The Bambino Card

The Bambino Card
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What is the Bambino Card?
A free, vibrant discount card connecting new parents with local independent retailers, allowing them to stretch their money by finding thrifty ways to enjoy their new family life! An Influential stepping stone for businesses to connect with new families through incentives...The Bambino Card offers a simple and enjoyable way for businesses to build long term relationship with new families in their local area. 

Why? 
Whilst pregnant, I assumed when Alana arrived - I would be the same person, but with a baby. In reality, I became a completely new person, with new interests, new loves and a whole lot of time on my hands! More importantly; I had an overwhelming urge to save money wherever possible, whilst understanding the importance of exploring Bath every day with my new favourite tiny tourist. From experience, and from the bottom of my heart  - the simple ethos of fresh air, new faces and small treats for fellow mums is the basis for The Bambino Card. I'd like to help parents settle into their new lives....making their hearts a little fuller and their wallets a little heavier.

Like all new parents, I'm constantly on the lookout for ways to save money. After giving birth, retailers proceed to send vouchers for discounted baby wipes and free nappy rash cream....don't get me wrong - these small discounts do serve a purpose, but they fail to build long term relationships with companies, they're not fun - and they do nothing for our local economy! As part of a thriving group of local mums - leading up to our time spent in the city, we are constantly on the lookout for wallet friendly places to visit. This task usually leads us to poorly designed websites advertising mainstream businesses. Is the code valid? Do they have space for buggies? What's the expiry date? Oh - do we have to pay up front? We need to print a voucher? What are the reviews like? It feels like hard work...and with a cute toothless monster by your side - brushing your teeth and packing a bag can sometimes feel like a military operation! 

As a new parent, The Bambino card will put quirky online retailers on your radar, and ensure you're completely in the loop when it comes to discounted offers at local cafes, baby classes, restaurants, hair stylists and much more! Whether it be coffee with your friends, soft play with the mini you, lunch with your parents, or a date night with your partner - we aim to make every experience as enjoyable (and as easy on the purse strings) as possible.

This is all feeling a little bit like Groupon or NUS?
The main advantage of the Bambino Card...it's completely FREE! This means distribution will be simple, direct, effective and personal. Unlike other discount platforms, the offers won't be diluted in a sea of deals - we aim to have between 20-30 discounts/incentives, from independent businesses, both online and offline. The Bambino Card will only charge a small advertising fee which will fund the printing of more cards, website development - and in the future, an app! Each quarter the Bambino Card will donate 10% of advertising sales to a local charity, the charity being voted for by local Bambino Card holders. 

Business owners are 100% in control of the discounts they offer which boasts an easy opt out button. Under no circumstances will the Bambino card take a percentage of sales made through being part of the scheme.

My secondary goal is to bring a personal feel to the card, to build a network of like-minded parents who can lend an ear in a non-judgemental environment. We'll host monthly meet ups, nearly new sales, clothes swaps, cake sales and everything in between! 

Still reading? Excellent news....as I'm asking for a small favour! 
As it stands, my budget will stretch to a production of 750 cards for initial distribution in Bath, along with a basic website. I would love to hit the ground running, and have at least 2000 cards printed for distribution in Bath and surrounding areas, along with a strong website. This will allow parents to see what discounts and incentives are on offer. It would be great to fund branding, promotional material,  advertising and welcome packs too!

How can you help?
Are you a business interested in taking part in the Bambino scheme? 
If so, through November, December and January advertising is completely FREE (with no obligation to host a deal with us in 2017). What's the catch?! There is no catch! The most important thing is having some great companies on board, who bring solid incentives to the scheme. From February onwards, hosting a deal with The Bambino Card will cost just a fraction of the price of a directory listing, flyer design, printing and distribution. Contrary to advertising your business individually, the Bambino Card offers the chance for parents to be part of a collective and presents a whole range of deals specific to their needs as a consumer! 

Are you a new mum who thinks the Bambino card is a great venture?
If so - then a small donation will get you a massive THANK YOU, and an invitation to our launch party. Mocktails, goodie bags, fizz, cake and a day of tasters from some of the best classes in Bath will take place to celebrate the launch of the card! Sensory classes, baby massage, an introduction to first aid for your baby and a chance to talk to professionals in the baby business! Whether you're boasting a bump, preparing for weaning, looking for advice on childcare or simply hoping to meet mums in your area - we've got your back....Oh, and did I mention cake?

Thanks for reading, and if you're thinking of supporting this venture - I'd like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you for believing in me - and my humble vision of helping local mums while supporting independent businesses throughout Bath and beyond. 

If you have any questions at all - or would like to be involved in the Bambino Card, please get in touch and say hello.