Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ethically Hip?

Ethically Hip is a Social Purpose Business (SPB). We operate like many other deal sites except that instead of spreading the wealth (aka profits) with some huge corporation in another country, we give ALL (yup, that's 100%) of our net profits to local charities that often struggle financially to provide valuable services to our local community.

Ethicallyhip.com is more than just a deal site. We are a community of like-minded, socially-conscious people who are striving to make a real difference. We also have online charity auctions that feature one of a kind items and unique experiences with all of the money going to a local charity.

When is Ethically Hip launching?

We are aiming for a launch sometime in August, 2011 launch so please sign up here to get all the latest news plus the inside scoop on our contests and promotions.

Is Ethically Hip Canadian?

We sure are -eh. We love where we live and feel very fortunate to be able to enjoy such a great quality of life. Sometimes we all take it for granted but what's cool about being Ethically Hip is you get a great deal, our businesses get great customers, and, most importantly, we ALL get to give back to our community by handing over a ton of money to charities that they would not have received otherwise.

Do I have to sign up a group of people I know to get the deal?

No-way Jose, but we run some great contests and give-aways that make it worthwhile to refer the deal to your pals. Plus, more members means more moola for our local charities.

What and how do the charities get paid?

Daily deal sites generate millions of dollars in profit every month right here in Vancouver. Some of them donate a small portion of their profits to charity, which is great. As a business their goal is to make profits so naturally the company's shareholders get the biggest benefit. Aside from our operating costs, Ethically Hip ships every penny of the net profit to our local charities. We work closely with the charities and are audited each year to ensure transparency and honesty. No corporate jets, no Superbowl commercials, no $25 billion dollar IPO's - Just great deals, great businesses, and money going to great causes.

How are the charities selected?

Ethically Hip staff has their favourites and charities are welcome to approach us. Others are recommended to us by our community members. We are willing to discuss Ethically Hip partnerships with any legitimate charity, so if you have one close to your heart, please let us know and we will make contact with them.

Are you affiliated with the Tragically Hip?

Sadly, no, but some say I look like Gord Downie! Like most Canadians we love their music so Gordy, Paul, Rob, Johnny, Gord..have your people call our people and we will do lunch.

I like today's deal - how do I get it?

Offers end at midnight. Once you click on "BUY" you will be taken to our order form to enter your billing information. Once you have submitted your details your card is charged and you are then sent a link to print your Ethically Hip Deal Voucher.

Do I need to use my Voucher the same day I buy it?

Heck no. Although some deals will have an expiration date, you'll never have to use them on the date of purchase.

I bought an Ethically Hip Deal - how do I use it?

Once you're charged, you'll receive an email with a link to sign in to the Ethically Hip website and print your Deal Voucher. The voucher has redemption instructions and a map right on it so you can't go wrong. In the near future we will be releasing the Ethically Hip smartphone app that will enable you to use a paperless method to redeem your voucher with most businesses.

Can I buy an Ethically Hip Deal as a gift for someone else?

Yes. We communicate with all the businesses that we work with that Ethically Hip Deals can be gifted, and unless the fine print specifically states otherwise, go nuts amigo! To have us send them the gift, select the gift option at the checkout.

If I don't use the full value of the Ethically Hip Deal in one visit, can I use the remainder later?

No. Unless otherwise stated, you do not receive store credit or cash back for whatever you don't use. If you're having trouble spending it, bring a friend or even just a random dude off the street. Ethically Hip Deals are even better when shared.

Can I combine my Ethically Hip Deal with other offers or specials?

Nope - not unless the deal specifically states otherwise.

Is Ethically Hip safe?

Does Greenpeace love whales? Your credit card number is transmitted by SSL which is the standard encryption utilized in almost all online financial transactions. At no time is your credit card information stored on our servers.

Can I return an Ethically Hip Deal?

Get in touch and try us out ... but your sob story better be good. "Aliens have stolen my credit card" may just work...But seriously, our approach is that we really don't want unhappy customers so we'll do everything we can to make it right if there is a problem.

What if the business offering my Ethically Hip Deal closes down?

If anything happens that makes it impossible for you to redeem your Ethically Hip Deal, we'll make sure you get your money back.

How can I get my business on Ethically Hip Deal?

Easy-peazy. Just fill out the form on the website here and we will get in touch right away

When will Ethically Hip be in my city?

The win for charities is massive so it would be great to be in every major center in Canada at some point, but our focus is Vancouver - Lower Mainland. We are also trying to line up more online deals that can apply to multiple regions. We're growing fast and if you don't see deals relevant to you, let us know and we'll try and make it happen. If you'd like to help us start Ethically Hip in your city, drop us a line.