Frequently asked questions

Q: There are so many out there like you, what makes you different?

A: We're actually quite unique. We use a online platform that is made for people to have their own microstore. We are not a design company, we don't sell products. Think 'Amazon', who offer a marketplace for sellers to list their goods. That's preciously what we do. There are other sites out there that offer streaming / music hosting, which is something we are implementing into VIP Merch. We would like to be the one site to offer everything that an Artist could ever want (or need!)

Q: Are you really about the Artists?

A: Yes! Artists are the ones who need us and we always listen to what the artists suggest for feature implementations and improvements. Afterall, they are the ones that are using the system out on the road. They need to be comfortable with it and make sure it offers everything they could ever need.

Q: How do you make money?

A: We charge a small fee to artists for their seller account. Depending on the features they require, depends on the amount charged. This is to cover various costs like hosting, staff and feature developments.

Q: I cannot find..?

A: If you cannot find a particular item or feature by looking in the menus and searching, it may not have been implemented yet (or known about!) Drop us a line with details and we will see what we can do to have it implemented.

Q: How quickly will I receive my item?

A: VIP Merch do not deal with the dispatch of items. We have no control over orders generally (unless an artist has paid for a managed solution). Each order is between the user and the artist in question. We can step in if there are issues to try and get the artist to rectify them, but we have no control over the order or item(s) itself.

Q: How do payments work?

A: The system is set up to transfer funds automatically. When a customer places an order, the system will work out the total due to you, minus the commission % and processing fees. That amount is put into your account and the commission is put into VIP Merch account, whilst the processing fees get paid straight to the payment provider(s). Clever stuff!

Q: So lets get this straight. You're a Shop, Right?

A: In theory. But in practice, we are an online platform that offers everything. Although the website is based on a shopping cart solution, it is called a Multi-Vendor solution, where every part of the site is run by a vendor (in our case, artist). We provide the back bone for them to create their own shop front. Think Shopify!