- Why should I extend my business to the Internet?
- What software do I need to get started?
- Do I need to know HTML to create my store?
- What browsers do you recommend for creating a store?
- Who can help me get started building my store?
- Can a merchant outside the U.S. apply for a merchant credit card acceptance account with Above The Noise?
- How long will it take to get my store online?
- Is there a minimum time commitment for your services?
- Will my store be registered with search engines?
- I want to see an actual store site.
- What are the steps involved in signing up for Above The Noise services?
- What does it cost?
- What kind of security do you have for online transactions?
- What happens when a shopper places an order?
- What is Above The Noise?
Q: Why should I extend my business to the Internet?
Electronic commerce (or e-commerce) is relatively new, but all indications show that it will be a major commercial influence within only a few years. Over 100 million people worldwide are now connected to the Internet, and online stores have a nearly unlimited potential customer base. Even the most conservative estimates indicate that e-commerce growth in the next few years will be enormous. From approximately $500 million spent in 1996 by online shoppers, figures for online sales in the year 2000 are estimated at $6 billion to $8 billion and higher. While the biggest names in retailing are establishing a presence on the Internet, stores of all sizes have nearly equal opportunities to attract customers and expand their business. With Above The Noise 's fast and easy-to-use store design tools and Stuff.com's product-centered searching, all merchants have an opportunity for e-commerce exposure. Q: What software do I need to get started?
No software required! All our tools require only a web browser. Our tools run from our servers, so there's nothing to update and nothing to install. You only need your desktop computer and access to the Internet. Q: Do I need to know HTML to create my store?
No experience with HTML or related technologies is required. Our easy-to-use store creation tools take care of formatting and web site automation for you. We take care of the technical stuff, such as CGI scripting, JavaScript, and so on. If you can point, click, and use a web browser, you're all set! Q: What browsers do you recommend for creating a store?
We strongly recommend that you upgrade the latest version of the browser you prefer to use. While we do not require a particular browser, your browser should fully support JavaScript 1.1. If you are using an older browser, you may find it difficult, or impossible, to build a store using our tools. You can get the latest version of two popular browsers by clicking the links below. Q: Who can help me get started building my store?
You can send an e-mail to help-build@future-media.com to receive assistance in setting up a homepage, customer service page and one product. This service allows you to understand how our store building tool works. Q: Can a merchant outside the U.S. apply for a merchant credit card acceptance account with Above The Noise?
Due to bankcard association and system limitations, the merchant credit card acceptance account offered through Veriostore is applicable only to merchants located in the United States that have a relationship with a U.S. Financial Institution and a valid checking account. Q: How long will it take to get my store online?
A store with any number products can be created in less than an hour if the database is supplied. All you need is your product information, graphic images of your products (in .jpg or .gif format), your company logo, and a valid e-mail address so we can send information to you. To get your store up and running with Above The Noise, you will need to arrange all merchant application requirements and officially get signed on. Depending on how much you already have in place, this can take from a day or two to a week. Q: Is there a minimum time commitment for your services?
You are billed by the month, but there is no minimum requirement. Q: Will my store be registered with search engines?
Above The Noise stores are not automatically registered with other search engines. In many ways the ATN mall acts like a search engine. Our steady traffic is an added benefit of being an Above The Noise customer. Q: I want to see an actual store site.
Click here to view a working store site, YesSOS. Q: What are the steps involved in signing up for Above The Noise?
Once you have completed the Above The Noise sign-up form you will receive the following: - Welcome e-mail to Above The Noise which will arrive within minutes of signing up.
- An Online Store Creation e-mail containing your five digit store ID and Password. This e-mail will arrive within two hours of signing up your store.
- A "WELCOME ABOARD" e-mail containing your hosting and IP account information. This e-mail will arrive within 3 hours of signing up for your store. Once you receive this e-mail, you are ready to begin building your store.
Q: What does it cost?
See our Prices & Options page for current information. Q: What kind of security do you have for online transactions?
Above The Noise runs on an Apache Web Server that supports the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption protocol. This protects credit card transaction information between you and your customers. Shoppers who use a browser supporting the SSL protocol can shop with confidence. We have designed our order processing software to detect whether a browser supports secure transactions and to submit order data to a secure URL. Q: What happens when a shopper places an order?
Our shopping cart service completes online transactions in real time and posts them directly to your merchant application. When a customer completes an order, the credit card information is sent for purchase authorization and the order information is posted to your store database. Order information can be sent to you by e-mail, using PGP encryption; you can also log in to your store backroom via our SSL connection to retrieve your orders. When the order has been filled, the funds for the order are "captured" and credited to the merchant's account. Our flexible shopping cart lets shoppers purchase from several stores at one time. For each item purchased, the credit card information and order details are processed separately, so each merchant receives the information immediately. Q: What is Above The Noise?
Above The Noise is the first and only completely integrated e-commerce solution. Above The Noise's comprehensive suite of services includes easy-to-use web store design and maintenance products such as: - Istore: Build an e-commerce ready store site with our web-based site creation tool. Along with your store site, your products will be listed in a product search engine called Above The Noise mall. And, you can easily fill out an application for a merchant account, which allows you to process credit card orders. ( was created by a partnership between CyberCash and Wells Fargo Bank, however you are free to use what ever bank you wish as long as they are CyberCash ready. See additional information in the merchant application Basics FAQ.)
For details about getting started, go to http://www.abovethenoise.com/services and look at the Merchant choices. Advertising and Bringing Online Traffic to Your Store | 
