Tobacco scan data programs allow you to earn extra rebates by sharing your store’s sales information with major tobacco brands.
These programs are designed so that you can offer savings to your customers without reducing your margins
Tobacco companies like Altria, RJR, and ITG use this data to confirm program participation and pay you incentives based on sales activity.
The program generally pays out in three different ways:
Scan Data Payments
You receive $0.03 to $0.05 per scan reported to participating tobacco brands
Please reach out to your local Altria, RJR, or ITG representative for exact payment amounts for your region
Multi-Pack Discount Payments
In addition to the scan payment, you can enroll in Multi-Pack Reimbursement Programs.
These allow you to run promotions at your POS such as:
“Buy 2, Get $0.50 Off”
You give the customer the discount up front, and the tobacco brand reimburses you through your monthly rebate checks
Tobacco Loyalty Offer Payments
You can stack the multi-pack offers with Tobacco Loyalty Programs for additional discounts like:
“$1 Off 2-Packs When Loyalty ID is Used”
Customers who present a loyalty card or alternative ID receive deeper discounts, and your store is reimbursed by the brand
💡 Tip!: To participate, your loyalty transaction data (i.e., loyalty ID and discount applied) must be reported to the brand
✅ Summary of Benefits
Payment Type | Description | Paid How? |
Scan Data Payment | $0.03–$0.05 per scan submitted | Monthly rebate checks |
Multi-Pack Reimbursements | Discounts at POS (e.g., buy 2, save $0.50) | Monthly rebate checks |
Tobacco Loyalty Offers | Additional loyalty discounts (e.g., $1 off 2-pack) | Monthly rebate checks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special equipment to participate in a scan data program?
Do I need special equipment to participate in a scan data program?
No special hardware is required, but your Point of Sale (POS) system must be compatible with C-Store Essentials, and your store must be properly enrolled.
Can I participate in all three payment types at the same time?
Can I participate in all three payment types at the same time?
Yes! Stores can stack scan data, multi-pack discounts, and loyalty offers to maximize their monthly rebates.
Will I lose money by giving these discounts to customers?
Will I lose money by giving these discounts to customers?
No. The tobacco companies reimburse you for the discounts offered through monthly rebate checks, so your profit margins are protected.
How do I get started?
How do I get started?
Contact your tobacco rep (Altria, RJR, or ITG) to enroll.
You’ll then receive SFTP credentials, which you’ll enter into your CStoreEssentials account to begin submitting data.
How often do I get paid?
How often do I get paid?
Rebates are typically processed and paid monthly, depending on the brand’s payment cycle.