OtiumOutfitters FAQs

How does the OtiumOutfitters work?
What types of Retailers make successful Outfitters?
We are looking to partner with Retailers who want to grow their business, differentiate themselves from the completion, and most importantly – WIN NEW BUSINESS.

Do I need a website?
In a global market, every business can benefit from a website. If you do not have a website, Otium can help you build and host a website. If you do not want to build a website, Otium will host your OtiumOutfitters Store and provide your store a free listing on our website, OtiumOutfitters.com.

What exactly does OtiumOutfitters provide to a Retailer?
OtiumOutfitters provides the Retailer with a powerful website which is designed to promote the Retailers brand.

What if my needs change after I choose OtiumOutfitters?
OtiumOutfitters is designed to grow with your business.  It is always kept up to date with the features Retailers want.  It is saleable to fit any size business.

I already have my own website and domain name – what do I need to do to use it with my OtiumOutfitters store?
Our focus is on your brand – not ours! If you already have a website and/or domain name we will use that as the point of entry to your Store.

Do I need my own SSL certificate?
OtiumOutfitters includes a standard SSL certificate.

Do you have an online demonstration of the OtiumOutfitters Store?
Yes, we have an online demo store available – contact us at Sales@OtiumOutfitters.com and we can walk you through a live demo!

How will OtiumOutfitters be delivered to my Retail Store?
Clients receive the OtiumOutfitters solution directly via the internet hosted by our reliable, high speed network. Otium hosts the software on secure, redundant servers, supplies and installs all hardware, software and infrastructure, and provides round-the-clock data security, backups and complete system maintenance—all at a fraction of the cost of an on-premise software licensing and implementation model. Otium also includes ongoing updates to the latest software releases, making it the last migration a retailer will ever need.

How will this help me compete?
OtiumOutfitters allows the independent Outdoor Retailer to reach their target audience in massive numbers, while providing them the expertise and support enjoyed by the Big-Box retailers. Otium provides the independent Outdoor Retailer with a cost effective opportunity to connect with and service the needs of millions of Outdoor Adventure Enthusiasts worldwide.

Can I market this to my current customer base – many of whom have email?
ABSOLUTELY!! That is encouraged … and in fact we request this information from you during the set-up process to help you market your new online store to your customers.

If I use OtiumOutfitters, will the URL of my Store be personalized?
Yes the main site URL will be www.OtiumOutfitters.com
Individual Retailer Sites will be www.OtiumOutfitters.com/RETAILER_NAME
There will be a secured gateway portal into your Admin site – known as the SolutionsPortal and the URL will be www.OtiumSolutions.com

How many items can I sell?
As many items as you want to sell – just remember to keep your store inventory stocked with these items, as your inventory is now available to Enthusiasts worldwide. As an OtiumOutfitter, you will maintain your own order fulfillment, shipping, and tracking – but don’t worry; Otium can help with that, too!

Can I run sales promotions? Will OtiumOutfitters run promotions or sales?
ABSOLUTELY, and why not!?! We will assist the OtiumOutfitters with their promotions and we will engage in our own site-wide promotions as well.

Can my items change Daily – Weekly – Monthly?
You are in complete control of your OtiumOutfitters store and the inventory contained in it. We can assist you in the management of your Store – we require up to 15 business days to post changes to your OtiumOutfitters Site.

Who will OtiumOutfitters market the site to?
Our target market is the same as your target market – Outdoor Adventure Enthusiasts ages 18 to 54. The difference is that we are marketing OtiumOutiftters.com GLOBALLY. Our worldwide database contains information on nearly 4 million outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Do I need an I/T staff?
No, not at all; Otium will manage this for you as one of the benefits of being an OtiumOutfitter.
Do I need special software to run my OtiumOutfitters Store?
No. You can manage your store from most web browsers with Internet access.  All you need to do is be able to check your email and get online.

New OtiumOutfitters Setup
What do I need to supply to Otium before the site launches?
You will provide us with general information about your store and your brand. We will supply you with a detailed list of items, prior to launch.

How long before my OtiumOutfitters store is launched?
Sites can be completed in 30 days or less.  It can take longer based on the number of initial items you wish to sell, and the speed of return contact from you.

How do I update my OtiumOutfitters Store?
We will provide you with an Account Executive who will provide you with expertise in the updating of your Store each month. In addition, you can perform your own updates, add products, add content, etc, yourself. You have full control over the administration of your site – we will help you as much, or as little, as you need.

Is there a contract to sign with Otium to become an OtiumOutfitter?
Yes, we will execute an agreement with terms of 1 or 2 years.

How do I ship my product?
You can use your existing relationship with FedEx, UPS, or US Postal Service shippers immediately. Otium is currently working with FedEx, UPS, and US POSTAL SERVICE to obtain preferred rates for all OtiumOutfitters. We will have this arrangement finalized in the very near future.

How do I get trained on the system?
Within 10 days of the signed contract, one of our Account Managers will contact you to set up a training session. The training will take place online via a live web-meeting and will last for approximately 2 hours. The training can be split up into 2 sessions (1 hour each) and can be held at just about any time, day or night.

What are the “major activity” types?
We cater to virtually all outdoor adventure activities. Categories include (but are not limited to) apparel, mountaineering, boating, camping, hunting, fishing, cycling, running, 4x4, survival, Frisbee, golf, SCUBA, swimming, ski/snowboard, sky-diving, hang-gliding, luge, caving, wildlife viewing, paddle sports, orienteering, paintball, treasure hunting, and more!

Why have you chosen to market to all those activity types?
Most Outdoor Adventure Enthusiasts participate in multiple activities throughout the year. Otium wants to provide a single source for ALL things related to the Outdoor Adventure Enthusiast. By linking many diverse Retailers in a cohesive community, we are able to maximize our reach and connect with many more Outdoor Adventure Enthusiasts worldwide.

Will the site send emails to the customers telling them the order is received, shipped, etc?
Yes - The OtiumOutfitter system will automatically generate an email for each customer informing them their order was received, the order has been shipped, and the order has arrived.

What does the Retailer do once an order has been placed?
The OtiumOutfitter retailer will receive an email with all the details on the order that was placed. The OtiumOutfitter will then pack the item for shipment and contact their shipper for pick-up. At this point, the OtiumOutfitter goes back into the Otium system to indicate the item was package and sent for delivery. Emails will then be sent to the customers automatically. We can help with this, too!

How will customer inquires or complaints be handled?
For users on the site, there will be a link marked “Customer Service”. The user will click the link and a Customer Response Window will open for them to complete a message to you. That email will be forwarded to any email account that you wish. OtiumOutfitters will also have a link for service relating to technical problems. All emails from that link will be forward to the Otium development staff for resolution.

What is the Return Policy of OtiumOutfitters?
The Return Policy is your return policy. You are in charge of the customer experience and we will help to facilitate that relationship anyway we can. However, in the end the Customer Service belongs to the individual OtiumOutfitter.

OtiumOutfitters Fees
What is my Annual Investment in OtiumOutfitters?
An initial Set-up Fee – covers site build, installation, training, activation, and hosting
Annual Subscription Fee – covers monthly service and consulting
Credit Card Transaction Fee – covers the costs associated with collecting and distributing funds

Do I have to commit to a contract?
Yes – We require a minimum one year contract term in order to ensure your success. 

Design
I don't know HTML or web design. Can I still use OtiumOutfitters?
Yes – your store is professionally designed for you.  If you would like to update your store you can email us and we will take care of it; or you can login to the Administration site and complete the updates yourself.

How customizable are the OtiumOutfitters Store pages?
Your store is highly customizable.  We will load your color scheme, logo, physical store photo, description, etc and we will work with you to make the Store look the way YOU want.

How many pictures can I list per item?
The system will accommodate multiple pictures of each product.

Payments
How are payments processed through the system?
Otium has a partnership with a Merchant Bank (with online payment gateway) for all payments on the system.

Which payments are accepted by OtiumOutfitters?
Our Merchant Bank accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, check or money order.

Product Catalog
Does my OtiumOutfitters Store come with products already in it?
No – we will assist you in cataloging the inventory you plan to sell in your new online Store.

Is it possible to import or convert items from my current online storefront?
If the items can be exported from your current storefront into an Excel or CSV file, the file can be imported into your OtiumOutfitters Store. We will help you with the formatting and in the obtaining of the product images.

Do I have to enter my products individually?
No – we can accommodate a mass-upload of your inventory.

How many pictures can I list per item?
The system will accommodate multiple pictures of each product.

How many products can OtiumOutfitters support?
Our stores can support an almost unlimited amount of products.  The only limitation is on your ability to fulfill orders and maintain adequate inventories.

Inventory Management
Does OtiumOutfitters track inventory?
Yes and No - You can choose to track the inventory units sold in your store through the system, however, it is not linked to your in house inventory management/point of sale system.

This is a future enhancement we are working on now.

What if someone orders something that is out of stock?
You would place a special order of the product and have it shipped directly to the customer.

Storage Space
What is the email storage capacity of OtiumOutfitters email boxes?
Unlimited.

How much total space do I have on the OtiumOutfitters server(s)?
As much as you need.

Are your servers secure and protected?
OtiumOutfitters web servers are housed in offsite secure private data-centers featuring fast, secure and reliable performance at all times.

Security
What kind of SSL data encryption security is available?
Otium utilizes the latest advancements in network security to protect our customers and yours.

Other Admin Area Functionality
Can I send out newsletters to my customers?
Yes; A newsletter manager is included in the administration area.

Are sales reports available?
Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly sales reports are available through the administration area.

How can I charge tax to buyers based on their geographical location?
OtiumOutfitters allows you to enter a tax table with tax by location so that tax will be calculated automatically upon checkout.

Are Canadian taxes supported?
Yes, Canadian taxes are supported.

Does OtiumOutfitters allow for international shipping?
Yes - you can build your own shipping tables including foreign shipping.

Are real time shipping quotes supported?
You provide us with product weight information and the system will calculate an shipping cost (based on the product weight, destination, Carrier chosen, and the shipping table your provide/create)

How do I know if an order has been placed in my OtiumOutfitters Store?
You will receive an email informing you of the new order.

Existing Web Domains, Stores and Websites
Can I use my own domain name for my new OtiumOutfitters Store?
Yes – we will help you with this.

Can I use my existing design with OtiumOutfitters?
OtiumOutfitters Store will be made to look as much like your existing website as possible.

Can I keep the rest of my site on my own server and have the OtiumOutfitters Store hosted by Otium?
Yes – we will create a gateway from your existing website to your new OtiumOutfitters Store.

I already have a hosting company and I don't want to switch, is there a way I can keep my current hosting company and still use OtiumOutfitters?
Yes – we will work with you to create links from your existing website that directs customers to specified areas of your OtiumOutfitters Store. We will host your new online Store and your existing hosting company will continue to host your website.

Does OtiumOutfitters provide a static IP?
Yes – OtiumOutfitters Stores are assigned a static IP.

Customer Support
What if I need technical support?
All OtiumOutfitters Retailers have access to online help, priority email assistance, and (coming soon) online support forums.  In addition to technical support, each Retailer is provided full online training, access to online training manuals, and (coming soon) access to our Retailer only internet forums.

What if an online customer needs help?
The customer will be able to contact you directly. You are in charge of the customer experience and we will help to facilitate that relationship anyway we can.

Marketing Your Web Site
Does OtiumOutfitters help me market my new store?
Yes.  We submit new stores to the major search engines at launch and we provide advertising throughout the Otium network of websites and our database of over 4 million Outdoor Adventure Enthusiasts.

Can I run promotions in my store?
Yes.  You can discount prices, create discounts, assign special pricing, etc…all by individual product or category.

What if I want to offer special pricing for certain customers?
You can create discount codes specifically for your special customers.

Will OtiumOutfitters run promotions or sales?
We will assist you with your promotions and we will engage in our own site-wide promotions as well.

Who will OtiumOutfitters market the site to?
Our target market is the same as your target market – Outdoor Adventure Enthusiasts ages 18 to 54. The difference is that we are marketing OtiumOutiftters.com GLOBALLY. Our worldwide database contains information on nearly 4 million outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Miscellaneous
Do I need special software to run my OtiumOutfitters Store?
No. You manage your store from any computer with Internet access.