The ShopForGood.net Story

ShopForGood.net is the brainchild of co-founders Laurin Cowling and Troy Wilson.

How it came about:
In the summer of 2009, what began as cocktail conversation about the ailing US economy quickly evolved into a series of discussions about social responsibility. We were struck by the fact that at the same time Americans were tightening their purse strings, many charities were experiencing their own financial crisis - and facing enormous strain. Homeless Shelters and Soup Kitchens were operating beyond capacity on fewer dollars. The spate of home foreclosures also meant that Animal Shelters were experiencing an influx of abandoned pets. With soaring unemployment, Free Health Clinics were being inundated by people no-longer insured. Even Fortune 500 companies began slashing their charitable funding programs in order to protect their "bottom-line."

What could we do to help?
It wasn't long before we turned our attention to the internet. We theorized that by combining the financial engine of retailer affiliate programs with the power of social networking media, we could create a very solid tool with which to do some good. Once we realized that we could provide people the opportunity to support their favorite charity / not-for-profit 501(c)(3) simply by doing their on-line shopping with us - at no additional cost - ShopForGood.net was born!

Our Premise:
Use us as a Portal to originate all of your on-line shopping. Then select a charity of your choice to benefit from your purchase. ShopForGood.net will donate the majority of its referral commission (earned on your sale) to your chosen cause. It couldn't be easier . . . or make more sense.

Getting the ball rolling:
As we began the process of turning our concept into a business, we quickly became aware that our idea was not entirely unique; a little research turned up a few other web-sites that were already using a similar business model. On the one hand we were glad that many people were already supporting charities through their every day shopping; on the other hand, no one we knew had ever heard about these sites. Now our energies became focused on how to improve on the concept, reach more users and drive even more dollars to worthwhile charities.

How?
That was the easy part! After studying other similar sites, we were confident that we could create a Charity / Shopping Portal that would be much more compelling, delivering interesting and informative content centered around the work the Charities were doing, as well as, introducing consumers to new and innovative online shopping options. We were confident that we could build a web-site that was more interactive and user friendly, and one that allowed our users to leverage the power of social-networking media. The site that we envisioned would be fun, informative, and one that would encourage shoppers to use us repeatedly, driving meaningful contributions to causes that are important to them. We had a clear vision in our mind of what we wanted ShopForGood.net to be, and worked closely with our team of web designers to make our dream a reality.

The Result:
We love our site, and hope that you will to! Add ShopForGood.net to your "favorites" list, and make your on-line shopping a snap. And don't forget to check out our fantastic "Today's Special" tag - it's a great way to learn something new each day about an amazing charity, combined with a great shopping opportunity. Check out our AmbassadorForGood feature and you may be inspired to become one yourself! There is no obligation - just a way to increase your favorite charity's earning potential. And don't forget to set up your very own Personal Plaza, so your favorite retailers are gathered together under one fabulous 'virtual' roof!

Change The Way You Shop. Do A World Of Good.
There are many fun ways to use our site and our unique features, and we have lots more ideas on the drawing board, so visit us often, share us with your family, friends, co-workers . . . and help us make ShopForGood.net the destination for on-line shopping. Think of all the good we can do, together.

Many Thanks!

Laurin B. Cowling
President
ShopForGood.net