Panera Connects FAQs

 

Please review the following Panera Connects Frequently Asked Questions. If you do not find your answer, please email PaneraConnects@panerabread.com or reach out to your local Panera Bread Sales representative for more information

 

Hosting a Panera Connects Event

 

What is the difference between the activated and event dates?

The activated date is the date your Panera Connects Virtual Event Codes (“VEC” or “VECs”) will be both activated with value and distributed to you or your attendees. The event date is simply when your event will be taking place.

 

Can my attendees use their code after the date of our event?

Regardless of your event date, VECs are only valid during the activation window chosen when placing your order. For example, you may choose 2- day, 7-day or 30-day codes upon placing your order. This means your VECs will only be active during that time frame and will expire after the chosen window.

 

Can I get my VECs today but not have them activated until next week?

No. Panera VECs can only be distributed on the same day they are activated.

 

What day will I receive my VECs?

VECs are distributed no later than 1PM CST on your chosen activated date.

 

Where are VECs available to be used?

VECs can be redeemed in participating U.S. Panera Bread bakery-cafes, through panerabread.com or in the Panera Bread app. Click here to check geographic availability.

 

Can I send multiple VECs at once without emailing each one individually (e.g., 100 cards)?

Yes. Fill out the VEC attendee information template and upload it when submitting your order. You may customize the template to include a personal message for each attendee. For assistance completing the attendee information form, email or reach out to your local Sales representative.

 

Can I order VECs now for a future event?

Yes, you can order VECs up to six months in advance. Note the activated date when submitting your order. VECs expire 2, 7 or 30 days after the activated date by Panera at 11:59PM EST on the expiration date.

 

 

Purchasing Panera Connects Virtual Event Codes

 

Can I get VECs immediately?

Orders must be placed at least 2 business days prior to your requested activation date.  To order Panera Connects Virtual Event Codes (“VEC” or “VECs”)  you must have a valid credit card or active CCA saved to your MyPanera Catering account.

 

What service fees are associated with VEC orders?

There is a nominal service fee to order VECs. Email or reach out to your local Panera Sales representative for details.

 

Total # of Codes	Service Fee
0-50	$5
51-100	$10
101-250	$25
251-500	$50
500+	$75

 

Note: Service fees are subject to change at the sole determination of Panera, LLC.

 

I ordered more VECs than I need. Will I be charged for unused VECs?

You will be charged the one-time service fee based on number of VECs ordered whether the VECs are used or not. You will be charged the amount used on VECs that are redeemed. You will not be charged for the amount on VECs that are not redeemed. We always recommend ordering extra VECs for last minute attendees, etc. since you are not charged for unused VECs.

 

I just received a confirmation email notifying me that my VECs were processed and being distributed. Can I add more VECs on to my order?

Once VECs have been activated and distributed, any additional orders will be treated as a new order and will incur a service fee. We always recommend ordering extra VECs to avoid additional service fees since you will not be charged for unused VECs.

 

My VECs were sent to me to distribute to my attendees, but I do not see the Code Number or PIN in the attachment. Where are they?

The 16-digit VEC and 4-digit PIN are embedded in the URL link included in the attachment. Send each attendee their own link to access a unique VEC. Everything they need to redeem their VEC is included in their link.

 

Can I receive a refund on my VECs?

Once a Panera Connects VEC is redeemed it cannot be refunded. For refund requests and general inquiries on existing, active VECs, please contact a member of our Panera Bread Customer Care Team by clicking here or call 1-855-3-PANERA.

 

Do the VECs expire?

Yes. Depending on the type of VECs purchased, VECs expire 2 days, 7 days, or 30 days from the activation date at 11:59pm Central Time.

 

Can I order VECs without a Corporate Credit Account (CCA) account?

Yes. You may purchase VECs with a credit card.  The credit card must be valid and saved to your MyPanera Catering account.  If you would like to set up a CCA, email or reach out to your local Panera Sales representative for the CCA application.

 

Can I purchase VECs in-cafe?

No. VECs are not available for purchase in-cafe. VECs are available for purchase from our website or through your local Panera Sales representative. Reach out to PaneraConnects@panerabread.com for further questions about placing your order.

 

Can I receive an invoice for my VECs order?

Yes. If you paid by CCA. you will be invoiced 5-7 business days after the date your VECs expire. If you paid by credit card, you will receive a receipt 5-7 business days after the date your VECs expire.

 

Does my VEC bulk order count toward my MyPanera visits?

No. The event organizer does not earn MyPanera catering rewards for VEC orders.

 

If I cancel my order for VECs before they are processed, will I be charged?

If you cancel prior to the activation date, you will not be charged. If you cancel after the activation date but you are distributing codes to attendees and chose not to distribute, you will only be charged the service fee. If codes have been distributed to attendees, you will be charged the service fee and for any VECs that have been partially or fully redeemed. To cancel an event email to contact your local Panera Sales representative.

 

My VECs have been activated and sent to me but I would like to raise the value now. Can I do that?

No. Once VECs are activated the value cannot be changed. A new order would need to be placed. Changes to your order may be made anytime up until the day your VECs will be activated.

 

 

HOW TO SET UP A MYPANERA CATERING ACCOUNT

 

How do I set up a MyPanera catering account?

Visit catering.panerabread.com for more information. Please remember to store a valid payment method under “My Payment Methods.”

 

Once I apply for a Corporate Credit Account (CCA) for my payment option, how long does the approval process take?

Typically, a CCA account will be approved in 5 business days.  You will receive confirmation of your approval via email from our Accounts Receivable department.

 

 

Attending a Panera Connects Event

 

I was supposed to receive a VEC directly from Panera today, but I did not receive it. Can I have it re-sent to me?

Unless your Panera Connects Virtual Event Codes (“VEC” or “VECs”)  is sent to you from your organizer, VECs will be sent from a “Do Not Reply” Panera email address. Please check your spam folder as well as your organizations security settings.  Email for additional assistance.

 

I was able to view my VEC when I opened the URL link the first few times, but now I am receiving an error when I try to open it, what happened?

VECs will be flagged as inactive if they are balance checked too many times. To minimize this, limit the number of balance inquiries to three or less, if possible. For assistance, email here.

 

After I enter my VEC and PIN at checkout and submit my order, my credit card is being charged for the full amount of the meal. How do I fix this?

Be sure to enter the VEC under Gift Cards by clicking Add a Gift/Bonus Card, Virtual Event Code at check out. When entering the 16-digit VEC do not include spaces. After entering the VEC and 4-digit PIN, remember to click Add your card. This will ensure the VEC is applied, and charges are not applied to a saved credit card. A VEC should not be entered as a Promo Code for any transaction. If your order exceeds the amount of your VEC, your saved credit card will be charged for the difference. For refund requests and general inquiries on orders, please contact a member of our Panera Bread Customer Care Team by clicking here or call 1-855-3-PANERA.

 

Can you use a VEC for more than one transaction?

No. Each Panera Connects VEC can only be used one (1) time. If the entire value of the VEC is not used toward one order, the recipient will forfeit the remaining balance. The balance cannot be used on another order.  No cash back is issued unless required by law.

 

When placing an order using my VEC, if I cancel the order, can I use the VEC to pay for a new order?

Yes. The total value will be returned to the VEC if the order is canceled before it is used. The returned total value can be used for a new order. If the entire value of the VEC is not used in the new order, the recipient will forfeit the remaining balance. No cash back is issued unless required by law.

 

I was not able to use my VEC within the activated time frame. Can I submit an order for tomorrow anyway or extend the activated window?

No. Once the activation window chosen by the event organizer has past, the VEC will be expired and cannot be re-activated.

 

When I click on the link to view my VEC code, it takes me to an error screen. How do I fix this?

If you receive an error trying to view your VEC, try clearing your cache or opening the link with Chrome Internet browser. Also check your organization’s security settings. For further assistance, please email here.

 

Need more information about Panera Connects?
 

Email us here