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Questions & Answers
Let us help you further with more details.
Check out these answers and feel free to email us as well.

Q. What are you offering me?

A. We are presenting you with the affordable opportunity to open your own online store on the Internet. Rather you are buying direct from the importer or need us to supply product -- we can help you! We host & manage the store for you, supplying you with products if you wish.

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Q. Is the price for your service correct?

A. One of the questions we get asked the most about is the price of our service & is it correct. The answer is YES! You pay just one fee for the yearly term of your store. There are no setup fees and there are no monthly fees -- even the cost to register the domain name for your new online store is included!. We are providing you with a simple & affordable solution for having your own online store!

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Q. Are there any monthly fees or setup charges?

A. No. There are no monthly fees or setup charges of any kind. Our price covers your store operations for a full-year term as described.

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Q. Do I need to pay a membership fee?

A. No! You do not have to pay a membership fee to use our service and/or purchase these same products directly through us.

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Q. I placed an order but did not receive an email order confirmation, nor did I hear back from you, what happened?

A. If you placed an order and/or even sent us an email -- if after 48-hours you have not received a email order confirmation then make sure your email address is current, returning buyers may need to update their email address with the payment processor. Also, make sure that SPAM FILTERS are not blocking your email!
AOL users -- make sure you email is not being blocked! Sometimes a spam filter may block email you really want! Make sure email has not been delivered to your "bulk" email folder. Please send us an email if you have not heard from us after 48-hours of placing an order, as we do confirm all orders via email.

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Q. I already have access to these same products, may I still use your service?

A. Yes. Our service is to provide you with your own online store, rather you choose to buy these products from us or directly from another source. We have designed a service that gets you the online store you have always wanted. If you are buying these products direct then we suggest you choose store version #2, this way all orders are processed directly with you.

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Q. I already have a product catalog -- may I buy wholesale from you?

A. Yes. If you have found one of our product catalogs then you may buy wholesale from us now. Please email us for instructions -- tell us you have a catalog already and would like to buy wholesale. While we can take a wholesale order from you, we do suggest you get a current wholesale catalog pack from us and/or have us setup an online store for you as well.

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Q. I would like to build an online presence and have wanted my own online store, I have looked around at other services and prices and would like to know how you compare?

A. You could design your own online store yourself but that takes time and a lot of training. You may also consider someone to design an online store for you but that can be very costly and also takes time to complete. Our goal is to make this part of your business venture as easy & affordable as possible. You should find us to be a quick & affordable solution to owning a online store.

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Q. Do I need to have my own website?

A. No! You do not need to have your own website to have us setup your online store.

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Q. What will my online store look like?

A. Your store will look the same as the store you are seeing now, yet it will be customized with the store name (domain name) that you choose. You will be given the most current store version & program offer and we will update your store from time to time so it appears new to your visitors. Not all store owners have the same store design -- some store owners have kept earlier store designs and new store owners are presented with the most current design. Visitors will type your web address (domain name) in their web browser and will be directed to the home page of your online store. Because our online stores are updated, you will not always see the same look or color scheme even. So, even if you don't like the colors for this current version you may like them with the new. Again, store owners are given the choice of switching to a new store version (or not) once it's available.

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Q. May anyone access my online store?

A. Yes! Anyone may access your online store via the Internet (World Wide Web). We use "simple HTML" programming to create our stores so every visitor to your store is able to see the store from the web browser of their choice. You don't want visitors to leave your store because of complex web page programming that prevents them from seeing your online store. Our unique order tracking system does not require the use of "cookies" to track orders from your store either, thus, if the consumer's web browser is setup to reject "cookies" that is okay as your online store is still capable of tracking & processing all orders.

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Q. How long will it take to get my store online & running?

A. You will be sent an email order confirmation after we process your order -- expect this email within 1 to 24-hours (except weekends) of your initial online order. From that email you will need to confirm with us the name you wish for your online store. We will then register the name for your online store and send you an email to confirm. After your domain name has been registered it takes approximately 48-hours for the new domain name to update on the Net, this is standard in the industry for all new domain names. Once this is completed we will then beginning design of your new online store. You should find your store online within 7 to 10 days, if not much sooner. We keep you informed by email as we complete each process of your online store. It's really quite fast.

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Q. If I choose the trial period option when does the trial period start?

A. The trial period starts AFTER your store is online, active and fully running.

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Q. Will you ever place advertisements in my store?

A. We will never place any advertisements (third-party or otherwise) in your online store. We never place banner ads, pop-ups, or other links in a store owner's online store. The goal is to sell the products in your store and not to offer links outside of your store for which there is no benefit.

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Q. How do I manage my online store?

A. There is nothing for you to have to manage since we do all of the work for you! We have made running your store as easy as possible since we take care of store management. If you choose store version #2 then you do have access to third-party services for order processing. As far as your online store goes we take care to manage and keep it current for you, that's less work for you!

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Q. Are there custom features available for my online store?

A. If you desire any sort of custom features other than our standard store design please contact us first. We are capable of adding additional web pages and other features to your store if desired. We charge additionally for custom features and quote price based on each individual work-order and the custom features desired. You will need to be very specific with what you would like to do with your online store and contact us first regarding any custom page features.

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Q. How much will you charge for shipping & handling?

A. All of our stores charge a flat-rate for shipping & handling no matter how small or large the orders is. We found that consumers appreciate a flat-fee, a fee that is reasonable and not confused by order size, amount, weight, etc. If you choose store version #2 you are then capable of setting your own shipping & handling fees, as well as any sales tax fees you may collect.

Note: the shipping and handling fee is also added to store services orders -- it covers the cost of delivery of your wholesale catalog pack.

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Q. How may orders be placed?

A. Your store has the ability to accept orders online or by mail. Orders placed online may be paid using a major credit card or direct debit from a checking account. Orders placed by mail may use a check or money order. Your online store includes merchant account capability at no extra cost.

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Q. If I choose store version #1 may I take orders directly from the consumer?

Yes. If you choose store version #1 you may even take orders directly if you like. Simply have the consumer browse your online store -- then have them submit their own order on one of your store's order forms (simply print copies from your own store's web site, keep a copy for yourself for future reference). We will process and ship orders directly to the consumer as usual. If you want to deliver the orders personally simply submit all orders as one order with shipping direct to you. Because you will be submitting all orders "as retail orders" you will receive back your check for the profits due you for these sales -- just as if ordering from the online store itself. Credit cards orders must be placed online, directly at your online store. You may also accept print catalog orders as well, as described in our program.

Now, if you are selling via direct sales -- catalog, flea markets, etc. -- because you are buying wholesale and selling retail then you keep 100% of all your profits immediately. The only time we share the profits with you is when running store version #1 and you want us to do the work handling orders on your behalf.

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Q. I am not sure which store version is best for me -- what do you suggest?

A. If you are buying these products direct then we suggest you choose store version #2. If you need us to supply product and process orders then we suggest you choose store version #1. We give you the option to change your store version later if necessary -- this way you could choose store version #1 now and later switch to store version #2 if needed.

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Q. Will I be able to offer gift certificates at my online store?

A. Yes. Another nice feature of your store is the ability for consumers to purchase gift certificates -- this is available in both store versions.

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Q. What is the eCatalog?

A. The eCatalog is simply a subscription to a email list. If someone asks for the eCatalog they will receive future offers by email. If you choose store version #1 we handle this procedure for you -- you are compensated (same as if they where ordering from your online store) for all sales coming as a result of an eCatalog subscription. If you choose store version #2 then you will simply want to add the consumer's email address to your own in-house list -- you can email your new customers yourself with special offers, new arrivals, or ask to send them a print catalog, etc.

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Q. Do you offer print catalogs?

A. Yes. When you setup your own online store with us a catalog packet will be sent to you featuring the entire product line (nearly 4,000 items!). You keep 100% of the profits from all direct sales (including your catalog order sales). You may order for yourself and/or sell directly from the print catalog. A Sub-Wholesaler kit is also available (with or without a online store setup) that features a business manual and a cash back bonus offer. If you purchase store version #2 then you will probably be ordering direct from the importer so you will simply have an extra catalog to use on your own.

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Q. Do I have to order both an online store and a sub-wholesaler kit?

A. No! When you order an online store the wholesale catalog pack is already included. However, if you want the business marketing manual and the cash back offer -- together with online store version #1 -- then be sure and order that online store package as offered.

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Q. May I place personal orders for myself?

A. Yes. You may order for yourself from your own online store -- with store version #1 you are compensated with the regular profits you would have made (see store version #1) had the order come from a consumer shopping at your online store. You may also order from the print catalogs as well.

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Q. How long does it take to receive orders?

A. Please allow about 2 to 3 days for in-house order processing & verification, plus delivery time by the carrier. Most online store orders will arrive within 7 to 10 days, about the same for mail-in orders (after payment has cleared). Your catalog pack (included with an online store setup) will arrive A.S.A.P. (usually sent priority mail).

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Q. How do I and may I advertise my online store?

A. Yes, you may advertise your online store and we encourage you to do so! From time to time we will send you a store owner's report offering you marketing tips as well as news about store updates. Store owners have advertised their online stores in magazines, newspapers, flyers, business cards, etc. Your online store is even setup with META tags in place for search engine submission making it easier for shoppers to find your online store!

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Q. What benefit is there to me if someone choose to get their own online store while shopping at my online store?

A. First, we pay you a commission on hosting fees when they choose to open a store and they do so via your store -- you are paid this fee for either store version purchased. If they choose store version #1 then you benefit again when product is sold via their own online store. You benefit from the Sub-Wholesaler program as well when it comes to print catalog orders.

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Q. How much money will I have to pay for my online store and what about price increases?

A. The initial price you pay for your online store is the same amount as described here and you never pay monthly fees, etc. during your yearly term. After the first year -- and if you choose to keep your online store for another term -- you are guaranteed to pay the same price for both the second and third term as well. For the fourth term and beyond you pay the same fee as all other online store owners. There are no monthly fees, no hosting fees, no monthly merchant account fees, etc.

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Q. May I cancel at any time?

A. Yes. You may cancel your service with us at any time and you are never required to renew your online store's operation unless you so choose. However, please keep in mind that once we have registered your domain name (web address) for Internet access we are no longer able to refund any monies paid for this service if you choose to cancel early -- that's because there is no way for us to reverse this registration once it's completed. If you choose store version #1 we are able to cancel the operation of the store only if we have not processed any orders from consumers, otherwise, we must keep the store operating to its full term in order to continue to serve those clients from now to beyond. After the term has expired we will allow you full interest & title in your domain name address. If you choose store version #2 we are able to cancel the operation of the store immediately upon your request. With store version #2 we allow you full interest & title in your domain name address at all times. By having full interest & title to your domain name allows you to move registration & hosting to a different service provider if you should ever so choose (you always have full control of your online store name!!).

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Q. What about service outages?

A. Our hosting facilities are designed to keep your online store up & running -- we utilize four world-class quality Tier 1 Internet Data Centers that are optimized to provide an industry-leading web, data, and applications hosting environment. However, there are many factors that create Internet traffic that could go wrong. Errors can happen to anyone on the Net. Your computer hardware and software could fail, your ISP could fail, other equipment on the Net could fail. Be assured that we take ever step possible to protect your online store. While we can make no guarantee as to how well Internet design & traffic will be effected, like any other host, we work to keep your online store up & running 24-7 and we have succeeded in that goal (over 99.9% up-time)!

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Q. Does it matter what computer or Internet Service Provider (ISP) I use?

A. No. It does not matter what computer or ISP service you use -- your store runs independently of this.

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Q. Do I get my own email address with my domain name?

A. If you choose store version #1 please note that all email is directed back to us since we are dealing directly with the consumer. However, we will allow you the use of a personalized email address (i.e. yourname@yourdomainname.com) for use on business cards, etc. so you may promote an overall professional image for your online store -- email to you is automatically forwarded by secure mail servers to the email address of your choice. If you choose store version #2 then all email is directed back to you & forwarded to the email address of your choice. You may also setup additional email addresses (i.e. yourpersonalname@yourstorename.com) using your domain name as well. One good thing about having your online store -- your email address never changes! Even if you change your ISP, etc. then all you have to do is inform us of your new email address and we will forward email to your new email account -- that easy! Please contact us if you have questions about this feature.

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Q. I want to sell "retail only," may I exclude the Sub-Wholesaler program?

A. You may exclude the sub-wholesaler program with either store version, thus, giving you a "retail only" type store. However, because of the benefits sub-wholesalers can bring to you we don't recommend this option. If you choose store version #2 you also have the option to change the amount charged for the sub-wholesaler catalog packet.

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Q. I want to purchase both the online store (version #1) and Sub-Wholesaler kit together and is this a good choice?

A. This is the best choice, especially if you are just starting out and need help getting started -- just order the COMBINED package! The Sub-Wholesaler kit includes what you need to get going, plus our business manual to show you how to operate. As a bonus, you are entitled to our cash back offer with accumulated purchases from the print catalog -- this basically cuts the cost of this fantastic opportunity in HALF!

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Q. What is the dollar value I need in order to get the cash back bonus?

A. You only need to accumulate $250.00 (not including supply items or shipping & handling charges) in print catalog orders within one year. That's it! Most buyers place their first order totaling more than that!! You could possibly do the same. Of course, there are never any limits to the amount of sales you must make -- either through your online store or otherwise.

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Q. May I still use your service without a credit card?

A. Yes. Even if you don't have or wish to use a credit card you are still able to use our online store services and/or place a merchandise order. This holds true for your own customers coming to your online store. To setup your store we will accept a check or money order by mail. No credit card is ever required to place a product order and/or open up an online store.

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Q. Do I need a merchant account to accept credit cards?

A. Your online store is already designed to accept credit card orders that are processed directly through us (see store version #1). If you choose store version #2 then credit card orders are processed via your PayPal account, as described. You have access to your own PayPal account simply by ordering your online store! All credit card information is secured online as it's processed via the merchant service provider -- no one has access to the consumer's credit card data but the merchant service provider alone.

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Q. How may I get a PayPal account to use your service?

A. PayPal is a very popular service on the Net and used by millions of users worldwide -- the company is owned by eBay. If you are new to the PayPal service (our payment processor) they will automatically create an account for you simply by making a purchase via our store (rather it be for purchasing merchandise or your own online store). Just like any bank or other credit card processor, PayPal is a 3rd party service to manage payments via the Net, in a safe & secure manner -- but PayPal goes one step further giving you full control of your payment information & how you do business with other merchants who accept PayPal. No one but you & PayPal will ever see your credit card information! PayPal never charges to setup an account and there is no cost to you to use the service to send payments to merchants. PayPal also provides you with your account history online to review payments (both made and received). Again, only you have control of your PayPal account! Setting up a new PayPal account is nearly transparent since you automatically gain a PayPal account simply by using the service to make and/or receive a payment. Once you use PayPal you then have access to shopping cart features for use with store version #2 (store version #1 is automatically handled by us). Some store owners choose store version #1 first to get their store online & operating, later they may upgrade to store version #2 as they learn about PayPal and all of its features & shopping cart functions designed for merchants.

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Q. What is the "Merchant Discount Rate" and how much is it?

A. The Merchant Discount Rate is a percentage of the sale that every business has to pay that accepts credit cards. If you ever make a credit card purchase (either online or in a store) the merchant pays their credit card processor a fee for the service when you use your credit card. There are many different credit card processors for businesses to choose from. In the case of our online stores, we use PayPal because they are more competitive than other credit card processors. PayPal does not charge a setup fee, there are no monthly fees, no statement fees, no gateway fees, etc. With PayPal they charge just 2.9% of the total order amount, plus a 30-cent transaction fee. So, if you received an order for $50 you would pay $1.45 + 30-cents ($1.75 total) for that order. You only pay the Merchant Discount Rate when receiving an order and it is deducted automatically from the payment credited to your PayPal account. In the case of store version #1 we pay this fee since we are processing the order directly -- we do NOT count this fee against payments to our online store owners so this means an added benefit to you! Rather you choose store version #1 or store version #2 you will be receiving one of the best credit card processors available for your online store.

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Q. May I list my store in the PayPal online store directory?

A. Yes. PayPal offers you the chance to list your online store in their online store directory giving your online store even more exposure! PayPal will also send you notice each week of how many visitors they sent to your store from their site. PayPal has never charged for this feature so it's a good marketing tool for either store version you choose!

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Q. How much money will I earn from my online store?

A. Our service is to provide you with store design & hosting for your own online store. Of course, like any other income opportunity or franchise, we are unable to say how much money, if any, you will make from owning your own online store. The money you earn is due, in part, to how well you promote your online store. All income taxes are your responsibility as well.

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Q. How do you address SPAM?

A. You must agree never to use SPAM (unsolicited email) or any other illegal method to promote your online store -- we are required to close your online store if such methods are used.

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Q. Are you affiliated with any other company?

A. We are not affiliated, nor are we endorsed, by any other company -- we are a private service offering order processing & web hosting services to our online store clients. We have over 20 years experience (since 1980) with this product line.

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Q. Do you have additional information you can send to me by postal mail?

A. All of the information about our service is contained here at our online store, however, please feel free to email us (email link on this page) with any specific questions. Thank you for your interest in our service.

Have a question? Feel free to email us.

email@Nichols-N-Dimes.com

Note: if you don't receive our response -- then make sure that SPAM FILTERS are not blocking your email! AOL users -- make sure you email is not being blocked! Sometimes a spam filter may block email you really want! Make sure email has not been delivered to your "bulk" email folder. Please expect a response within 48-hours or email us from a different email service if you suspect a email delivery problem.

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