FAQs
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WHAT IS INLU?
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In a nutshell, Inlu is an online invitation service with a build in “gift registry” function.
WHY USE INLU?
Inlu is a solution to a major problem: over consumption. If you ask a group of people to pitch-in for a group gift, it saves loads of wrapping, shipping, production and excess spending. Not to mention, it makes collecting funds from multiple contributors a breeze. Also, it empowers people to put money where it matters most: either a really special gift, a beloved cause or both.
WHAT CAN I USE INLU FOR?
ANYTHING! Inlu is the perfect collection tool for anything from baby showers, birthday parties, wedding registries, Co-worker gift collections, Bat Mitzvahs, fundraising efforts, even Holiday wish lists! See our “Ideas” section here for more:
DID YOU KNOW YOU SPELLED “IN LIEU” WRONG?
Yes, but we think it should be spelled this way.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHAT IS A GIFT COLLECTION?
A gift collection pools funds from all contributors then Inlu delivers the final collection to one person responsible for purchasing a gift.
DOES INLU SELL STUFF?
No. We deliver the consolidated funds to the designated person to shop, OR to apply the funds as wished. Inlus have raised funds for camera lenses, hearing aids, even College Savings Accounts. We like to remind people that BUYING LOCAL is cool.
WHAT IS A CHARITY COLLECTION?
A charity collection pools funds then Inlu delivers DIRECTLY to the charity in one lump sum.
DO I GET A TAX RECEIPT WITH MY CONTRIBUTION?
IF there is a gift collection at the same time, the CHARITABLE TAX receipt is directed to go to the person indicated as the Honoree. IF there is NO gift collection with the charity collection, Inlu requests that the charity issue individual tax receipts and provides the charities with the information to issue those receipts.
CAN I KEEP MY CONTRIBUTION PRIVATE?
Yes. If you want to contribute, but do not want the Organizer OR the Charity to know how much, you can select the “Keep my contribution private” option at the time of payment. In this case, the Organizer will see that you participated and you can still sign the Keepsake, but the charitable organization will NOT receive any personal information.
WHAT IS A GIFT & CHAIRTY COLLECTION?
A gift and charity collection means Contributors may pitch in for the gift, charity or both IN ONE TRANSACTION. Funds for the charity will never be pooled to cover the gift, however, in some cases (as indicated by the Organizer), excess gift funds may be pooled and delivered to the designated charity.
ARE THERE ANY FEES?
It is free to create Inlu registries and send invitations and announcements.
At the time of Pitch-In, Inlu Contributors see an "Inlu Transaction Fee" which includes a flat Inlu transaction fee of $1.25 per contribution, plus the typical third party transaction fee, based on the contribution amount, to ensure the most secure payment processing for our users via Elavon Merchant Services. Prior to Checkout, the Contributor has the choice to add or subtract this fee from their total purchase price, and are presented with their “net contribution.”
HOW DO MY FRIENDS SEE MY INLU?
An Inlu will arrive via email to friends, contacts and co-workers. They can read the info and pitch-in on the spot. The Organizer can also choose to Share their Inlu with online networks. Or, there’s always the good old fashion way… snail mail! An Inlu invitation or announcement can be printed for snail mail, directing guests to a web address where they'll see the Inlu online.
CREATING AN INLU
HOW DO I SET UP AN INLU?
You simply go to "create" or "get started" and 1) select an image (or add your own) 2) give it a title 3) indicate event details, if any and 4) describe what you are collecting for. Then you add contacts and hit send!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INVITATION AND AN ANNOUNCEMENT?
An Invitation includes date, location, and RSVP information in the event that a gathering is being organized. An Announcement is used when there is no gathering.
DO GUESTS HAVE TO PITCH IN TO RSVP?
Nope. Their RSVP will be added to the Organizer’s Dashboard without a contribution.
WHAT IS A COLLECTION END DATE?
It is the date an Inlu can no longer accept contributions. The Organizer sets the date.
CAN MY COLLECTION END DATE BE SET TO CLOSE AFTER AN EVENT DATE?
Yes, you may set a collection end date to close up to six months after your event date.
CONTRIBUTING TO AN INLU
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I RECEIVE AN INLU?
When you receive an Inlu, you simply click to RSVP and/or Contribute. Then, you make a payment on our Secure Transaction Page. (We use PayPal Merchant Services to secure your transaction.)
DO I HAVE TO PITCH IN?
No, you do not. You may RSVP without contributing. However, you may not leave a contributor's note unless you pitch-in to the group effort.
WHERE DOES MY MONEY GO?
If you indicate that you'd like to put money toward a charity, THE AMOUNT YOU INDICATE for CHARITY WILL GO TO THE CHARITY. However, if you contribute to a gift, one of two actions occur"
1. If the Organizer established a Gift Cap (e.g. $30) and it HAS BEEN MET by the Collection End Date, the gift funds collected above this amount will automatically be pooled with any other charity donations.
2. If the organizer HAS NOT set a Gift Cap, your gift funds will be pooled and sent to the organizer within 48 hours of the collection end date.
CAN I INVITE OTHERS TO PITCH IN FOR AN INLU?
If you have received an Announcement, it is at your discretion to use the "Share this Inlu" option in the dashboard. Events with guests may be "officially" shared by the Organizer or with Organizer consent.
WHAT DO I DO IF I GET AN INLU FROM SOMEONE I DON’T KNOW?
Know your Organizer. Inlu is simply a tool. The Organizer is the person reaching out to you, so you should always recognize the Organizer or Honoree. You can contact the Organizer directly with questions.
GIFT COLLECTION
CAN I BUY GIFTS DIRECTLY FROM INLU
No. We do not warehouse, produce or affiliate with any products. However, we have some really good ideas on our LINKS page.
WHY DO YOU SEND MONEY INSTEAD OF OFFERING ONLINE SHOPPING?
Part of the Inlu philosophy is to SHOP LOCAL. We want to direct funds to YOUR community. And, since we think outside the box, we encourage non-traditional gifts like yoga passes, music lessons, gift certificates to LOCAL restaurants, shops and artists.
WHO RECEIVES THE GIFT COLLECTION MONEY?
The organizer indicates a sole recipient of the GIFT funds. We suggest the Organizer if you are interested.
WHAT IF I ORGANIZE AN INLU BUT CHANGE MY MIND?
An Inlu can be edited from the Organizer’s Dashboard up to 24 Hours prior to the Collection End Date. You can also “Notify Guests” from your Dashboard to let them know about the change and the updated Inlu Invitation or Announcement will be attached.
WHAT IF I DO NOT REACH MY TARGET OR GIFT CAP?
You may do whatever you feel is appropriate-- put the gift funds collected toward an alternate gift or get creative. Didn't raise enough for a weekend spa but can cover two new yoga mats? That could work.
DO IN NEED TO HAVE A PAYPAL ACCOUNT TO USE INLU?
No. Contributions can be made by credit card or by PayPal transaction. And Gift Collections can be issued by either a bank check or a PayPal transaction.
CHARITY COLLECTION
WHAT CHARITIES CAN I SELECT?
Inlu enables the Organizer to include a request to collect funds for any non-profit charitable organization.
HOW DO I SELECT A CHARITY?
When you create a new Inlu, you can either “ADD YOUR OWN” or select a charity from Inlu’s helpful Charity Seeker. Inlu does not recommend charities, but does gather information by searching public records and provides a guide simply as a resource to the Organizer.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY COLLECTED GO?
Any funds pitched in to the “charity bucket” by Contributors will be consolidated by Inlu, and then sent directly to the charity. It is not the responsibility of the Organizer, and the Organizer does not have the ability to reallocate Charity funds.
SHOULD I USE INLU ALL THE TIME AND TELL ALL MY FRIENDS ABOUT IT?
Yes, please.
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