Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is CentrSource?
CentrSource is an online search engine that lets you shop for what you want and find great Offers from trusted Merchants right in your own neighbourhood and around the world.

What is a Panel?
A Panel is a collection of live search results that update automatically as new results are available. On your opening page, you can choose to see pre-defined Panels that have been set up for you, or create your own based on search parameters that you specify. For example, if you want to know what the lunch specials are at your neighbourhood restaurants, create a 'Lunch Specials' Panel and it will be updated daily with information from the restaurants that you choose to search. When you create a Panel, you can opt to be notified via email when a new Offer is added. You can also arrange your Panels in any way you want, just by dragging and dropping them on your page. Note: You must be a registered member to create a Panel.

How do I create a Panel?
To create a Panel, click Add New Panel on your opening page. Name it, then configure its search parameters, such as location, keywords, categories, Merchants and filter options and decide how the results will be shown in the Panel. Note: You must be a registered member to create a Panel.

What is a Tab?
Tabs on your opening page denote different categories of Offers, or Offers that apply to different areas of your life. Just as you can create tabs in many Internet browsers, creating tabs on CentrSource lets you toggle between different types of content quickly and easily. For example, create a Tab for 'Work', 'Home' and 'Hobbies' and keep relevant Offers categorized under each. You can add as many Tabs as you want, and you can arrange them in any way you want, just by dragging and dropping them on your page.

How do I create a Tab?
To create a Tab, click Add New Tab on your opening page, then name your Tab. Note: You must be a registered member to create a Tab.

What is Community Partner?
A Community Partner is a well-known brand or company you can trust to bring you a selection of handpicked Offers chosen to reflect your interests. You can find these in the Partner Offers Tab. Choose a Community that suits your interests and we’ll show you a range of Offers that reflects them. Remember, you can access virtually all of the Offers in our network through any Community Partner.

Why do I need to choose a Community Partner when I register?
CentrSource is a network that can only be accessed through our Community Partners. Choosing one helps ensure that you are receiving Offers that are the most relevant to you, because each Community represents specific areas of interest.

Can I register as a Merchant?
Yes. Anyone who has their own business and wants to offer their products or services to our Communities is welcome to register. Start here [link to advertiser homepage].

Can I apply to be a Community Partner?
Yes. If you work for or represent a media company, a not-for-profit agency or another type of business that represents a specific community of interest and if you have your own website, simply complete our online Community Partner application. Once we have reviewed your information, we will notify you of next steps.

Can I apply to be an Agency Partner?
Yes. If you work for or represent a bona fide advertising, communications or interactive company, simply complete our online Agency application. Once we have reviewed your information, we will notify you of next steps.

What is the Point$ Store?
The Point$ Store is where you can redeem the loyalty rewards you can earn on CentrSource. You can redeem for a huge range of items – all you need is a minimum of 500 Point$ in your account. Access the Point$ Store from the main menu bar. Or, click here. Please note: For international redemptions, shipping and handling charges may apply.

How do I earn Point$?
Just look for the Point$ icon while you are browsing Offers. Once you respond, you will be rewarded with the amount of Point$ specified.

Where can I see my Point$ balance?
You can see your Point$ balance next to your avatar (silhouette or thumbnail picture of yourself that you uploaded.

How can I review my Point$ history?
If you want to review your Point$ history, simply click 'My Account' and then choose 'My History'.

What does the map on my opening page show?
This map shows you Offers that are closest to the location you specified.

What are Categories?
Categories are topics you can search for the Offers you want. For example, if you are looking for a new computer, you might find Offers under the Electronics category.

What does searching 'Catalogues & More' show me?
Catalogues & more is another way we sort Offers for you. If you've seen an interesting product on TV, in a catalogue or heard about it on the radio, you can search under these headers to find what you're looking for.

What happens when I click the TOP tab?
TOP is short for TOP OFFERS. This link will show you the most-viewed Offers of the week.

What happens when I click the ALERTED tab?
ALERTED is short for ALERTED OFFERS. These Offers have been noted by consumers as being particularily great deals.

What is My Account?
My Account is your profile, where you will find your personal information and action history. As well, you will find your saved Offers, your top rated Offers and any testimonials you have written. This is also where you can update your details, and add to your profile to earn additional Point$!

What is My Account meter?
This meter shows how complete your profile is at present. When you add information to your profile, you could be rewarded with Point$, so be sure to provide all the details possible.

What size should my avatar be?
Your avatar should be approximately 80x60 pizels and should be a .jpg or .gif. If your avatar is a different size, our system will automatically adjust it to fit.

Can I upload my own avatar?
Yes. Your avatar cannot be more than 2 MB. You can also select an avatar from our system if you prefer.

Why does CentrSource require so much personal information?
When you are acting on Offers, we use the personal information you provide at registration to pre-populate any contact fields required at that time. So providing all of your details at registration will actually save you time once you start shopping. Remember our Privacy Policy: We will never use your personal data in any way without your explicit consent.

How do I change the Community Partner I’m affiliated with?
Click ‘Browse’ at the top of the screen. Just select a Partner from the list and you’ll automatically be linked to their opening page. Instantly, you’ll see a different header, different content and different Offers on the Partner Offers Tab.

Where can I see my browsing history?
You can view your browsing history by clicking My Account, and then choosing My History.

Why do some Point$ in my account appear in red?
Red indicates that these Point$ have not yet been released into your account. In order for the Merchant to release your Point$, you must take your printed Point$ Certficate to their store location, and submit it to them. Only upon submission of your Point$ Certificate will your Point$ be released. When your Point$ have been released by the Merchant, the colour will change to green. Please note: In some cases, it can take up to 2 weeks for a Merchant to verify your action and for Point$ to appear in your account.

Why do some Point$ in my account appear in green?
Green to indicates that you have submitted your Point$ Certificate to the Merchant, and that they have released the promised Point$ into your account.

What are My Subscriptions?
Subscriptions are notifications, emails or text messages that you have opted to receive by invitation only. You can add or delete these subscriptions at any time in 'My Account'.

Can I set up a specific time period to receive My Subscriptions?
Of course. You can choose to receive your Subscriptions daily, weekly or monthly.

How do I unsubscribe from CentrSource emails?
Simply unclick the check box at bottom of your profile page, under My Account.

How do I unsubscribe from Subscriptions?
It's easy. Under My Account, click on My Subscriptions. Here, you will see a list of all subscriptions and the status of each. Just select 'unsubscribe' for those which you no longer wish to receive.

Can I temporarily deactivate a single Subscription?
Yes. Under My Account, click on My Subscriptions. Under 'status', you will see two check boxes. Just select 'inactive' beside the subscriptions you no longer wish to receive.

Can I edit My Subscriptions?
Yes. Under My Account, click on My Subscriptions. There, you can manage and edit all of your subscriptions.

How do I search just for Offers?
Simply type a few words that relate to what you're shopping for into the search box. Or, search by location or by department. You can also use our Merchant Directory.

Why do some Offers include prices and others don't?
Some Merchants may choose not to include a price in their Offer.

What is the difference between ALERT THIS OFFER and RATE IT?
Alerted Offers are those which consumers think are particularly great and are worth sharing with you. So when you alert an Offer, it's a good one! When you rate an Offer, you can choose how good you think it is, on a scale of 1 to 5. So a rated Offer is not necessarily one of the best.

How do I print a coupon?
Just click on the Offer Action that's giving you that option. A pop-up window will appear with a coupon preview. There, simply click the PRINT button if you wish. Be sure that your printer is turned on!

How do I print Point$ Certifcate?
If you click on an Offer Action that includes a Point$ Certificate you will see a pop-up window that shows you a preview of the Certificate. From there, simply click the PRINT button. Be sure your printer is turned on!

How do I use a Point$ Certificate?
A Point$ Certificate is your record of the contract for Point$ you have made with a Merchant. You must present it in-store once you have taken the Offer Action required (making a purchase, taking a test drive, etc.). An employee should sign the Certificate and retain the Merchant portion for their records. You should keep your portion and any proof of purchase until the Merchant has released the promised Point$ into your Account.

Do I need to print a Point$ Certificate to get my Point$?
Yes. A Point$ Certificate is your record of the contract for Point$ you have made with a Merchant. So you must print your Point$ Certificate as verification of the deal, in case there is any discrepancy.

If I provide my email address, will I start getting all sorts of SPAM and junk emails?
No. CentrSource only uses your email address to validate your location. When you consent to share your email address with a Merchant, they have agreed to treat your private information according to the relevant national, regional and local legislation governing the use of this data.

Sometimes certain Merchants don't appear on the map. Why is that?
Some Merchants may conduct their business strictly online, so they don't have a physical, geographic location to mark on the map.

If I report a Merchant or a bad Offer, will they have access to my information as the person reporting them?
No. Merchants will never see your information if you report a bad Offer or inappropriate content.

What is a Panel?
Panels show the results of any CentrSource search or show a set of predefined Offers.

If I want to buy Point$, do I need to register with PayPal?
Yes. You must first register with PayPal in order to use this service for your Point$ puchase.