! Marin users only)”
- “10% off entire purchase — not available anywhere else”
- “Exclusive early access to new arrivals”
Q: Where will my perk appear?
- In the Hello! Marin app
- Potential to be highlighted In Marin Magazine & Local Getaways promotions
- Potential to be featured In seasonal campaigns and chamber partnerships
Q: What’s in it for me?
- New customers discover you when they’re ready to visit.
- Built-in exposure in trusted local media.
- Easy, no-cost marketing through 2025.
Q: What happens after 2025?
- The free tier continues with basic visibility.
- Premium upgrade options unlock: photos, long-form copy, push notifications, and campaign/editorial features.
Q: How do I sign up?
Click the sign-up link. Share your exclusive perk, and we’ll do the rest.
