How do I round-up at checkout?

There are three ways we can help you round-up at checkout:

Option 1: Ask Round Up (Manual Ask)

How it works

At checkout, a team member asks the client if they’d like to add a donation (often framed as “rounding up” or adding a small amount). If the client says yes, the team member adds a donation line item for the amount the client confirms.

Example (numbers)

·      Invoice total: $97.54

·      Team member asks: “Would you like to round up your bill to support pets in need at our hospital?”

·      Client says: “Yes, add $2.46.”

·      Donation line item added: $2.46

·      New total: $100.00

Pros

·      Can lead to larger, “above and beyond” gifts (some clients donate more than just the round-up amount)

·      Allows the team member to tailor the ask to the moment and the client

·      Simple to start without changing payment processing

Cons

·      Inconsistent results if the ask isn’t made every time

·      Some team members feel stressed or uncomfortable asking

·      Donations can vary widely by shift, employee, and workload

Option 2: Auto Round Up (Line Item Added by Default)

How it works

Before presenting the final total, the front desk automatically adds a small donation line item to round the invoice up to the nearest dollar.

Hospitals place signage at checkout explaining that invoices are rounded up to support the hospital’s Angel Fund and that clients can opt out at any time. If a client opts out, the team simply deletes the donation line item and checks them out as normal.

Example (numbers)

·      Invoice total: $97.54

·      Auto round-up donation line item added: $0.46

·      Presented total: $98.00

·      If client opts out: remove $0.46 line item → total returns to $97.54

Pros

·      Reduces stress on the team (no verbal “ask” required)

·      More consistent donations because it’s applied by default

·      Very few clients opt out and we have pre-made signage for you

·      Works well for ER/high-volume clinics where time and emotional load are high

Cons

·      May miss some larger “big donation” moments that come from a direct ask

·      Requires signage (which we have already pre-created for you)

·      Still relies on staff to apply/remove the line item correctly

Option 3: VetPayTogo (Terminal Prompt + Quarterly Giveback)

How it works

VetPayTogo is myBalto’s payment processing option that integrates fundraising into checkout.

With VetPayTogo, the client is prompted at the payment terminal to round up (or add a donation) during checkout. In addition, the hospital’s Angel Fund receives quarterly giveback contributions, which increases total fundraising without adding work for the team.

Example (numbers)

·      Invoice total: $97.54

·      Terminal prompt: “Would you like to round up to support pets in need?” 3 options provided

·      Client taps “$2, $3, or $5” → total increase based on choice selected

·      Client taps “No” → total remains $97.54

·      Plus: the Angel Fund receives quarterly giveback donations through VetPayTogo (separate from the client’s round-up)

Pros

·      Highest donation potential (terminal round-ups + quarterly giveback contributions)

·      Easiest for team members (fundraising is built into the payment flow)

·      Most consistent approach because it reduces manual steps and variability

·      Minimizes staff discomfort because it doesn’t depend on a verbal ask

·      Creates a sustainable, passive donation stream over time

Cons

·      Requires the hospital to adopt/switch to VetPayTogo for payment processing

·      Implementation may involve onboarding steps (setup, training, and workflow changes)

·      Not an immediate fit for every hospital depending on current processor contracts

Which option should a hospital choose?

·      If the hospital wants the most consistent, lowest-stress approach without changing processors, Auto Round Up is often the best starting point.

·      If the hospital has a team that is comfortable asking and wants to capture occasional larger gifts, Ask Round Up can work well (especially when paired with a simple script and training).

·      If the hospital wants the highest donations and easiest team workflow, VetPayTogo is the recommended option.