Parago to Deliver Prepaid Rewards Solution for Staples Easy Rebates

DALLAS, July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Parago, Inc., the leading industry innovator in technology-driven promotion and incentive programs, today announced its selection by Staples to transition the company's Easy Rebates reward system from paper checks to network branded prepaid cards for most rebates, after a successful test launch in January 2008.

"With this weekend's roll out of prepaid cards for Staples' rebate program, Staples has made their program even easier," said Juli Spottiswood, President & CEO of Parago, Inc. "The test launch conducted by Parago in January yielded positive response from Staples' customers."

"Staples and Parago have worked together for 9 years to develop an industry leading rebate program," said Jim Sherlock, Director of Sales & Merchandising for Staples, Inc. "Our customers continue to give us extremely positive feedback on our program, and moving to network branded prepaid cards was the next evolution. Our customers and our store associates are very enthusiastic about the change."

Companies in all industries are recognizing the benefits of network branded prepaid card rewards including consumer ease of use and new brand marketing opportunities. According to a recent survey conducted by Parago, over 70 percent of consumers had a positive experience when using network branded prepaid card rewards and were most impressed with the ability to spend their reward immediately and the convenience presented through prepaid cards. Many of Parago's clients are moving their rebate program to prepaid cards and utilizing Parago for the prepaid card program management, as Parago is the only fully integrated rebate and prepaid provider in the industry.

Prepaid cards are quickly replacing paper checks and are emerging as the alternative to traditional cash, checks, coupons and gift certificates. According to Mercator Advisory Group, the prepaid industry is projected to account for over $236 billion in spending by 2009.

About Parago

Parago, Inc. creates and executes sales promotion and incentive programs for multiple Fortune 500 companies in an array of industries, including telecom, consumer products and office supplies. A recognized leader in the high-volume, multi-billion dollar promotions industry, the company leverages innovative technology to create programs designed to maximize marketing reach, investment and effectiveness through the use of rebate, incentive, interactive and prepaid card solutions. The driving force behind significant innovations in the rebate industry, Parago continues to set new standards in service and innovation that produce meaningful, measurable promotional results for clients and their consumers. For more information, visit www.parago.com.