DRAFT - DRAFT - DRAFT in progress since Aug-2007
updated but still not done 07-Sep-2009
The ItsAllJustString/Shopatron™ FAQ is written & maintained © 2007-2009 by Wheat Carr for use of those who order from a Shopatron™ maintained on line catalog and that order has been assigned to ItsAllJustString.com for fullfilment. The content represents our best understanding of the Shopatron™ system from the consumer viewpoint.
Naturally any policy changes made by Shopatron™ will override this information so it is always best to check the place where you placed your order for the the most up to date information.
The Q&A are in no particular order, although slightly "most asked first":
What is Shopatron?
Wheat is often asked about Shopatron. Or, more precisely WHY if the order was placed online directly with the company of your choice, your order was sent/fulfilled by ItsAllJustString.
Shopatron is the order taker and payment processor "middleman" connecting you with the Manufacturers of your choice and an Independent Retailer who has what you want in stock and ready to ship.
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Who Does ItsAllJustString Fill Orders For?
Although we sometimes have products listed for others, ItsAllJustString primarily Physibids for the following Manufacturer's Products:
Have I Been Added To A Mailing List?
No, UNLESS you opt in. Whether you sign up for the Manufacturer's mailing list or choose to also sign up for the mailing list from Independent Retailer who is filling your order, both use a "double opt in"
Shopatron ONLY gives us enough information to properly fill and ship your order. ItsAllJustString does enter you into our system but NOT to our mailing list(s) unless you specifically ask us to do so.
So here is the "skinny" on how manufacturers and US/Canadian Distributors work thru the Shopatron AND with Independent Retailers to help YOU get the products YOU want as quickly as can be done.
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How does the partnership between Manufacturer and Independent Retailer benefit me?
Shopatron serves as the "order taker" for the partnerships between many YARNandTHREAD suppliers and Independent Retailers. The idea is to make it easier for you get what you want when you want from someone who has it in stock.
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Can I Use My Credit Card?
Yes, If you order through Shopatron, they accept credit cards
Yes, If you order through ItsAllJustString.com, we accept Credit Cards thru our use of Paypal. If you wish to use a credit card at ItsAllJustString.com but prefer not to use PayPal, Wheat will be happy to call you at time convenient to you to get the information needed to process your order.
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Why is Shopatron needed?
Well lots of people will say it is not. But the truth is very few independent retailers can afford to stock every item from every manufacturer.
The order service provided by Shopatron to Manufacturers gives you a place to order "some of everything"
It is not that retailers don't want to serve you fully, it is just that some have not yet learned how to manage in the way that ItsAllJustString.com does. We place almost daily orders with our suppliers and distributors AND deliberately try to use those closest so your order is not delayed more than a few days - we have back ups, and unlike many others , we do not make you wait - we place "special" orders the same or next business day to any of our regular suppliers for any item we do not have in stock at the moment.
So for those who do not have access to an Independent Retailer who offers what I call "Impatient Special Order Services" - for a number of good business reasons, Shopatron offers a good alternative and you still get the satisfaction of dealing with the independent retailer who is going the extra steps to help you.
Happily for you, Wheat and ItsAllJustString.com are the impatient kind and understand that YOU NEED IT NOW. So, because of the way we have planned, there is always enough "other stuff" we need from any of our preferred suppliers that we can order that day and meet their minimums.
And it it is not a product from one of our preferred suppliers, well you still have the option of ordering thru Shopatron.
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What is the disadvantage to order from Shopatron instead of placing future orders directly with ItsAllJustString.com?
There are a few, and how important each may be is for you to decide.
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First, shipping. At ItsAllJustString.com we ship free for nearly all orders over $75.00 sent from ItsAllJustString.com . There are some items that require special packaging, or which are drop shipped from the supplier to you, but whenever we can manage it - if your merchandise total is over $75 it is sent with complimentary Postage & Handling.
The other disadvantage is the with Shopatron, you can ONLY order from a particular manufacturer. So if you need say Clover Takumi Knitting Needles and some Presencia floss, it will be two order with two separate shipping and handling charges.
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Why Does It Take So Long To Get Shipped After I Place My Order?
There are a few things that could delay your order being delivered to the USPS for mailing to you.
First, if you place your order through a Manufacturer/Shopatron shopping cart after 1:30pm Eastern Time on a Friday or the afternoon before a major holiday, Shopatron will not assign the orders until the next Business Day - (Business days to Shopatron are Monday thru Friday, excluding Holidays.) So for those who ordered on a Friday, the first time it will be assigned is not until at least after 1:30pm Eastern on Monday.
If there is a holiday/long weekend, like Labor Day, then it will be Tuesday. We try to get all Shopatron orders into the mail the same day we recieve them just as we do for our other orders for in-stock merchandise.
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Can I Choose the Independent Retailer Who Will Fill My Order?
If you order thru the Shopatron Network, no. This is because they will only assign your order to a Retailer who has indicated they have all your items in stock.
The only way you can decide what Independent Retailer (and we certainly hope you will consider choosing ItsAllJustString.com is to place future orders directly with your choice of Retailer IF they handle orders "outside" the Shopatron Network. The choice is then yours.
Some folks feel that if they deal directly with a large entity like Shopatron - they will be better served.
Some prefer to deal with the small independent and mostly family owned retailers - although that retailer may have to "special order" and so delay shipping for a day or two.
Just a quick note about Special Orders. In most cases, even if we are out of stock, for any of our preferred manufacturers, we can obtain the items you desire within two business days and ship within four. (excluding Holiday weekends.)
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If I order direct from ItsAllJustString.com, how long before it ships?
Assuming we have it in stock (and sometimes things happen like we open a box and find out what should be full is empty because someone did not enter the sale) we usually ship with one POST OFFICE Business Day. That means we mail packages Monday thru Saturday and sometimes we even drop them off on Sunday.
If there will be ANY Delay over 72 hours in shipping we let you know as soon as we do.
After that, it is up to the Postal Service in your country and ours (USPS) to get it to you as quickly as possible.
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What is the Purpose of Shopatron?
There are not very many Independent Retailers who "stock" every product from most manufacturers. So if you need or want an item that is less than popular - there may be no other way to get it than to place a Shopatron order or to contact Wheat and see if she has it but not yet on the website.
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Can I return a purchase made at Shopatron to ItsAllJustString?
If the order was placed thru Shopatron, yes, usually. just follow the instructions on the invoice/packing slip which include notifying Shopatron to obtain a return authorization. You MUST have that paper in order to make a return
If you do not have a copy, then the easiest way to get one is to email the fulfiller and ask for a copy. If your order was filled by ItsAllJustString, we will be happy to send you a copy of the PDF packing slip. That way you will have the information that applied at the time of your order.
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Please Note, no one involved in ItsAllJustString.com is or ever has been in the pay of Shopatron in any way shape or form. We are just one of thousands of Independent Retailers participating in order to better serve you - initially by fulfilling your Shopatron Order and later if you choose to buy from us directly by placing your order through ItsAllJustString.com.
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