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[[File:German_flag.gif]] [[CasperVend 2/Setup/DE | Schaue hier in Deutsch!]]
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">CasperVend Manual</span>''' =
This is the main manual page for CasperVend. If you need it, the table of contents for this page is to the right.
If you are here to see what's involved with setting up the system before buying it, you might also be interested in seeing the '''[[CasperVend_2/Feature_List | Feature List]]''' and find out '''[[CasperVend_2/Introduction | Whats in the Box]]''', in addition to the instructions below. If these instructions are too much for one sitting, you can also try the '''[[CasperVend_2/Quick_Start | quick start page]]'''.


  #) About CasperVend
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">The Fine Print</span>''' =
    1a) Link to features
=== Prerequisites ===
    1b) Link to "what's in the box"
----
  #) The Fine Print
    -- Pre-requisites
    -- Terminology
    -- Allowable vs non
    -- DMCA / Copyright
  #) Creating Your Account
    a) Security notes
    b) Register for CasperVend
    c) Resetting your CasperVend Password
  #) Upgrading your vendors
  #) Setting Up Your Dropboxes
    a) Important stuff
    b) General notes on dropboxes
    c) Where to get dropbox details and troubleshooting
  #) Upload product info
  #) Set up product listings
    a) Basic info
    b) Landmarks, notecards, etc
    c) Bot information
  #) Configuring Vendors
    a) Single-product vendors
    b) Multi-product vendors
    c) Turning a non-vendor item into a vendor
    d) More vendor config options
  #) Gifting options
    a) Direct gift (sent from the system)
    b) Gift box (you get the box, you give the box, they rez it)
  #) "Search" feature on vendors
  #) Sales, discounts, and loyalty rewards
    -- Link to customers page
    -- Link to profiles & groups page
    -- Link to vendor discounts
  #) Profit Sharing
  #) Adding a CSR
    -- CSR limitations
  #) Setting up secondary / branch locations, fast
  #) About transactions
    -- link to transaction page
  #) Expansion Packs & Promotional Tools
  #) Payments, Statistics & Sales Records
  #) Sending Product Updates to Customers
  #) FAQ / Troubleshooting


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Introduction</span>''' ==
The manual on this page assumes the following:  
Thanks for choosing CasperVend! You've joined the tens of thousands of creators who have chosen CasperVend for its flexibility, quality and stability.
# That you understand the setup processes behind web-enabled networked vending systems
# That you understand debit permissions need to be granted in order for all scripted vendors to function
# That you have at least one product to sell
# That you have at least one promotional image for each product to sell
# If your product is in multiple pieces (such as an outfit), that you have put the product in a shipping package of some sort.


The setup process is really simple, but if you get stuck along the way please see [[CasperVend_2/Getting_Help | Getting Help]].
If any of these concepts are unclear, or you have '''never''' extensively used a web-enabled networked vending system before, you should begin at the '''[[CasperVend_2/Quick_Start | New User Quick Start]]''' instead, where the instructions are simplified and explained for people who are not as familiar with these concepts.


Now, let's get this show on the road!
=== Allowable vs. Non-Allowable Items ===
----
Any product which is permitted to be sold in the grid it's available for - according to the grid's Terms of Service - is also permitted to be sold via CasperVend.


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Prerequisites</span>''' ==
While not exhaustive, some items which are explicitly '''not allowed''' include:
:* Any item(s) depicting or suggesting the abuse or sexual solicitation of minors
:* Any item(s) which are designed to defraud or commit a crime (or entice others to defraud or commit a crime)
:* Any item(s) which violate or are intended to violate or entice others to violate UK or international law
:* Any items which '''[https://wiki.casperdns.com/images/thumb/4/4a/Notice_-_No_Griefing_Tools.png/471px-Notice_-_No_Griefing_Tools.png violate the grid's Terms of Service]''' (sim crashers, object spammers, copybot tools and the like)


Before we start, it's assumed you have already have the following:
==== DMCA's ====
----
'''PLEASE NOTE: CasperTech is not in control of products for sale in CasperVend vendors''', only the vending system which can access them - this means we are not in a position to comply with a DMCA notice (we cannot actually remove the content from the virtual world grid). Each merchant is responsible for ensuring that their products do not violate anyone else's copyrights.


:* At least one item you wish to sell
DMCA takedowns need to be filed with the owners of the virtual world grid directly, as it is their system (the grid) which is actually serving the content. In the case of Second Life, the owners are Linden Lab.
:* A promotional image for each item you wish to sell


If you want to bundle lots of stuff together for sale (for example your product may consist of multiple objects, or you may want to include accessories) you should first place these items into a box / bag / shipping package.
=== Terminology ===
----
CasperTech (and thus CasperVend) does do a few things differently from other web-enabled networked vending systems. This manual uses the following terms that may not be used by other web-enabled networked vending systems:


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Getting Started: Step Overview</span>''' ==
:* '''DropBox''' - Your packaged products go in here, and are delivered to your customers from here. The DropBox '''MUST''' be rezzed at all times, or it will be unable to deliver products to your customers.
:* '''Item''' - "Items" are the things you put inside your DropBox. "Items" can be your packaged products, informational notecards, landmarks, and so on.
:* '''Product / Product Listing''' - These are created on the website using your items, and each listing includes information about your product including price and permissions. All product settings are on one page for ease of setup.


Here's an overview of the set-up process:  
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Your Account</span>''' =


:# Make your product (if not already done)
=== Security Notes ===
:# If necessary, and your product is in multiple rezzable parts (like a house), you can pack it in the [[Rez_Free | Rez-Free]]
----
:# Make your product's vendor image (if not already done)
Protect your business by following these tips, and keep your account safe.
:# Put your product in a box / bag / shipping package
 
:# Also include any notecards / landmarks you wish in the same shipping package
:* Choose a password which is difficult to guess.
:# Put this shipping package in the dropbox
:* Do '''''NOT''''' use your Second Life password.
:# Let dropbox process and send data to the website
:* Do '''''NOT''''' use a password you've used with any other Second Life related service, such as other vending systems.
:# Leave the dropbox rezzed *somewhere* inworld
:* Do '''''NOT''''' give your password to anyone!
:# Log in to website
:# Set up your product listing(s) on the website
:# Create any profile(s) you wish, if desired
:# Rez your vendor(s) and grant [[Debit_Permissions | debit permissions]]
:# Click the logo area (or the admin button on the touch menu)
:# Let that take you to the website (and log in again, if necessary)
:# You will arrive at the vendor configuration page
:# On that page, select the product or profile you want displayed on THAT vendor.
:# Usually about a minute or so later the vendor will update to display the product(s)


Once you complete these steps, you should be up and running! We highly recommend that you continue to read the rest of this manual so that you are more completely informed of all the options and possibilities CasperVend has to offer you and your customers.
If you have trouble coming up with a secure password on your own, you can use the '''[https://www.grc.com/passwords.htm Gibson Research High Security Password Generator]'''.  


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Terminology / glossary</span>''' ==
If you need a "password keeper" utility on windows, you can try '''[http://passwordsafe.sourceforge.net/ Password Safe]'''


This guide uses the following terms:
=== Creating Your Account ===
----
Before you can begin setting up products on the website, you need to have a CasperVend account. If you already have one, just log in.


* '''Vendor''' - Vendors are the objects, included with your purchase, which the customer will pay to receive their product. They usually (but not always) display your product textures.
Otherwise, rez out a CasperVend vendor of your choice, grant '''[[Debit_Permissions | debit permissions]]''', and then follow the instructions on the '''[[CasperVend_2/Password_Reset#Creating_Your_CasperVend_Account | Creating Your CasperVend Account]]''' page.
* '''DropBox''' - called "servers" by some other systems, DropBoxes are responsible for actually delivering the customer's purchase.
* '''Item''' - "Items" are the things you put inside your DropBox.
* '''Product''' - "Products" are created on the website using Items, and include information about your product including price and permissions.
* '''Texture''' - An image, or snapshot. A picture used to advertise your products.


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Setting up your dropboxes</span>''' ==
=== Resetting Your Password ===
----
See the section on '''[[CasperVend_2/Password_Reset#Resetting_Your_CasperVend_Password | Resetting your CasperVend Password]]'''


As mentioned above, we assume you already have at least one product (boxed if needed) and one promotional texture.
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Setting Up Products</span>''' =


Be careful to give everything a unique name - delivery functions work by name, rather than UUID, so if you name two different things with the same name, the customer may get ANY of the things named with that same name, at random - not necessarily the packaged product!
=== Setting Up Your Dropboxes ===
----
See the '''[[CasperVend_2/DropBoxes | DropBoxes]]''' page for important details and instructions on setting up your DropBoxes.


:# Rez a DropBox, which is included with your purchase. Be careful that you rez the DropBox itself and not the UpgradeBee. (If the name starts with a number, it's the wrong one.)
If your DropBox(es) won't let you add things, pay careful attention to '''[[CasperVend_2/DropBoxes#Your_DropBox_won.27t_let_you_add_things.3F | this section]]''' for troubleshooting points.
:# Next, open the contents of the DropBox (right click, edit, "contents" tab), and drop in your product(s) and the promotional texture(s).  
:# After you've finished loading the box, wait for it to finish uploading. You'll be able to see this indicated in the floating text above the box.  


==== Notes on DropBoxes ====
=== Set Up Product Listings ===
----
----
DropBoxes are really important! Your dropbox is what delivers your products to your customers. You must '''always''' remember the following:
First, if you haven't already, rez a vendor and grant '''[[Debit_Permissions | debit permissions]]'''.


:* They '''must''' stay rezzed at all times - they can't deliver if they're not inworld.
Then:  
:* We recommend keeping the number of items in a dropbox below 400, with 200 being the approximate number most people are comfortable with while waiting for the contents to load. There have been issues reported when people go substantially over these numbers.
# Click on the (C)asperVend logo in the bottom left hand corner of one of your vendors.
:* You can use as many boxes as you like
# Visit the link that appears in local chat, and enter your password if necessary.
:* It doesn't matter to CasperVend which items go in which box.
# Now, click "Products" on the left hand side.  
:* If you place an item with the same name into two or more different dropboxes, additional copies are used as a backup, and when delivering the item, the system will use the first available dropbox that has the item being sold.
# Click "+ List New Product" to create a new product.
:* We absolutely recommend having at least one set of dropboxes on another region, to act as a backup if your main region is experiencing trouble. See [[CasperVend_2/DropBoxes#Backup_Dropboxes | Backup Dropboxes]] for details and explanations.  
# Fill out details about your new product, then click Save.  
:* It's best to put DropBoxes on regions that are '''not''' laggy. Extremely busy regions or homesteads should be avoided.
# Pay attention to any menu/popup messages you receive - they have very important information!
:* Your customers can easily find out where your DropBox is. However, it doesn't matter - the contents of a dropbox '''cannot be copybotted or otherwise stolen, except by someone on your friends list if you grant them modification rights.''' Please check your friends list and make sure that only individuals who you trust implicitly have modification rights on your objects.


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">What vendors are there?</span>''' ==
If you are selling products that have a license the user needs to agree to, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Product_License | Product License]]''' page.
For details on what vendors are included, see the [[CasperVend_2/Introduction#What_vendors_are_there | Introduction]] page.


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Creating An Account</span>''' ==
==== &nbsp;&nbsp; Minimum Essential Product Information ====
----
# Item to be delivered
# Name of product
# Vendor picture for product
# Price of product
# Permissions for product (this controls whether redelivery is allowed)


Before you can begin setting up products on the website, you need to have a CasperVend account.  
To see details about the various product options, read the '''[[CasperVend_2/Product_Options | product options]]''' page.


You can do this by rezzing out a vendor style of your choice, and following the instructions on the [[CasperVend_2/Password_Reset | Creating Your CasperVend Account]] page.  
'''Getting the picture UUID:''' Right-click on the vendor image in your inventory (it needs to be full perm TO YOU) and select "copy UUID".


==== Be secure! ====
==== &nbsp;&nbsp; Listing Notes ====
Protect your business by following these tips, and keep your account safe.
----
You will note that it IS possible to set up a listing without delivering a product. This capability is useful for when you want to track sales but aren't vending something tangible that gets sent to the customer.  


:* Choose a password which is difficult to guess.
If the listing is not pointed TO the product, whether intentional or accidental, the transaction log will show the message:  
:* Do '''''NOT''''' use your Second Life password.
  '''''"No item configured on this product for delivery, so skipping delivery phase."'''''
:* Do '''''NOT''''' use a password you've used with any other Second Life related service, such as other vending systems.
:* Do '''''NOT''''' give your password to anyone!


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Creating Your Product Listings</span>''' ==
==== &nbsp;&nbsp; New Version of Old Product ====
----
If you update an older product, just drop the new product in the vendor, and re-point product listing on the website to the new version.


Before you can sell an item, you need to tell CasperVend about it. To do this, you create a new product listing on the CasperVend website. This product listing is basically information about an item in your dropbox that the website uses to both display information, and dispense the specified product.  
Alternately, you can name the updated product to EXACTLY match the earlier version, delete the old version out of the dropbox, and replace it with the new version - and not have to edit the website listing at all.


==== To Create A New Product ====
=== Delivery Options ===
----
----
:# Click on the (C)asperVend logo in the bottom left hand corner of one of your vendors.
:# Visit the link that appears in local chat, and enter your password if necessary.
:# Now, click "Products" on the left hand side. Please pay attention to any menu/popup messages you receive.
:# Click "+ List New Product" to create a new product.
:# Fill out details about your new product, then click Save.


: To see the product options at-a-glance, read the [[CasperVend_2/Product_Options | product options]] page.
The default method is to use the scripted DropBox for all product deliveries.  
: If you are selling products that have a license the user needs to agree to, see the [[CasperVend_2/Product_License | Product License]] page.


==== Permissions ====
If you are using a SmartBots Personal Bot, however, you can also take advantage of the bot delivery system. You are '''NOT REQUIRED''' to use a bot for delivery, but it is worth considering if you have products which are no-copy to the customer - the SmartBots bot delivery allows for a comfirmation of the product's arrival to the customer.
 
For information on using SmartBots for bot delivery, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Bot_Delivery | Bot Delivery page]]'''. (At this time, other bot systems do NOT offer the scripted feedback calls necessary for the bot delivery function.)
 
=== Product Permissions ===
----
----
One of the things the website asks for when you enter your product details is "permissions". Please be aware that this '''does not actually change the permissions''' set to your objects, but instead the information about the permissions will simply be told to the customer as an advisory.
One of the things the website asks for when you enter your product details is "permissions". Please be aware that this '''does not actually change the permissions''' set to your objects, but instead the information about the permissions will simply be told to the customer as an advisory.


In addition, any products which are set to COPY will be claimable by customers as a redelivery - so be careful when setting this flag. See the [[CasperVend_2/Redeliveries]] page for more information.  
In addition, any products which are set to COPY '''on the website''' will be claimable by customers as a redelivery - so be careful when setting this flag. See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Redeliveries | redeliveries]]''' page for more information.
 
'''NOTE:''' The website cannot read or change permissions on anything you have in the dropbox. This is why it is CRITICAL to set your permissions properly on both your product AND the website. 
 
:* If you are selling items which are no-copy to you, the merchant/owner, (such as breedable items) see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Limited_Availability | Limited Availability]]''' page.
:* If you are selling limited edition items (limited number on the grid, but merchant/owner has copy AND transfer permissions), see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Limited_Edition | Limited Edition]]''' page.
 
=== Set Up Product Variants (if desired/needed) ===
----
'''Here's how to set up a product variant:'''
:'''1)''' Go to the product listing you want to make a variant OF.
:'''2)''' Click "Add Variant", right above the blue PrimBay section.
:'''3)''' To set up a product variant, add in the information for:
::* Name (of product, as will be shown in statistics)
::* Item (to be delivered) - use the pulldown to select the product. You may use the radio button for "only objects" to only show you product packages without also showing notecards, landmarks, etc.
::* Texture (the picture for the vendor)
::* Price
::* customer permissions (this controls whether it can be redelivered, and does NOT set permissions on anything in the DropBox.)
 
At this time any '''OTHER''' options you wish to have that are different from the parent product (such as limiting how many can be sold inworld, or a holo/demo of a specific variant) are '''NOT''' able to be done with a variant - these will need to used on a full separate product listing.
 
Repeat the above steps for each variant you want to add to the parent product.
 
'''If the variant already exists, you may use the additional options to:'''
::* Remove any existing marketplace association (if it was incorrectly associated)
::* Delete the variant
::* Detach the variant
 
==== Pros & Cons of Variants ====
----
Some merchants find it useful to list products as variants of a main product. Hair, clothing or shoes in different color packs can easily be set up as variants, or if you want to have a vendor picture display slightly different for an event, but do not want your main vendor location(s) to have the event-related picture.
 
Variants are currently (March 2014) treated as separate products everywhere '''BUT''' within the product listings. Each variant will have its own entry in your statistics (so you can track them separately), and may be added as individual items to different profiles and groups (so you can have all black shoes, all red shoes, etc.)
 
==== What Variants Can & Cannot Do ====
----
 
You are able to detach a variant to make the variant a full product with all options. however at this time you cannot turn a full-featured product into a variant of another.
 
You '''are''' able to point both a variant '''AND''' the primary product to the SAME product package in your DropBox.
 
=== Limited Items ===
----
CasperVend can handle items that are either limited in availability (no-copy items such as fish or breedables) as well as "limited editions" where you as the owner-merchant have both copy/transfer permissions, but you are only allowing a certain number to be sold on the grid.
 
For details on how to set up items which are no-copy to you, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Limited_Availability | Limited Availability]]''' page.
 
For details on how to set up items which you, as the owner-merchant, have copy/transfer perms for, but are only allowing a limited number to be sold, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Limited_Edition | Limited Edition]]''' page.
 
=== Giving Free Gifts To Customers Via Vendors ===
----
 
See the '''[[CasperVend_2/GroupGifts | group gifts]]''' page for info.


:* If you are selling items which are no-copy to you, the merchant (such as breedables), see the [[CasperVend_2/Limited_Availability | Limited Availability]] page.
=== Profiles & Groups ===
:* If you are selling limited edition items (limited number on the grid), see the [[CasperVend_2/Limited_Edition | Limited Edition]] page.
----


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Configuring Your Vendors to Sell Products</span>''' ==
For information on how to group your products together and only show certain collections in certain vendors, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Profiles_and_groups | Profiles & Groups]]''' page.


By default, any new vendor is set to the '''default''' profile. Profiles specify which products show in a vendor, and the default profile shows EVERYTHING (that you haven't excluded via the product options). So, in order to have only certain products showing in a multi-panel vendor, you need to create a profile containing just those products that you want in that vendor.  
=== Updating Existing Products (Individually) ===
----
# Delete the original product package from the DropBox
# Rename the new product package to match the old product package name
# Drop the new product package in the DropBox.
# Wait for the DropBox to finish uploading data
# All set! As long as the new package has the '''SAME''' name as the old package, you don't need to change anything on the website.  


Profiles are applied on a per-vendor basis. You can have many vendors out, each with their own profile. Read on for details.
'''If you have a different name on the product package for the new version (such as "v2" or the like) then:'''
# Delete the original product package from the DropBox
# Drop the new product package in the DropBox
# Wait for the DropBox to finish uploading data
# Log in to the CasperVend website
# Edit the product listing for the updated product
# Point the product listing to the NEW product package (see '''[[CasperVend_2/Product_Options | this page]]''' for details)
# Click "save" at the bottom.  
# All set!


==== Single Product Vendors ====
=== Updating Existing Products (in bulk) ===
----
----
The bulk update block is located '''below''' the product listings. This '''cannot''' be used to "bulk list" new items - it is only designed to bulk-update products that have already had listings set up.
You can use this section to globally update things like textures, prices, etc. that will take effect on '''ALL''' products currently selected. If you have not ticked any boxes, or have not used the "all" option at the bottom of the list, changes you make in the bulk section will NOT actually happen.
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Setting Up Vendors</span>''' =
When you first rez a particular vendor, you will be asked for debit permissions. '''All vendors need debit permissions in order to function, but you should always read the orange/yellow popup to make sure it's YOUR vendor.'''
See the '''[[Debit_Permissions | Debit Permissions]]''' page for a detailed explanation.
=== Configuring Single-Product Vendors ===
----
For vendors which are designed to show only one product, there is a shortcut you can use to quickly configure them.
For vendors which are designed to show only one product, there is a shortcut you can use to quickly configure them.


:# Access the vendor configuration page, by clicking the (C)asperVend logo in the bottom left hand corner of the vendor.
# Rez the vendor
:# Look for the configuration option called "Single Product"
# Grant debit permissions (the vendor won't function without them)
:# Simply switch the Single Product selector to the product you wish to show.
# Access the vendor configuration page, by clicking the (C)asperVend logo in the bottom left hand corner of the vendor.
# Look for the configuration option called "Single Product"
# Simply switch the Single Product pulldown selector to the product you wish to show.


==== Multi Product Vendors====
Once you have configured the basics on any vendor, you can shift-drag them in "edit" mode and they '''will keep''' the configuration from the original vendor (group settings, affiliate percentages, etc.) - you will still need to answer debit permissions for the new copy, of course, but the only other thing you'll need to do is change the single product that is assigned to it.
 
=== Configuring Multi-Product Vendors To Show Specific Products ===
----
----
For scrolling, multi-product vendors, you need to create a full profile. See the [[CasperVend_2/Profiles_and_groups | Profiles & Groups]] page for more details and information.
For scrolling, multi-product vendors, you need to create a full profile. See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Profiles_and_groups | Profiles & Groups]]''' page for more details and instructions on how to do this.


:# Access the vendor configuration page, by clicking the (C)asperVend logo in the bottom left hand corner of the vendor.
# Rez the vendor
:# Look for the configuration options labelled "Actions"
# Grant debit permissions (the vendor won't function without them)
:# Under Actions, look for "New Profile", and click it.
# Access the vendor configuration page, by clicking the (C)asperVend logo in the bottom left hand corner of the vendor.
:# Give your profile a name, and click "Create". You'll be taken to a screen with two white boxes.  
# Look for the configuration options labelled "Actions"
:# Select a product from the left white box that you want to show in the vendor, and click the [-->] button. This will add the product to the profile. Repeat with each additional product you want in the profile. ''There is currently no way to select only several of the products. You can only move one, or move them all, nothing in between.''
# Under Actions, look for "New Profile", and click it.
:# When you're done, click "Finish".  
# Give your profile a name, and click "Create". You'll be taken to a screen with two white boxes.  
# Select a product from the left white box that you want to show in the vendor, and click the [-->] button. This will add the product to the profile. Repeat with each additional product you want in the profile. <br />'''''NOTE:''' There is currently no way to select only some of the products. You can only move one at a time, or move them all at once, nothing in between.''
# When you're done, click "Finish".  
The profile will be saved and will be applied to your vendor within a couple minutes!


The profile will be saved and will be applied to your vendor within a couple minutes!
Once you have configured the basics on any vendor, you can shift-drag them in "edit" mode and they '''will keep''' the configuration from the original vendor (group settings, affiliate percentages, etc.) - you will still need to answer debit permissions for the new copy, of course, but the only other thing you'll need to do is change the profile that is assigned to it.
 
=== Why is the Same Product in all Panels?  ===
----
CasperVend doesn't show "empty" panels like some other vending systems do. If you have fewer products set up than you have panels on the vendor, then you will see some/all of the products repeated multiple times to fill the vendor panels. '''This is normal.'''
 
=== Turning a Non-Vendor Object Into a Vendor  ===
----
'''Caveat:''' This is '''NOT''' recommended for furniture that gets sat on - the vendor script will soft-reset anytime an avatar sits or unsits, since LSL sees the act of "sitting" and reads it as a change in the linkset. We recommend the '''[[CasperVend_2/Holovendors | HoloVend]]''' expansion to display furniture instead. (If you purchased the Fat Pack, then HoloVend is already included.)
 
# Take the vendor script AND "mapping" notecard out of the headless vendor into your inventory
# Drop the script and notecard from your inventory into your product
# Grant debit permissions (the vendor won't function without them)
# Click the object, and select "Admin"
# Log in to the website, if necessary
# You will be taken to the configuration page for that vendor product
# Change your options as desired
# All set!
 
=== Set Up Multiple Locations, Fast ===
----
# "Take A Copy" of the appropriate vendors from your main store
# Rez them at the new location
# Slide into place
# Done! Yes, it's THAT easy!
 
By taking copies of vendors you have already granted debit permissions to, you don't have to answer even more debit permissions windows at the new location(s).
 
=== "Search" Option On Vendors ===
----
The "Search" feature on the multi-product vendors allows the customer to search within the products '''ON''' that vendor - searching what's in that vendor's profile - to see if anything matches the search term(s) they enter. The keywords section on each product listing contributes to what can be found using this feature.
 
"Search" is a '''profile''' function, not a vendor function - so if you have a profile set to a single-item static vendor, you will still have "search" as an option in the popup menu when clicking the vendor, even if you only have one item in the profile.
 
This feature, of course, has no impact on inworld SL land search. You will need to set up your own keyword prims if you want to have any effect on your shop's ability to be found in the inworld SL search.
 
=== Affiliate Vendors ===
----
CasperVend allows you to set up affiliate vendors without having to buy an extra expansion pack! See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Affiliates | Affiliate Setup]]''' page for details and instructions.
 
If you have already set up affiliate vendors for your products, and you want to give your affiliates instructions and information about them, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Affiliate_Information | Information For Affiliates]]''' page instead.
 
=== Showing Products in "Pages" ===
----
This is generally not recommended, because it this is non-standard behavior for CasperVend vendors, and some customers may be confused by the paging function when they expect the normal scrolling.
 
Also, this only works with vendors 2.09 and up.
 
# Log into CasperVend
# Click "Profiles"
# Edit the profile you want to have show products as pages
# Tick the box for "Generate profiles as pages...."
 
Make sure you ONLY use vendors with the same panels as what you select in the numbered pulldown in this option for that profile! If you use a vendor with fewer panels than you have set in this option, some products will '''never''' be seen!
 
=== More Vendor Options ===
----
: '''Customising Your Vendors:''' To learn how to customise your vendors, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Customisation | Customisation page]]''' for details
: '''Sounds:''' To play/sell sounds on a vendor, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Sounds | Sounds page]]'''
: '''Quantity:''' To sell a quantity of items, such as fish bail, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Quantity_Vendor | QuantityVend page]]'''
: '''Textures:''' To sell textures, you will also need the '''[[CasperVend_2/TextureVend | TextureVend]]''' expansion pack.
: '''Video:''' To show videos with a product, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Video_Playback | Video Playback page]]'''
 
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Vending Management</span>''' =
=== Test Transactions & Cleanup ===
----
 
If you are doing self-purchases (buying your own products) to test that the set up is working, then once you are done you may choose to:
 
# Delete your transactions from the "sales" page.
# Then go to the "customers" page
# Find the link at the top right for regenerating the statistics and click that.
# Wait. It might take multiple hours to complete. 
 
=== CSR Contact Points ===
----
# Go to the "Overview" tab on the CasperVend website
# Add your CSR's account name in the CSR box
# Click the "Save CSR" button
# Done!
 
If you add just one individual's name, the message that gets sent to the customer will include a link to the CSR's inworld profile.
 
==== Multiple CSR's and other tricks ====
----
To add multiple CSR's, simply add all the account names, separated by a comma, in the CSR box. The message that gets sent to the customer will include ALL the names, but will NOT include any profile links.
 
You may, instead, add a web address (for a contact form) or a SLURL (for a customer service center) instead, if you wish.
 
==== CSR Limitations ====
----
Currently, CSR's are '''ONLY''' a contact point for your customers (for tech support, etc.) - they '''CANNOT''' do anything with your CasperVend products.
 
Redeliveries (when your products are copiable) are handled by the customers themselves with a redelivery terminal, which your CSR's can lead the customer to.
 
=== Group Invites (Automatic) ===
----
To be able to automatically invite users to your customer group with each purchase, start at the '''[[GroupBots | Group Bots page]]''' and select the page or section that deals with the bot you are currently using.
 
=== Holo / Rezzing Demos ===
----
See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Holovendors | HoloVend page]]''' for information and instructions.
 
=== No Managers in CasperVend ===
----
Currently, there is no facility in CasperVend for managers that do anything with your products under their own login. For security reasons, we do '''NOT''' recommend sharing your CasperVend account passwords, as that gives unrestricted access to your products. CasperTech is not responsible for what someone else does with your CasperVend account!  
 
The managerial feature is slated to be added to the future version of the CasperVend website. If you wish to be notified when this feature is added, click the "Monitor" button on '''[https://bugs.casperdns.com/view.php?id=10 this ticket].'''  Simply replying on the ticket won't keep you updated.
 
=== Overview Page Options ===
----
'''Auto Update System:''' This is the "OnRez" check for the vendors. If you send out affiliate vendors in a "no modify" state, you want to turn this OFF, otherwise your affiliates will keep getting bugged to update their vendors.
 
=== PayPal, Credit Cards, Etc. ===
----
Linden Lab has [https://community.secondlife.com/t5/Featured-News/Concluding-the-Authorized-L-Reseller-Pilot-Program/ba-p/2941442 killed the Linden Dollar Reseller] program. Unfortunately, this also included the VirWox service that was used to provide this capability. This is not something Casper can work around.


==== Making A Non-Vendor Object Into A Vendor ====
=== Profit Sharing ===
----
----
'''Caveat:''' This is not recommended for furniture that gets sat on - the vendor script will soft-reset anytime an avatar sits or unsits, since LSL sees it as a change in the linkset. We recommend the [[CasperVend_2/Holovendors | holovendors]] to display furniture instead.  
See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Profit_Sharing | Profit Sharing]]''' page for details and instructions - you are able to do this on a per-product and/or per-vendor basis.


:# Take the vendor script AND "mapping" notecard out of the headless vendor into your inventory
=== Redeliveries ===
:# Drop the script and notecard from your inventory into your product
----
:# Click the object, and select "Admin"
:# Log in to the website, if necessary
:# You will be taken to the configuration page for that vendor product
:# Change your options as desired
:# All set!


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Gifting Options</span>''' ==
See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Redeliveries | Redeliveries]]''' page for details about the redelivery process and how to '''PROPERLY''' set your products as deliverable or non-deliverable.
There are three ways customers can handle gift options:


:#The customer can choose a simple "buy as a gift" option, without a gift box. The vendor then sends the product directly to the recipient, '''but waits for the recipient to come online first''' so that their inventory doesn't cap. If the product is a no-copy product, it will be '''normal''' to see it still in the dropbox, while the system waits for the recipient to log in.
=== Upgrading Your Vendors ===
:# Customers are also able to choose the '''gift box''' option when they "buy as gift" (see the [[CasperVend_2/GiftBoxes | "gift boxes"]] page for details of how that works) if they want to give the gift themselves.  
----
:# If you have them available, customers may also choose to purchase a gift card to give to the recipient (see the [[CasperVend_2/Gift_Cards | gift cards page]] for details).
For information about how to upgrade your vendors (from an old version to a newer, or from free to premium/paid for example), see the '''[[CasperVend_2/Updating | Updating & Upgrading]]''' page.
 
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Scanning for Vendors</span>''' =
=== Are you just trying to find a missing vendor? ===
----
If it is showing on the website, the sim/region link on the webpage may be copy/pasted inworld to lead you to where it last seen.
=== Are you trying to find a vendor that dropped off the list? ===
----
Do not panic! It's normal for vendors to drop off the list as they idle and "go to sleep". They will wake up when they are clicked inworld (which will also make it reappear on the website list.)


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">"Search" on vendors</span>''' ==
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Sales, Discounts and Loyalty Rewards</span>'''=
The "search" button on the vendor's "touch" (click) menu will search the profile that is attached to that vendor. If you are using a single-item profile on a single-item vendor, you will have a search button despite there only being one product. This is a '''profile''' function, not a vendor-specific function. You can set single-item vendors to a single product (rather than using a single-item profile) to remove the search button from the touch/click menu.  
See the new '''[[CasperVend 2/Discounts | Discounts]]''' page for details on all the options.


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Set Up Extra Locations, Fast</span>''' ==
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Transactions</span>''' =
Setting up branch/satellite locations is fast and easy - pick up '''copies''' of the appropriate vendors from your main store, rez them at the new location, and slide into place. Done!
'''NOTE:''' If you delete a transaction (customer bought a copy item twice, or you arranged a swap for a different item) you will also need to recalculate the customer data (there's a link on the "Customers" page) - until you do, the "discounts" message will reflect - and bonuses for, if applicable - an incorrect total.


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Group Bots</span>''' ==
=== Importing Sales Data ===
See the [[GroupBots | group bots]] page for more information.
----
To import your sales data from other networked vending systems, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/CSV_Import | sales data import]]''' page to see which systems are supported, and instructions on how to do so.


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Upgrading Your Vendors</span>''' ==
=== Marketplace Sales Data ===
----
See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Marketplace_Link | Marketplace ANS Link]]''' page for setup instructions.


See the [[CasperVend_2/Updating#Upgrading_From_CasperVend_Free_To_Premium | upgrading section]] for more details.
=== Transaction Logs ===
----
Each inworld merchant sale notification message contains a link to a system log of the transaction - this is a feature unique to CasperVend.  This log (more specifically, the "giant wall o' text" below the summary graphics) contains the details of each step that happened during the transaction, so you can see where the trouble is. This lets you resolve issues instead of just wondering why a product didn't get delivered.  


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Transactions & Deliveries</span>''' ==
'''Getting YOUR "merchant link":'''<br />
Look in your local chat history. You should see a notification that looks similar to this:
  '''''CasperVend System: You just sold a ((product name))  to ((customer name)) for ((L$price)) in ((sim/region name)). View the transaction log here: ((clickable web link))'''''
Simply click that link to be taken to your merchant transaction log.


Want to see where common problems are in the delivery process? Check the [[CasperVend_2/Deliveries | deliveries & tracking]] page.  
If the transaction log is confusing, you can compare the log to the '''[[CasperVend_2/Deliveries | transaction log analysis]]''' page for instructions on how to interpret what you find.


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Adding a CSR / Manager</span>''' ==
You will get a transaction log from both Holovendors and regular vendors, but '''not''' from lucky chairs, gatchas, midnight madness boards, or TextureVend.


Simply add your manager's name (SL account name) on the "Overview" tab, in the CSR box.
=== Transaction Was Refunded? ===
----
Reasons why transactions may be refunded include:


If you add a single name, the message that gets sent to the customer will include a link to the CSR's inworld profile.
'''Can't find...'''
:* System can't find the product
:* System can't find a DropBox at all (either it's not rezzed, or not responding due to sim/region not communicating to/from the internet)


To add multiple CSR / managers, simply add the additional names. The message that gets sent to the customer will include ALL the names, but will NOT include any profile links.
'''Wrong price / wrong group'''
:* Customer paid the wrong price (group discount when group tag not active, for example)
:* Vendor is set to group only and customer doesn't have the correct group tag active


Currently, CSR/Managers are NOT able to do anything with your products. They are simply a contact point for your customers.
'''Some restrictions apply'''
:* If you have marked '''1 per person''' (in product listing), then customer attempted to buy twice for the same recipient
:* If you have marked both '''duplicate copies restricted''' (in overview tab), and the item as '''COPY''' in the product listing, and then customer attempted to buy twice for same recipient
:* If customer is banned, transaction will always be refused
:* If you have affiliate vendors, and the affiliate is banned, transactions through THEIR vendors selling YOUR products will always be refunded
:* If you have a TOS requirement, and the customer either declined or didn't answer the popup.


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">FAQ / Troubleshooting</span>''' ==
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Customer Updates</span>''' =


There is a [[CasperVend_2/FAQ | General FAQ]] you can check, as well as the more specific FAQ's at the bottom of many of the sub-pages linked from this setup page.
=== Redeliveries ===
----


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">More Vendor Configuration Options</span>''' ==
See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Redeliveries | Redeliveries page]]''' for details on the redelivery system and how to '''PROPERLY''' set your products as deliverable or non-deliverable.


:* See the [[CasperVend_2/Vendor_Options | vendor configuration overview]] for all the vendor options at-a-glance.
=== Sending product updates to customers ===
:* To create affiliate vendors, see the [[CasperVend_2/Affiliates | affiliates]] page.
----
:* To learn about the read-only vendor API, see the [[CasperVend_2/API | API page]].
:* To learn about "split-pay" or profit sharing options, see the [[CasperVend_2/Profit_Sharing | profit sharing]] page.
:* To learn how to make your vendors play videos for your products, see the [[CasperVend_2/Video_Playback | video playback]] page.
:* To learn how to customise vendors, or use the "Headless" vendor, see the [[CasperVend_2/Customisation | customisation]] page.
:* To learn how to play sounds from your vendors, see the [[CasperVend_2/Sounds | Sounds]] page.
:* To learn how to integrate CasperLet into CasperVend listings, see the [[CasperLet/Show_Parcels | Rental Vendor Integration page]]


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Setting Sales & Discounts</span>''' ==
See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Updates | Sending Product Updates]]''' page for details and instructions.


:* To learn how to set vendor discounts or price overrides, see the [[CasperVend_2/Vendor_Discounts | vendor discounts]] page.
=== No Newsletter Mailer ===
:* To learn how to set vendors for a grid-wide sale, see the [[CasperVend_2/Customers_Page | customers]] page.
----
:* To give a specific customer a special discount, see the [[CasperVend_2/Customers_Page#Setting_Discounts_For_Specific_Customers | customers]] page
:* To give a specific customer a credit balance, see the [[ CasperVend_2/Customers_Page#Giving_Customers_a_Credit_Balance | customers]] page
:* To set loyalty credit bonuses, see the [[CasperVend_2/Customers_Page#Setting_General_Customer_Loyalty_Credit | customers]] page
:* To set profile-specific price overrides or discounts, see the [[CasperVend_2/Profiles_and_groups#Setting_Discounts_on_Profiles | Profiles & Groups]] page


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Expansion Packs & Promotional Tools</span>''' ==
There is no newsletter mailer option at this time; you'll have to use a third-party solution.
:* to sell textures, see the page on the [[CasperVend_2/TextureVend | Texture Vendors]].
:* To rez demos, see the [[CasperVend_2/Holovendors | holovendors]] page.
:* To offer gift cards to customers, see the [[CasperVend_2/Gift_Cards | gift cards]] page.
:* To set up lucky chairs, see the [[CasperVend_2/Lucky_Chair | Lucky Chair]] page.
:* To set up the midnight madness boards, see the [[CasperVend_2/Midnight_Madness | Midnight Madness]] page.
:* To set up a gatcha machine, see the [[CasperVend_2/Gatcha | Gatcha!]] page.
:* To set up the quantity vendor, see the [[CasperVend_2/Quantity_Vendor | quantity vendor]] page.
:* To learn about gift wrapping options, see the [[CasperVend_2/GiftBoxes | gift boxes]] page.


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Payments, Statistics & Sales Records</span>''' ==
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Gifting Options</span>''' =
'''Gift Cards:''' See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Gift_Cards | Gift Cards]]''' page for setup instructions


:* To import your sales from other networked vending systems, see the [[CasperVend_2/CSV_Import | sales data import]] page.
'''Gift Boxes & Gifting:''' See the '''[[CasperVend_2/Gifts_%26_Giftboxes | Gifts & Gift Boxes]]''' page for details.
:* To link your SL Marketplace store for sales tracking, see the [[CasperVend_2/Marketplace_Link | Marketplace]] page.
:* To learn about payments in real world currency, see the [[CasperVend_2/PayPal_and_Credit_Card_payments | Paypal & credit cards]] page.
:* To learn about deliveries & transaction tracking, see the [[CasperVend_2/Deliveries | Deliveries]] page.


'''Note:''' <br />
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Expansion Packs & Promotional Tools</span>''' =
If a customer buys something by accident and you refund them, deleting that transaction won't immediately subtract that transaction from your statistics or their customer totals. You will need to manually regenerate them using the link at the top of the customers page.
CasperVend expansion packs allow you to do more with your store, integrated with your CasperVend system. These are the currently available expansion packs (click each name to be taken to that expansion's documentation page):


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Sending Product Updates to Customers</span>''' ==
:* '''[[CasperVend_2/Gatcha | Gatcha]]'''
:* '''[[CasperVend_2/Gift_Cards | Gift Cards]]'''
:* '''[[CasperVend_2/Holovendors | HoloVend]]'''
:* '''[[CasperVend_2/Lucky_Chair | Lucky Chair]]'''
:* '''[[CasperVend_2/Midnight_Madness | Midnight Madness]]'''
:* '''[[CasperVend_2/Quantity_Vendor | Quantity Vendor]]'''
:* '''[[CasperVend_2/TextureVend | Texture Vend]]'''


To send product updates to customers, see the [[CasperVend_2/Updates | updates]] page.
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Vendor API System</span>''' =


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Other Options</span>''' ==
For information on the read-only API, see the '''[[CasperVend_2/API | API page]]''' for details. This API information is intended for people who '''already''' know how to script, or can contract with someone who already knows how to script.


You can also [[CasperVend_2/Bugs | report a bug or suggest a new feature.]]
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">Perks of Being a CasperTech Customer</span>''' =


== '''<span style="color:#00528c">Perks of Being a CasperTech Customer</span>''' ==
Add yourself to our '''[[Business_Directory | Business Directory]]'''! See the '''[[Adding_Your_Business_Listing | instructions on adding your business listing]]'''.


* Add yourself to our [[Business_Directory | Business Directory]]! See the [[Adding_Your_Business_Listing | instructions on adding your business listing]].
= '''<span style="color:#00528c">FAQ / Troubleshooting</span>''' =


&nbsp;
There is a '''[[CasperVend_2/FAQ | General FAQ]]''' you can check, as well as the more specific FAQ's at the bottom of most of the sub-pages linked from this manual page.
&nbsp;

Latest revision as of 07:12, 12 October 2023

Schaue hier in Deutsch!

CasperVend Manual

This is the main manual page for CasperVend. If you need it, the table of contents for this page is to the right.

If you are here to see what's involved with setting up the system before buying it, you might also be interested in seeing the Feature List and find out Whats in the Box, in addition to the instructions below. If these instructions are too much for one sitting, you can also try the quick start page.

The Fine Print

Prerequisites


The manual on this page assumes the following:

  1. That you understand the setup processes behind web-enabled networked vending systems
  2. That you understand debit permissions need to be granted in order for all scripted vendors to function
  3. That you have at least one product to sell
  4. That you have at least one promotional image for each product to sell
  5. If your product is in multiple pieces (such as an outfit), that you have put the product in a shipping package of some sort.

If any of these concepts are unclear, or you have never extensively used a web-enabled networked vending system before, you should begin at the New User Quick Start instead, where the instructions are simplified and explained for people who are not as familiar with these concepts.

Allowable vs. Non-Allowable Items


Any product which is permitted to be sold in the grid it's available for - according to the grid's Terms of Service - is also permitted to be sold via CasperVend.

While not exhaustive, some items which are explicitly not allowed include:

  • Any item(s) depicting or suggesting the abuse or sexual solicitation of minors
  • Any item(s) which are designed to defraud or commit a crime (or entice others to defraud or commit a crime)
  • Any item(s) which violate or are intended to violate or entice others to violate UK or international law
  • Any items which violate the grid's Terms of Service (sim crashers, object spammers, copybot tools and the like)

DMCA's


PLEASE NOTE: CasperTech is not in control of products for sale in CasperVend vendors, only the vending system which can access them - this means we are not in a position to comply with a DMCA notice (we cannot actually remove the content from the virtual world grid). Each merchant is responsible for ensuring that their products do not violate anyone else's copyrights.

DMCA takedowns need to be filed with the owners of the virtual world grid directly, as it is their system (the grid) which is actually serving the content. In the case of Second Life, the owners are Linden Lab.

Terminology


CasperTech (and thus CasperVend) does do a few things differently from other web-enabled networked vending systems. This manual uses the following terms that may not be used by other web-enabled networked vending systems:

  • DropBox - Your packaged products go in here, and are delivered to your customers from here. The DropBox MUST be rezzed at all times, or it will be unable to deliver products to your customers.
  • Item - "Items" are the things you put inside your DropBox. "Items" can be your packaged products, informational notecards, landmarks, and so on.
  • Product / Product Listing - These are created on the website using your items, and each listing includes information about your product including price and permissions. All product settings are on one page for ease of setup.

Your Account

Security Notes


Protect your business by following these tips, and keep your account safe.

  • Choose a password which is difficult to guess.
  • Do NOT use your Second Life password.
  • Do NOT use a password you've used with any other Second Life related service, such as other vending systems.
  • Do NOT give your password to anyone!

If you have trouble coming up with a secure password on your own, you can use the Gibson Research High Security Password Generator.

If you need a "password keeper" utility on windows, you can try Password Safe

Creating Your Account


Before you can begin setting up products on the website, you need to have a CasperVend account. If you already have one, just log in.

Otherwise, rez out a CasperVend vendor of your choice, grant debit permissions, and then follow the instructions on the Creating Your CasperVend Account page.

Resetting Your Password


See the section on Resetting your CasperVend Password

Setting Up Products

Setting Up Your Dropboxes


See the DropBoxes page for important details and instructions on setting up your DropBoxes.

If your DropBox(es) won't let you add things, pay careful attention to this section for troubleshooting points.

Set Up Product Listings


First, if you haven't already, rez a vendor and grant debit permissions.

Then:

  1. Click on the (C)asperVend logo in the bottom left hand corner of one of your vendors.
  2. Visit the link that appears in local chat, and enter your password if necessary.
  3. Now, click "Products" on the left hand side.
  4. Click "+ List New Product" to create a new product.
  5. Fill out details about your new product, then click Save.
  6. Pay attention to any menu/popup messages you receive - they have very important information!

If you are selling products that have a license the user needs to agree to, see the Product License page.

   Minimum Essential Product Information


  1. Item to be delivered
  2. Name of product
  3. Vendor picture for product
  4. Price of product
  5. Permissions for product (this controls whether redelivery is allowed)

To see details about the various product options, read the product options page.

Getting the picture UUID: Right-click on the vendor image in your inventory (it needs to be full perm TO YOU) and select "copy UUID".

   Listing Notes


You will note that it IS possible to set up a listing without delivering a product. This capability is useful for when you want to track sales but aren't vending something tangible that gets sent to the customer.

If the listing is not pointed TO the product, whether intentional or accidental, the transaction log will show the message:

 "No item configured on this product for delivery, so skipping delivery phase."

   New Version of Old Product


If you update an older product, just drop the new product in the vendor, and re-point product listing on the website to the new version.

Alternately, you can name the updated product to EXACTLY match the earlier version, delete the old version out of the dropbox, and replace it with the new version - and not have to edit the website listing at all.

Delivery Options


The default method is to use the scripted DropBox for all product deliveries.

If you are using a SmartBots Personal Bot, however, you can also take advantage of the bot delivery system. You are NOT REQUIRED to use a bot for delivery, but it is worth considering if you have products which are no-copy to the customer - the SmartBots bot delivery allows for a comfirmation of the product's arrival to the customer.

For information on using SmartBots for bot delivery, see the Bot Delivery page. (At this time, other bot systems do NOT offer the scripted feedback calls necessary for the bot delivery function.)

Product Permissions


One of the things the website asks for when you enter your product details is "permissions". Please be aware that this does not actually change the permissions set to your objects, but instead the information about the permissions will simply be told to the customer as an advisory.

In addition, any products which are set to COPY on the website will be claimable by customers as a redelivery - so be careful when setting this flag. See the redeliveries page for more information.

NOTE: The website cannot read or change permissions on anything you have in the dropbox. This is why it is CRITICAL to set your permissions properly on both your product AND the website.

  • If you are selling items which are no-copy to you, the merchant/owner, (such as breedable items) see the Limited Availability page.
  • If you are selling limited edition items (limited number on the grid, but merchant/owner has copy AND transfer permissions), see the Limited Edition page.

Set Up Product Variants (if desired/needed)


Here's how to set up a product variant:

1) Go to the product listing you want to make a variant OF.
2) Click "Add Variant", right above the blue PrimBay section.
3) To set up a product variant, add in the information for:
  • Name (of product, as will be shown in statistics)
  • Item (to be delivered) - use the pulldown to select the product. You may use the radio button for "only objects" to only show you product packages without also showing notecards, landmarks, etc.
  • Texture (the picture for the vendor)
  • Price
  • customer permissions (this controls whether it can be redelivered, and does NOT set permissions on anything in the DropBox.)

At this time any OTHER options you wish to have that are different from the parent product (such as limiting how many can be sold inworld, or a holo/demo of a specific variant) are NOT able to be done with a variant - these will need to used on a full separate product listing.

Repeat the above steps for each variant you want to add to the parent product.

If the variant already exists, you may use the additional options to:

  • Remove any existing marketplace association (if it was incorrectly associated)
  • Delete the variant
  • Detach the variant

Pros & Cons of Variants


Some merchants find it useful to list products as variants of a main product. Hair, clothing or shoes in different color packs can easily be set up as variants, or if you want to have a vendor picture display slightly different for an event, but do not want your main vendor location(s) to have the event-related picture.

Variants are currently (March 2014) treated as separate products everywhere BUT within the product listings. Each variant will have its own entry in your statistics (so you can track them separately), and may be added as individual items to different profiles and groups (so you can have all black shoes, all red shoes, etc.)

What Variants Can & Cannot Do


You are able to detach a variant to make the variant a full product with all options. however at this time you cannot turn a full-featured product into a variant of another.

You are able to point both a variant AND the primary product to the SAME product package in your DropBox.

Limited Items


CasperVend can handle items that are either limited in availability (no-copy items such as fish or breedables) as well as "limited editions" where you as the owner-merchant have both copy/transfer permissions, but you are only allowing a certain number to be sold on the grid.

For details on how to set up items which are no-copy to you, see the Limited Availability page.

For details on how to set up items which you, as the owner-merchant, have copy/transfer perms for, but are only allowing a limited number to be sold, see the Limited Edition page.

Giving Free Gifts To Customers Via Vendors


See the group gifts page for info.

Profiles & Groups


For information on how to group your products together and only show certain collections in certain vendors, see the Profiles & Groups page.

Updating Existing Products (Individually)


  1. Delete the original product package from the DropBox
  2. Rename the new product package to match the old product package name
  3. Drop the new product package in the DropBox.
  4. Wait for the DropBox to finish uploading data
  5. All set! As long as the new package has the SAME name as the old package, you don't need to change anything on the website.

If you have a different name on the product package for the new version (such as "v2" or the like) then:

  1. Delete the original product package from the DropBox
  2. Drop the new product package in the DropBox
  3. Wait for the DropBox to finish uploading data
  4. Log in to the CasperVend website
  5. Edit the product listing for the updated product
  6. Point the product listing to the NEW product package (see this page for details)
  7. Click "save" at the bottom.
  8. All set!

Updating Existing Products (in bulk)


The bulk update block is located below the product listings. This cannot be used to "bulk list" new items - it is only designed to bulk-update products that have already had listings set up.

You can use this section to globally update things like textures, prices, etc. that will take effect on ALL products currently selected. If you have not ticked any boxes, or have not used the "all" option at the bottom of the list, changes you make in the bulk section will NOT actually happen.

Setting Up Vendors

When you first rez a particular vendor, you will be asked for debit permissions. All vendors need debit permissions in order to function, but you should always read the orange/yellow popup to make sure it's YOUR vendor.

See the Debit Permissions page for a detailed explanation.

Configuring Single-Product Vendors


For vendors which are designed to show only one product, there is a shortcut you can use to quickly configure them.

  1. Rez the vendor
  2. Grant debit permissions (the vendor won't function without them)
  3. Access the vendor configuration page, by clicking the (C)asperVend logo in the bottom left hand corner of the vendor.
  4. Look for the configuration option called "Single Product"
  5. Simply switch the Single Product pulldown selector to the product you wish to show.

Once you have configured the basics on any vendor, you can shift-drag them in "edit" mode and they will keep the configuration from the original vendor (group settings, affiliate percentages, etc.) - you will still need to answer debit permissions for the new copy, of course, but the only other thing you'll need to do is change the single product that is assigned to it.

Configuring Multi-Product Vendors To Show Specific Products


For scrolling, multi-product vendors, you need to create a full profile. See the Profiles & Groups page for more details and instructions on how to do this.

  1. Rez the vendor
  2. Grant debit permissions (the vendor won't function without them)
  3. Access the vendor configuration page, by clicking the (C)asperVend logo in the bottom left hand corner of the vendor.
  4. Look for the configuration options labelled "Actions"
  5. Under Actions, look for "New Profile", and click it.
  6. Give your profile a name, and click "Create". You'll be taken to a screen with two white boxes.
  7. Select a product from the left white box that you want to show in the vendor, and click the [-->] button. This will add the product to the profile. Repeat with each additional product you want in the profile.
    NOTE: There is currently no way to select only some of the products. You can only move one at a time, or move them all at once, nothing in between.
  8. When you're done, click "Finish".

The profile will be saved and will be applied to your vendor within a couple minutes!

Once you have configured the basics on any vendor, you can shift-drag them in "edit" mode and they will keep the configuration from the original vendor (group settings, affiliate percentages, etc.) - you will still need to answer debit permissions for the new copy, of course, but the only other thing you'll need to do is change the profile that is assigned to it.

Why is the Same Product in all Panels?


CasperVend doesn't show "empty" panels like some other vending systems do. If you have fewer products set up than you have panels on the vendor, then you will see some/all of the products repeated multiple times to fill the vendor panels. This is normal.

Turning a Non-Vendor Object Into a Vendor


Caveat: This is NOT recommended for furniture that gets sat on - the vendor script will soft-reset anytime an avatar sits or unsits, since LSL sees the act of "sitting" and reads it as a change in the linkset. We recommend the HoloVend expansion to display furniture instead. (If you purchased the Fat Pack, then HoloVend is already included.)

  1. Take the vendor script AND "mapping" notecard out of the headless vendor into your inventory
  2. Drop the script and notecard from your inventory into your product
  3. Grant debit permissions (the vendor won't function without them)
  4. Click the object, and select "Admin"
  5. Log in to the website, if necessary
  6. You will be taken to the configuration page for that vendor product
  7. Change your options as desired
  8. All set!

Set Up Multiple Locations, Fast


  1. "Take A Copy" of the appropriate vendors from your main store
  2. Rez them at the new location
  3. Slide into place
  4. Done! Yes, it's THAT easy!

By taking copies of vendors you have already granted debit permissions to, you don't have to answer even more debit permissions windows at the new location(s).

"Search" Option On Vendors


The "Search" feature on the multi-product vendors allows the customer to search within the products ON that vendor - searching what's in that vendor's profile - to see if anything matches the search term(s) they enter. The keywords section on each product listing contributes to what can be found using this feature.

"Search" is a profile function, not a vendor function - so if you have a profile set to a single-item static vendor, you will still have "search" as an option in the popup menu when clicking the vendor, even if you only have one item in the profile.

This feature, of course, has no impact on inworld SL land search. You will need to set up your own keyword prims if you want to have any effect on your shop's ability to be found in the inworld SL search.

Affiliate Vendors


CasperVend allows you to set up affiliate vendors without having to buy an extra expansion pack! See the Affiliate Setup page for details and instructions.

If you have already set up affiliate vendors for your products, and you want to give your affiliates instructions and information about them, see the Information For Affiliates page instead.

Showing Products in "Pages"


This is generally not recommended, because it this is non-standard behavior for CasperVend vendors, and some customers may be confused by the paging function when they expect the normal scrolling.

Also, this only works with vendors 2.09 and up.

  1. Log into CasperVend
  2. Click "Profiles"
  3. Edit the profile you want to have show products as pages
  4. Tick the box for "Generate profiles as pages...."

Make sure you ONLY use vendors with the same panels as what you select in the numbered pulldown in this option for that profile! If you use a vendor with fewer panels than you have set in this option, some products will never be seen!

More Vendor Options


Customising Your Vendors: To learn how to customise your vendors, see the Customisation page for details
Sounds: To play/sell sounds on a vendor, see the Sounds page
Quantity: To sell a quantity of items, such as fish bail, see the QuantityVend page
Textures: To sell textures, you will also need the TextureVend expansion pack.
Video: To show videos with a product, see the Video Playback page

Vending Management

Test Transactions & Cleanup


If you are doing self-purchases (buying your own products) to test that the set up is working, then once you are done you may choose to:

  1. Delete your transactions from the "sales" page.
  2. Then go to the "customers" page
  3. Find the link at the top right for regenerating the statistics and click that.
  4. Wait. It might take multiple hours to complete.

CSR Contact Points


  1. Go to the "Overview" tab on the CasperVend website
  2. Add your CSR's account name in the CSR box
  3. Click the "Save CSR" button
  4. Done!

If you add just one individual's name, the message that gets sent to the customer will include a link to the CSR's inworld profile.

Multiple CSR's and other tricks


To add multiple CSR's, simply add all the account names, separated by a comma, in the CSR box. The message that gets sent to the customer will include ALL the names, but will NOT include any profile links.

You may, instead, add a web address (for a contact form) or a SLURL (for a customer service center) instead, if you wish.

CSR Limitations


Currently, CSR's are ONLY a contact point for your customers (for tech support, etc.) - they CANNOT do anything with your CasperVend products.

Redeliveries (when your products are copiable) are handled by the customers themselves with a redelivery terminal, which your CSR's can lead the customer to.

Group Invites (Automatic)


To be able to automatically invite users to your customer group with each purchase, start at the Group Bots page and select the page or section that deals with the bot you are currently using.

Holo / Rezzing Demos


See the HoloVend page for information and instructions.

No Managers in CasperVend


Currently, there is no facility in CasperVend for managers that do anything with your products under their own login. For security reasons, we do NOT recommend sharing your CasperVend account passwords, as that gives unrestricted access to your products. CasperTech is not responsible for what someone else does with your CasperVend account!

The managerial feature is slated to be added to the future version of the CasperVend website. If you wish to be notified when this feature is added, click the "Monitor" button on this ticket. Simply replying on the ticket won't keep you updated.

Overview Page Options


Auto Update System: This is the "OnRez" check for the vendors. If you send out affiliate vendors in a "no modify" state, you want to turn this OFF, otherwise your affiliates will keep getting bugged to update their vendors.

PayPal, Credit Cards, Etc.


Linden Lab has killed the Linden Dollar Reseller program. Unfortunately, this also included the VirWox service that was used to provide this capability. This is not something Casper can work around.

Profit Sharing


See the Profit Sharing page for details and instructions - you are able to do this on a per-product and/or per-vendor basis.

Redeliveries


See the Redeliveries page for details about the redelivery process and how to PROPERLY set your products as deliverable or non-deliverable.

Upgrading Your Vendors


For information about how to upgrade your vendors (from an old version to a newer, or from free to premium/paid for example), see the Updating & Upgrading page.

Scanning for Vendors

Are you just trying to find a missing vendor?


If it is showing on the website, the sim/region link on the webpage may be copy/pasted inworld to lead you to where it last seen.

Are you trying to find a vendor that dropped off the list?


Do not panic! It's normal for vendors to drop off the list as they idle and "go to sleep". They will wake up when they are clicked inworld (which will also make it reappear on the website list.)

Sales, Discounts and Loyalty Rewards

See the new Discounts page for details on all the options.

Transactions

NOTE: If you delete a transaction (customer bought a copy item twice, or you arranged a swap for a different item) you will also need to recalculate the customer data (there's a link on the "Customers" page) - until you do, the "discounts" message will reflect - and bonuses for, if applicable - an incorrect total.

Importing Sales Data


To import your sales data from other networked vending systems, see the sales data import page to see which systems are supported, and instructions on how to do so.

Marketplace Sales Data


See the Marketplace ANS Link page for setup instructions.

Transaction Logs


Each inworld merchant sale notification message contains a link to a system log of the transaction - this is a feature unique to CasperVend. This log (more specifically, the "giant wall o' text" below the summary graphics) contains the details of each step that happened during the transaction, so you can see where the trouble is. This lets you resolve issues instead of just wondering why a product didn't get delivered.

Getting YOUR "merchant link":
Look in your local chat history. You should see a notification that looks similar to this:

 CasperVend System: You just sold a ((product name))  to ((customer name)) for ((L$price)) in ((sim/region name)). View the transaction log here: ((clickable web link))

Simply click that link to be taken to your merchant transaction log.

If the transaction log is confusing, you can compare the log to the transaction log analysis page for instructions on how to interpret what you find.

You will get a transaction log from both Holovendors and regular vendors, but not from lucky chairs, gatchas, midnight madness boards, or TextureVend.

Transaction Was Refunded?


Reasons why transactions may be refunded include:

Can't find...

  • System can't find the product
  • System can't find a DropBox at all (either it's not rezzed, or not responding due to sim/region not communicating to/from the internet)

Wrong price / wrong group

  • Customer paid the wrong price (group discount when group tag not active, for example)
  • Vendor is set to group only and customer doesn't have the correct group tag active

Some restrictions apply

  • If you have marked 1 per person (in product listing), then customer attempted to buy twice for the same recipient
  • If you have marked both duplicate copies restricted (in overview tab), and the item as COPY in the product listing, and then customer attempted to buy twice for same recipient
  • If customer is banned, transaction will always be refused
  • If you have affiliate vendors, and the affiliate is banned, transactions through THEIR vendors selling YOUR products will always be refunded
  • If you have a TOS requirement, and the customer either declined or didn't answer the popup.

Customer Updates

Redeliveries


See the Redeliveries page for details on the redelivery system and how to PROPERLY set your products as deliverable or non-deliverable.

Sending product updates to customers


See the Sending Product Updates page for details and instructions.

No Newsletter Mailer


There is no newsletter mailer option at this time; you'll have to use a third-party solution.

Gifting Options

Gift Cards: See the Gift Cards page for setup instructions

Gift Boxes & Gifting: See the Gifts & Gift Boxes page for details.

Expansion Packs & Promotional Tools

CasperVend expansion packs allow you to do more with your store, integrated with your CasperVend system. These are the currently available expansion packs (click each name to be taken to that expansion's documentation page):

Vendor API System

For information on the read-only API, see the API page for details. This API information is intended for people who already know how to script, or can contract with someone who already knows how to script.

Perks of Being a CasperTech Customer

Add yourself to our Business Directory! See the instructions on adding your business listing.

FAQ / Troubleshooting

There is a General FAQ you can check, as well as the more specific FAQ's at the bottom of most of the sub-pages linked from this manual page.