Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase shares to be registered to someone other than myself or spouse?
Yes, Unlike brokers or programs which restrict purchase to the account holder only, the First Share program permits
you to register shares however you wish. You will specify registration information for each share on the share
purchase agreement provided by the selling member. However, the purchase agreement must be signed by the
FIRST SHARE member, and the member is responsible for payment for the share.
If you wish to purchase shares of the same company for more than one individual, FIRST SHARE suggests that you
purchase the initial share in your name, enroll in the company's DRP, purchase additional shares directly from the
company, THEN transfer shares from your account to whomever you wish. While this takes longer than requesting
multiple shares of the same company through FIRST SHARE, you will save unnecessary fees. For example, if you wish
to purchase three shares of Coca-Cola, one for each of your children, you will pay three request fees of $10 each (total
$30) to FIRST SHARE. You can save $20 in request fees by requesting one share ($10 request fee) to be registered in
your name, purchasing two additional shares in your DRP account and then transferring one share to each of your
children at no additional cost.
If I change my mind about a company I have requested may I request a different company?
Requests are processed upon receipt. If you no longer wish to purchase the company you have requested you may
return the agreement to the seller with a notice that you do not wish to purchase the share. A request for a different
company is considered a new request and a new request fee is required for processing.
What is the cost of participating in the FIRST SHARE program?
One year's membership in FIRST SHARE is $30. Members may request any of the companies in the FIRST SHARE
program at any time during the term of their membership. Selling members typically charge a fee of $7.50 (in addition
to the price of the share) to cover their expenses in transferring a share. Since the selling member establishes a new
DRP account for the purchaser and transfers one share into the purchaser's account, the purchaser saves having to pay
the company's DRP enrollment fee (typically $15).
The FIRST SHARE request fee for each company requested is $5 for companies in the Portfolio Builder Program and
$10 for all other companies on the FIRST SHARE company list.