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MerchStore Customer Pilot
MerchStore Customer Pilot
A Fully Custom MerchStore in Minutes
Customize storefront with your branding
Choose your products and add logos
Engage your team
Ready to start building your
custom new MerchStore?
Want to manage your new
MerchStores?
Create Merchology Account
Watch for Your Account Activation Emails
You will receive two follow-up emails:
- An email from orders@merchology.com confirming that your Merchology account has been created.
- An email from donotreply@checkoutstores.com inviting you to set up your MerchStore Portal account. Please note that your MerchStore Portal requires its own password, which you will create during setup.
Don't see the emails? Check your Promotions or Spam folders.
Account Information
We’ll create a Merchology account for you which your MerchStore will be connected to. You will receive an invite email to the new MerchStore portal and an invite email for your Merchology account.
Already have a Merchology account?
Log In
By creating an account, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.
Why Create a Company Store?
Manage Your Brand
Maintain brand guidelines across your organization by selecting product colors, customization options, and logo placement.
Give Employees Choices
When your team loves their gear and gets to choose it, they’ll wear it more often—taking your logo everywhere they go!
Support Every Program
From new hire gifting and reward programs to uniform ordering and more, your store covers every gifting need.
Included MerchStore Features
FAQ
How do I create a MerchStore account?
To create a MerchStore account:
- Visit the MerchStore Page: Go to the MerchStore page and click Create New Portal Account.
- Create or Sign In to Your Merchology Account:
If you are new to Merchology:
Fill out the pop-up to create your Merchology account. Once submitted, you’re all set! You will receive three separate emails to confirm your accounts:
- An email from Merchology (donotreply@checkoutstores.com) with the subject line “Merchology – You’re invited.” Click Accept Invitation.
- An email from Merchology (orders@merchology.com) confirming that your Merchology account has been created. No action is required.
- An email from Merchology (donotreply@checkoutstores.com) with the subject line “Merchology - Verify Your Email.” Click Confirm My Account.
Once your account is verified, click Let’s Go! to access the portal and start creating your MerchStore.
If you already have a Merchology account:
- Sign In to Your Account: Click Login and sign in to your existing Merchology account. You will be directed to the Create New MerchStore Portal Account page. Enter your email address and company name, then click Request Access to New MerchStore Portal.
- Accept Your MerchStore Invitation: After requesting access, you will receive an email from Merchology (donotreply@checkoutstores.com) with the subject line “Merchology – You’re invited.” Click Accept Invitation in the email.
- Verify Your Email: You will receive an email from Merchology (donotreply@checkoutstores.com) with the subject line “Merchology - Verify Your Email.” Click Confirm My Account. You will be directed to a page confirming that your account has been verified.
- Get Started: Once your account is verified, click Let’s Go! to access the portal and start creating your MerchStore.
How do I create a store?
To create a store:
1. Once logged in to your MerchStore Account Portal, under Stores, click Create A Store.
2. Enter your store information:
a. Store Name: Enter the name you would like displayed for your store.
b. Store URL: As you begin typing your store name, your store URL will automatically generate. You can edit the URL if you would like to change it.
c. Stripe Billing Description: Enter a short description that will appear on customers' credit card statements. We recommend referencing your store name so customers can easily recognize the charge and help avoid chargebacks.
3. Your Stripe Billing Description must meet the following requirements:
a. At least 5 characters
b. No more than 22 characters
c. Must contain at least one letter
d. Can contain spaces
e. Cannot contain ', <, >, or "
4. Once you've entered your store information, click Create Store.
5. You will be taken to your Store Dashboard, where you can begin setting up your store and adding products.
1. Once logged in to your MerchStore Account Portal, under Stores, click Create A Store.
2. Enter your store information:
a. Store Name: Enter the name you would like displayed for your store.
b. Store URL: As you begin typing your store name, your store URL will automatically generate. You can edit the URL if you would like to change it.
c. Stripe Billing Description: Enter a short description that will appear on customers' credit card statements. We recommend referencing your store name so customers can easily recognize the charge and help avoid chargebacks.
3. Your Stripe Billing Description must meet the following requirements:
a. At least 5 characters
b. No more than 22 characters
c. Must contain at least one letter
d. Can contain spaces
e. Cannot contain ', <, >, or "
4. Once you've entered your store information, click Create Store.
5. You will be taken to your Store Dashboard, where you can begin setting up your store and adding products.
Do you have guidelines for the number of products we should offer in our MerchStore?
This is a great question! We recommend around 25 products. Most people think more is better, when in fact it’s not. Studies on shopper behavior have shown that presenting too many options to shoppers can lead to non-decision and feelings of anxiety. Your goal is to get your employees excited about buying company-branded merchandise in a way that’s as stress-free as possible.
What is the difference between the Account Portal and Store Dashboard?
The Account Portal and Store Dashboard provide access to different MerchStore information and settings.
Account Portal
The Account Portal is the first page you are brought to when you log in and displays [Store Name] at the top. It includes three main sections:
Store Dashboard
To access the Store Dashboard, click one of your stores under Stores on the Account Portal. The Store Dashboard displays [Store Name] next to a product image, along with information such as the store status, store link, and password information.
It includes four main sections:
Account Portal
The Account Portal is the first page you are brought to when you log in and displays [Store Name] at the top. It includes three main sections:
• Stores: Create a new store or manage your existing stores.
• Orders: Order now, view orders, view artwork, view embroidery artwork, view designs, and view replacement requests.
• Configuration: Manage your account security, payments and disbursements, and return address.
Store Dashboard
To access the Store Dashboard, click one of your stores under Stores on the Account Portal. The Store Dashboard displays [Store Name] next to a product image, along with information such as the store status, store link, and password information.
It includes four main sections:
• Orders: View orders, gifts, discount codes, and replacement requests.
• Products: View and create products, create categories, view artwork, view embroidery artwork, and view designs.
• Store Configuration: Manage store security, notifications, branding, shipping methods, rosters, custom fields, and view the store log.
• Account Configuration: Manage your account information, payments, and disbursements.
How do I add a product to my MerchStore?
To add a product:
1. Open the appropriate MerchStore account and select Products.
2. Click + Add.
3. Select Product to add one product or Multiple Products to add multiple products at once.
4. Search for and select Design Now on the product you would like to select.
5. Next, you will be prompted to select a decoration technique if multiple options are available. If only one decoration technique is available, you will be taken directly to the artwork section, where you can select an existing design or create a new one.
6. Choose where you’d like your design to be placed: front, back, left sleeve, or right sleeve. Use the options along the right side of the page and click the box to select your placement.
7. Select an existing design or create a new design. Embroidery designs will require a DST file. If you do not have a DST file, complete this form and we will work with you to create the needed DSTs.
8. Select the product colors you want to offer along with the preview color for your storefront.
9. Add customization options, if applicable.
10. Review the product details and click Save Product.
11. Confirm the product and design names.
12. Optional: Select the appropriate product categories and click Set Product Categories to save.
1. Open the appropriate MerchStore account and select Products.
2. Click + Add.
3. Select Product to add one product or Multiple Products to add multiple products at once.
4. Search for and select Design Now on the product you would like to select.
5. Next, you will be prompted to select a decoration technique if multiple options are available. If only one decoration technique is available, you will be taken directly to the artwork section, where you can select an existing design or create a new one.
6. Choose where you’d like your design to be placed: front, back, left sleeve, or right sleeve. Use the options along the right side of the page and click the box to select your placement.
7. Select an existing design or create a new design. Embroidery designs will require a DST file. If you do not have a DST file, complete this form and we will work with you to create the needed DSTs.
8. Select the product colors you want to offer along with the preview color for your storefront.
9. Add customization options, if applicable.
10. Review the product details and click Save Product.
11. Confirm the product and design names.
12. Optional: Select the appropriate product categories and click Set Product Categories to save.
What are the logo standards when uploading a file?
When uploading a logo or artwork, make sure your file is final and ready to print. Uploaded artwork will print as it appears on screen, including any backgrounds or other design elements.
Files must meet the following resolution standards:
For the best results, we recommend uploading the highest-quality version of your artwork available.
If you upload a low-quality artwork file and approve it, the final decorated product cannot be returned or refunded due to poor print quality.
Files must meet the following resolution standards:
• Below 150 DPI: The file will be blocked and cannot be used.
• 150–222 DPI: The file will be flagged as average quality and will require your approval before proceeding.
• Above 222 DPI: The file meets the recommended resolution standards for printing.
For the best results, we recommend uploading the highest-quality version of your artwork available.
If you upload a low-quality artwork file and approve it, the final decorated product cannot be returned or refunded due to poor print quality.
What if I don't have a DST file for embroidery?
If you don't have a DST file for your embroidery design, you can submit a request through our Request Artwork for MerchStores form. Our team can help create or rework a DST file for your logo.
If you already have a logo on file with Merchology for the same location (i.e. a logo previously placed on the left chest and intended for the same placement again), there is no charge for this service. Because different sizing and stitching is required based upon where your logo or design is placed on an item, you may need a new DST file.
If you need a new or reworked DST file, there is a $15.00 fee per design and/or design location. After submitting your request, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know we received your request. A MerchStore Specialist will reach out to you within 2-3 business days with information on the next steps. Next steps can include paying for a new DST file to be created or receiving an existing DST file if you have placed a previous embroidery order with Merchology with the same logo and location. You will receive an email update from merchstoresupport@merchology.com.
Once you pay for your DST file, you will receive an email to approve your proof (i.e. if the DST file looks correct to you). Once approved, it will be added to your MerchStore and our MerchStore Specialist will contact you when this is completed.
A DST file contains the stitch instructions an embroidery machine uses to sew your design, including logo size, stitch placement and thread colors. Having a properly created DST file helps ensure your embroidered logo or design looks its best.
If you already have a logo on file with Merchology for the same location (i.e. a logo previously placed on the left chest and intended for the same placement again), there is no charge for this service. Because different sizing and stitching is required based upon where your logo or design is placed on an item, you may need a new DST file.
If you need a new or reworked DST file, there is a $15.00 fee per design and/or design location. After submitting your request, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know we received your request. A MerchStore Specialist will reach out to you within 2-3 business days with information on the next steps. Next steps can include paying for a new DST file to be created or receiving an existing DST file if you have placed a previous embroidery order with Merchology with the same logo and location. You will receive an email update from merchstoresupport@merchology.com.
Once you pay for your DST file, you will receive an email to approve your proof (i.e. if the DST file looks correct to you). Once approved, it will be added to your MerchStore and our MerchStore Specialist will contact you when this is completed.
A DST file contains the stitch instructions an embroidery machine uses to sew your design, including logo size, stitch placement and thread colors. Having a properly created DST file helps ensure your embroidered logo or design looks its best.
What categories should I include in my MerchStore?
Categories help shoppers easily browse and find products in your MerchStore by acting as navigation menu options and collections on the homepage of your storefront.
We recommend including a Shop All or All Products category encompassing all products featured in your store, along with relevant categories such as Apparel and Gifts & Accessories. Within the categories, you can also create subcategories if desired to help your shoppers find what they need faster.
Please be aware that if you choose to use the categories feature, you must assign all products to at least one category. If a product is not assigned to a category, it will not be displayed on the MerchStore. This is why we recommend having an All Products category as a catchall. If you add products after the categories have been created, you will have to make sure to add the products to the categories of your choice.
Categories are optional and not required. If a store has less than 50 products, categories are likely not needed unless desired. For the best shopping experience, we recommend displaying approximately 30–35 products per category page.
If you do not have any categories created, all products will appear on one general product page.
We recommend including a Shop All or All Products category encompassing all products featured in your store, along with relevant categories such as Apparel and Gifts & Accessories. Within the categories, you can also create subcategories if desired to help your shoppers find what they need faster.
Please be aware that if you choose to use the categories feature, you must assign all products to at least one category. If a product is not assigned to a category, it will not be displayed on the MerchStore. This is why we recommend having an All Products category as a catchall. If you add products after the categories have been created, you will have to make sure to add the products to the categories of your choice.
Categories are optional and not required. If a store has less than 50 products, categories are likely not needed unless desired. For the best shopping experience, we recommend displaying approximately 30–35 products per category page.
If you do not have any categories created, all products will appear on one general product page.
How can I change my store branding?
You can customize your MerchStore branding by updating your store logo and hero image.
1. From your Store Dashboard, under Store Configuration, click Branding.
2. From here, you can add or update the following:
3. Upload the image you would like to use and save your changes.
1. From your Store Dashboard, under Store Configuration, click Branding.
2. From here, you can add or update the following:
a.
Branding Logo
b.
Hero Image
3. Upload the image you would like to use and save your changes.
Where do I find the link to my store to share with my shoppers?
To find your store link, go to your Store Dashboard. From there, you can:
• Click the Tasks dropdown and select Go to Live Store, then copy the URL from your browser.
• Click the White Labeled Store icon under your store name. This will also open your store, where you can copy the URL from your browser.
How do I change my MerchStore storefront messaging?
You can update different messages that shoppers see throughout your MerchStore.
1. From your Store Dashboard, under Store Configuration, click Branding.
2. Click the Storefront Messages tab.
3. From here, you can add or update the following messages:
4. Add or update the messaging you would like shoppers to see and save your changes.
1. From your Store Dashboard, under Store Configuration, click Branding.
2. Click the Storefront Messages tab.
3. From here, you can add or update the following messages:
a.
Home Page Message
b.
General Checkout Message
c.
Terms and Conditions
d.
Order Success Message
4. Add or update the messaging you would like shoppers to see and save your changes.