Am I required to install special software to my computer to use the Administrator utility of AHOY.COM solutions?

No. All AHOY.COM solutions are created to run via a Web browser. It is required, however, that I.E. (5.5 or greater) or Netscape 7.0 (or greater) are utilized when working within AHOY.COM administrative tools.

Can I use any Web browser to use the Administrator utility?

All AHOY.COM Solutions are built using the latest technology. To make certain that you can use all functions we ask that either Internet Explorer 5.5 or above or Netscape 7.0 and above browser versions are used.

Is more than one individual able to add information to the database at a given time?

Yes. Although you will want to be very careful that the other individuals working within the database are not working on any of the same items, categories, etc. or some of the information may be overwritten.

How does the Catalog search work?

Simply enter a single keyword into the search box. If more that one keyword is entered in the search box, the Catalog search engine will search for all products that contain either keyword. The keywords will be used to search for products containing those words in their title and description fields. Select a category to limit your search results to products from that category only.

How are product images added?

Images are easily managed by you - simply upload any image in .jpg format from your computer or network and the application will manage the images in three different sizes - thumbnail, main product image and the larger product view. Best of all you can add as many views of each product as you would like and all will be viewable in all three sizes.

Can I add and manage my own products?

Absolutely! You can easily add products and product images. Product information can contain varied pricing, options and availability. Images are easily managed by you - simply upload any image in .jpg format from your computer or network and the application will manage the images in three different sizes - thumbnail, main product image and the larger product view. Best of all you can add as many views of each product as you would like and all will be viewable in all three sizes.

Am I able to add more than one image for a product?

Multiple images can be included for any product. You may choose to add product images in different colors, views or with product options.

How do I view my orders?

Orders are managed from the eCatalog & eCommerce Solution Administration tool. From the Administration tool, you can Search and view orders and change status. You can also view all orders placed by any individual customer.

How many product options can I use for each product?

A product can up to four options than can be identified by the administrator. Each product option can contain several option values each of which can have their own product code and pricing.

What forms of payment can I receive via the eCatalog & eCommerce Solution?

Web site Users purchasing via the catalog can make a secure payment with any major credit card. You as the catalog administrator determine the credit cards that you will accept this information can be changed at any time.

If you would prefer, we can configure your catalog so that payment can be sent via any method outside of the catalog based on information provided by you. Details on payment will be placed in the checkout pages for your viewers information.

Can I have more than one category level?

Sure, you can have as many categories and sub-categories as needed. Actually - an unlimited amount. Using categories and sub-categories will make it easier for your catalog Visitors to find products.

Are catalog visitors able to search for products?

Yes. Products can be searched by keyword based on the information provided within the product information including the product title, description and additional keywords.

How are shipping costs calculated?

A shipping matrix is maintained by the catalog administrator which allows for multiple shipping vendors and pricing options. Shipping costs are calculated based on total order amount. Additional shipping and additional handling fees can be added

Are viewers able to create a customer account?

Yes, when checking out, customers are able to register to create a customer account for quick check-out on future orders.

Can I temporarily hide a product if out of stock?

You can either identify the particular options that are not currently available or you can make the entire product inactive. Many other product and pricing options are available for your products.

Can I use HTML to format product content?

Yes. Description fields are all able to handle HTML content. Using HTML will allow you to change font colors, add images, etc.

Can the catalog be set-up to display without pricing?

Yes. The catalog will allow you to set-up your catalog so that prices will not display and prevent the user from checking out. At any time, pricing and online ordering can be activated.

What do I need to start a new online catalog?

All of the tools you will need to manage products and orders online will be provided to you. A secure certificate will need to be purchased for your catalog if you will be accepting online credit card payments.

Can the eCatalog be setup to look like my site.

Yes. In addition to the standard configuration options, the appearance and layout of the eCatalog & eCommerce pages are controlled by templates that can be modified to a client's specific requirements.

Can credit card payments be paid directly to my bank account?

Yes. The eCatalog can be configured to integrate with VeriSign's Payflow Pro service to allow for online credit card validation and processing.

How many categories and subcategories can be created.

An unlimited number of categories and sub-categories can be added.

Can I deactivate products and categories in the event that the products are out-of-stock?

Yes. Products and categories can be either deactivated or placed in a staging status rather than removing the product when it is out-of-stock? The staging option allows the administrator to launch multiple products and categories at one time. Staging is typically used when setting up groups or collections of items in advance of launching the items so that the items can be viewable at the same time.

Can I change the order of categories and products?

Yes. The administrator controls the order in which categories, sub-categories and products are displayed.

Can I view sales reports.

Yes. The reporting function allows the administrator to view daily and monthly order report summaries by date.

Is a confirmation email sent to the customer after an order is placed?

Yes. The standard eCatalog installation is configured to send a confirmation email to the customer once the order is placed. Additionally, an email is sent to the administrator to alert them that an order has been placed. Either function can be easily turned off to accommodate your requirements.

Are credit card orders placed secure?

Yes. The standard eCatalog configuration is set to accept payments via credit card. The purchase of a secure certificate is required when accepting credit card payments via the AHOY.COM eCatalog & eCommerce Solution to ensure a secure transaction process. Also, once an order is placed in a "processed" status, all but the last four digits of the credit card are removed from the database.