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General Answers
Q: How does SoftwareOutlet.com sell software at such an inexpensive price?
A: SoftwareOutlet.com purchases its software from various venues. Such places include: overstock, auctions, closeouts, companies going out of business. We provide great prices because we purchase them a low prices!
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Q: Is your software pirated, copied or illegal?
A: No, we are a legitimate business and would not have lasted over 12 years in the industry if we dealt in illegal software.
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Q: I do not have a credit card. Can I send a personal check or Money Order?
A: Yes, we do accept snail mail payments. If you would like to send a snail mail payment please make the check or money order payable to:
SoftwareOutlet.com
3140 W. Warner Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92704
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Q: Will the product I want to order be compatible w/ my operating system?
A: If your operating system isn't listed in the "system requirements" area of the product description, then that program most likely will not support your operating system. You can also check the manufacturer's website to find out additional information. Manufacturer's will have the most updated requirements for a product.
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Q: Why does your website give a "Fatal Error - Miva Merchant has encountered a fatal error and is unable to continue" on a product page??
A: This generally means that particular product was clicked 'inactive'. When a product is 'inactive', we presume that we cannot receive the item again.
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Q: Why do I need to provide my email address?
A: The email address is a means to provide a fast, free, & efficient service in updating our customers about their order. Such updates include: problems with your credit card, Billing/Shipping Address, tracking order, out of stock item, and so forth.
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Q: How can I change/update my order?
A: Call us at 714-979-6161 to change/update your order. Order changes/updates must be performed no later than 2:30PM(PST) on same day purchased and/or the next day if purchased after 2PM(PST). Keep in mind that if your order has already shipped, we cannot make any changes.
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Q: How do I cancel my order?
A: Call us at 714-979-6161 to cancel your order. Cancellations must be performed no later than 2PM(PST) on same day purchased and/or the next day if purchased after 4PM(PST). Your order may have shipped and any refusal may result in a 20% restocking fee.
*Service fees of up to 5% may apply for cancelled orders over $500. You must contact a representative the same day your order was placed before 2pm PST and cancel your order
to avoid a service charge. SoftwareOutlet.com reserves the right to charge your credit card if these procedures are not followed. Please call at 714-979-6161
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Q: When will my credit card be charged?
A: Our E-Commerce system charges your account at the same time the order is processed. *If products are in stock, we guarantee shipping within 1-2 business days.
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Q: Does SoftwareOutlet.com provide technical support?
A: We apologize up front, but we are unable to provide technical support. With the combination of low prices and the highly competitive nature of the software business we are not able to provide technical support for a product other than sending a replacement if the media is bad.
For specific product manuals, please visit our Product Manuals section!
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Q: Why is my item on back-order?
A: There are rare occasions when our suppliers are unable to get us our products to deliver to you. When we run out of an item, but are expecting it back in anytime, we will inform you that it is on back-order. Most of the time, we will receive the items within a few days and send them out ASAP!
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Q: Can I download software from your site?
A: We currently offer software downloads through our (2)Two "third party affiliates": 1)Digital River and 2)RegNow.
For support regarding your software download, please visit the respective website in which you downloaded your program from.
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Q: I don't like this software. Can I exchange it for something else?
A: We apologize, but we are unable to take back software once it is opened.
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Q: The software I received is defective. Can I get something else instead?
A: SoftwareOutlet.com will replace defective software with the same product only (*subject to availability).
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Q: When I received my replacement, it was opened. Why?
A: If you received defective software, it is our policy to inspect the outgoing media for obvious damage in order to prevent a reoccurence of the original problem.
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Q: Does SoftwareOutlet.com offer a reseller program?
A: Yes, please visit our reseller page
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Q: Does SoftwareOutlet.com accept Purchase Orders?
A: Yes, we do accept purchase orders- only from schools and government institutions. Please fax all orders to 714.434.4799
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Q: What if I have a question that isn't listed here?
A: Click on the Contact Us tab at the top of the page and fill out the Customer Support Form. We will do our best to reply back ASAP.
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Shipping Answers
Q: What Shipping methods does SoftwareOutlet.com offer?
A: SoftwareOutlet.com offers (2) Two types of shipping: Economy and UPS(Includes: UPS Next Day, Second Day, & 3 Day Select). Economy shipping consists of either USPS First Class or UPS Ground (depending on the weight of package).
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Q: How much is Shipping and Handling.
A: Economy Shipping starts at $4.95 (up to 1 lbs.)
UPS Ground, Next Day, 2nd Day, & 3 Day Select is calculated by our UPS system based on weight and destination.
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Q: How long does SoftwareOutlet.com take to ship my order and how long will the different shipping methods take
A: All orders placed on Monday through Friday before 2pm (PST) usually ship the same day, orders placed after 2pm PST or on the weekend will ship the next business day. With this in mind you can generally expect your package in the following time frames:
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Q: Does SoftwareOutlet.com ship outside the United States?
A: Yes, SoftwareOutlet.com will only ship to selected countries outside of the United States. Please review our banned countries list.
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Q: Will I physically need to sign for a package when it is delivered?
A:If your order exceeds $300.00 you will need to physically be there to sign for the package. UPS will leave a note notifying you that they attempted delivery and will try again. *Also, it is entirely up to the UPS driver to request a signature confirmation.
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Q: How can you offer xxx at such a great price when it is $xxx somewhere else?
A: We work hard to bring our customers the best value, and our prices are truly rock bottom, but please don’t let these low prices fool you, we only sell new and authentic, fully registerable software.
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Order Status and Tracking Questions
Q: I placed an order, did you receive it?
A: SoftwareOutlet.com has a system in place to immediately notify our customers that we have received you order. This notification is sent to you via email shortly after you have completed your purchase. If you do not receive this email, and have given waited a reasonable amount of time, please contact us so that we can confirm you order.
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Orders are processed twice a day (usually once in the morning and once at or around 2pm (PST). We do not process orders on weekends & holidays.
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Q: Can I check the status of my order online?
A: Because we ship our customers orders so quickly at SoftwareOutlet.com checking order status is generally not necessary. We will email you when your order is placed and then again when we ship it. The second email will also include your tracking number if you chose UPS, and will include your Delivery Confirmation number if you chose USPS.
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Q: Can I track my order though the mail system?
A: Yes and No, if at check out you choose UPS, you will receive an email with a tracking number that will allow you to fully track your package. If however you chose USPS, you will receive a delivery confirmation number. The deliver confirmation number will often allow you to track your shipment but the ability to do so is not guaranteed. Delivery confirmation is only guaranteed by the post office to confirm the date and time of delivery.
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Packaging Questions
Q: What are the different types of Software Packaging?
A: Below are the different types of packages offered by SoftwareOutlet.com.
1. Full Retail Box
2. Full Retail- No Box
3. Jewel Case (JC)
4. CD Sleeve (CD)
5. OEM CD
6. Retail CD w/ Key*
7. OEM CD w/COA*
8. OEM CD w/KEY*
*Applicable to Microsoft Products only.
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Q: What is the difference between OEM CD w/COA and OEM CD w/KEY?
A: The only difference between these 2 products is the way that the key number comes. The OEM w/ COA comes with the key number (product key) on an actual Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from Microsoft. The OEM w/ KEY just has the serial number on a label on the back of the cd sleeve. Some people feel more secure getting the product key on a COA while others are willing to save money and just get the key number on a label. Both are fully licensable and able to be registered with Microsoft.
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Q: What are the differences in the package types provided?
A:
1. Full Retail Box: Retail software including the box. The same found in large retail stores.
2. Full Retail- No Box: Retail software without the box. The same found in large retail stores.
3. Jewel Case (JC): Retail/licensed software manufactured to be sold in Jewel Cases. Generally speaking the manual is on the CD or can be downloaded.
4. CD Sleeve (CD): Full versions of software sold in a sleeve(no Jewel Case). Generally speaking the manual is on the CD or can be downloaded. Some occasions may include OEM CD.
5. OEM CD: Full versions of software sold as "original equipment manufacturer". In this instance, it may not include manufacturers technical support. Read below for more information on OEM Software.
6. Retail CD w/ Key*: Applies to Microsoft products only. Full Version without the box, manual, or Jewel Case.
7. OEM CD w/COA*: Applies to Microsoft products only. OEM Versions which include the Certificate of Authenticity.
8. OEM CD w/KEY*: Applies to Microsoft products only. OEM versions with only the serial key.
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Q: What's the difference between the Jewel Case(JC)/CD Sleeve(CD) and Full Retail Box?
A: The software of the Jewel Case(JC) and CD Sleeve(CD) version is often a lighter edition. For example manufacturers generally don't provide technical support for CD Sleeve software.
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Q: What does license only mean?
A: License can be a great cost saving option for those who have multiple users, anywhere from 2 to 1000 users. These customers usually purchase one or two copies of the software to install on their machines, and then they keep the appropriate number of software licenses for the total number of machines that this software is installed on. Keep in mind that you do not receive the software program when purchasing a license! Either you need to purchase one or two copies of the software, or you need to have a copy of the software already in your possession. As an example, if you have 20 machines, you should purchase at least (2) copies of the software program (so you have one for backup) and then all you would need is (18) additional licenses for a the total of (20) machines.
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Q: Why did I receive a piece of hardware(i.e cable) with my order, I did not order it?
A: These items are only shipped with OEM software. In accordance with the different manufacturer guidelines we MUST ship OEM software with the proper hardware, whether that be a piece of cable or another piece of hardware. If you received any sort of hardware you may dispose of it once received as it is strictly for shipping purposes. It is entirely optional to use the hardware, we do not take any responsibility of the miss-use of the hardware shipped with OEM software.
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Q: What exactly is OEM software?
A: OEM generally means "original equipment manufacturer." Sometimes it is referred to as "open-ended market" and used interchangeably with "bulk-pack," "white box," and "brown box." Almost all PC component and software vendors make two versions of the same product based on a difference in the distribution channels. One is the retail boxed products sold mainly through retailers. The second one is the OEM products which are sold mainly to system builders, such as Compaq and Dell (the OEMs). These bulk-pack products do not have fancy packaging materials and are often produced in much higher volume, both of which result in much lower prices that have not been available to the public. The OEM products are of the same quality and often carry the same manufacturer warranty as their retail counterparts (the single-pack). They also often include supporting materials such as manuals and drivers when applicable. However, most of the information is on a CD or on manufacturer's web site.
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Q: Is it legal to sell OEM / CD Only software?
A: This is a great question, many of the software companies would like you to believe the answer is no and often attempt to scare customers by placing text on the CD that says, for example; “For distribution with a new pc only” or something to that effect, but rest assured it is in fact legal to purchase OEM software. The truth is that the First Sale Doctrine protects our right, as well as yours to sell OEM / CD Only software.
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Software companies have attempted to circumvent the first sale doctrine by creating elaborate licensing agreements, in which they claim that the software is not actually yours, but that you only licensed it. Several courts however have found it does in fact meet the criteria of a sale and therefore have upheld the first sale doctrine.
The following is a collection of interesting articles involving US Copyright law, software, and the first sale doctrine, and how they apply to shrink wrap licenses as has been interpreted by US District Court judges:
- Authority of the copyright owner and first sale.
http://eon.law.harvard.edu/openlaw/dvd/drafts/loc-copy.html
- US Court says buyers can unbundle EULA-covered software.
http://www.xent.com/pipermail/fork/2001-November/006809.html
- US court ruling nixes software End User License Agreement (EULA) sales restrictions
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fr/584117/posts?page=1
- Softman v. Adobe: What it Means for the Rest of Us
http://www.linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=5628
- Official US Court Decision in 2001 proving First Sale protects secondary software market.
http://www.linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=5628
- A real software piracy case.
http://www.cybercrime.gov/pwa_verdict.htm
- Sell your copy of Windows!
http://librenix.com/?inode=1527
- Another article backing up first sale.
http://www.byte.com/documents/s=1821/byt20011120s0001/1203_editor.html
- Different case showing how shrink wrap licenses are not binding.
http://www.law.emory.edu/7circuit/june96/96-1139.html
- A pdf noting many cases backing up First Sale rights with oem software.
http://www.loc.gov/copyright/reports/studies/dmca/reply/Reply012.pdf
- The Gripe Line from Infoworld is a great site with many discussions about software, licensing, the Digital Millenium Copyright Act ( DMCA ), and UCITA.
http://staging.infoworld.com/cgi/component/columnarchive.wbs?column=gripe
- Novell V. Network Trade Center, a major case involving first sale.
http://lweb.law.harvard.edu/openlaw/DVD/cases/Novell_v_NTC.html
- Why you can't sell what you buy.
http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,41184,00.html
- Be careful who you criticize. St of NY v. Network Associates
http://www.law.com/cgi-bin/gx.cgi/AppLogic+FTContentServer? pagename=law/View&c=Article&cid=ZZZJG63BFXC&live=true&cst=1&pc=0&pa=0&s=News&ExpIgnore=true&showsummary=0
- Home page of the US Copyright office
http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/
- Softman v. Adobe
http://cryptome.org/softman-v-adobe.htm
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