FAQ

Q: How quickly can we launch?
A: We can launch a website in as little as 6 weeks; it all depends on the complexity of the project.  A custom design or unique features will add time to the project but even with a custom design we can usually launch in 3 months. There are 2 tracks to the project: the design track, and the data track.  The design track usually defines the timeline unless we are customizing a template, in which case it can go pretty quickly.

Q: Can we go with the web development before deciding on the POS?
A: We can certainly begin the design process while waiting for your POS system to be installed. In some cases we have seen delays with the POS selection, but the choice of a POS rarely affects your ability to integrate with our system. Some of our customers have launched without a POS system: they manually maintain their items online.  However, this is rarely ideal as the store must spend time manually removing items that are out of stock.  

Q: Since we have the foundation of the site complete, what would it take to go live, updating inventory etc.?
A: This depends on what you have already built.  Stores sometimes find it easier to rebuild their design on our platform.  This usually happens when they haven’t been satisfied that their platform offers the features we can offer.  Another option would be to launch with another vendor’s platform and subscribe to the market data and content from Beverage Media; we would also make eStage available for POS integration. 

Q: How much control would we have over unique content pages: about us, etc?
A: You have complete control over the information on the About Us, Contact Us, Shipping Information pages; these can be edited from the admin panel. The site includes a Content Management System that allows you to create unique pages on the fly using an HTML editor.  These pages can be linked to any number of predefined locations for display directly on your homepage, if you choose. 

Q: How is credit card processing done on line? Is that through our carrier or yours?
A: Stores that process their credit cards online need to create accounts with a Merchant Services provider and a Payment Gateway (see here to process your orders offline).  You already have a Merchant Services account to process credit cards in the store and need a new one to process credit cards online.  We find that stores who work with the same Merchant Services provider they use in the store sales are able to leverage store transaction volume for a better rate on their online orders. If necessary we can assist in setting up the Payment Gateway however a good Merchant Services provider will help complete this process. Our platform is compatible with several Payment Gateways.

When you receive a web order it is authorized to confirm funds are available, however funds are never captured at the time of order.  Sometimes stores need to make adjustments to an order, as it can involve a vintage change or out of stock item. If the final order is smaller than the original, then the original authorization is still valid. If the customer has been sold additional items then a new authorization will be processed automatically. Once the order is ready to be shipped it is marked as Processed in the admin panel which automatically captures the funds for that order. The customer will only see the final charge on their credit card statement.