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Hopefully this area section will answer most of your questions. If not you can drop us an e-mail with any inquiries you may have.
In this section...
General Questions about the site
Yes, any areas where you may be required to enter financial information, such as credit card number is handled on a secure server. You personal details such as phone number, address, etc are not kept in our database but are kept in a cookie on your machine if you wish. This saves you time when ordering more than once.
Please read our security and privacy policy for more information.
Which type and version of browser do I need?
The site has been tested with both Internet Explorer®, Netscape Navigator®, Firefox® and others and and should be compatible with almost all versions. There are however some of the more advanced features that will only work on Internet Explorer®. These functions are not critical for the browsing or ordering process and are outlined in the info center documentation.
Why does Internet Explorer seem to work better?
Certain features of the website will work only with Internet Explorer® 4.0 or above, this is due to IE's dynamic web page functionality which is handled quite differently within other browsers. Some of the non-critical features or this website rely on this dynamic functionality.
What is a cookie and why do I need them?
A cookie is a small file that is kept on your computer in a special area. It enables the storage of a few bytes of information that is retrieved when you log on the the corresponding website. Almost all of the major web portals and sites use cookies to personalize your browsing experience. Our website uses cookies in several ways;
Any information in the cookie is only stored on your personal computer on your hard drive. We do not receive any personal information from you until your secure order is processed. Other users of the site cannot see what is contained in you cookies either. Cookies will normally expire after a period of several months.
What if my cookies are not turned on (enabled)?
You will still be able to browse the site but will not be able to purchase any media items from the site, or use the lightbox features. WARNING, this change is effective for all sites, we take no responsibility for any problems that may be caused as a result of this change. To turn on cookies, do the following;
Internet Explorer® (6.0) - Go to Tools/Internet Options. In the 'Privacy' tab, we recommend moving the slider to Medium High or Medium. This still protects you from malicious use while providing access to cookies from legitimate sites.
Netscape Navigator® (7.0) - Go to Edit/Preferences. Double click on the 'Privacy and Security' item, click on 'Cookies'. We recommend Select 'Enable cookies based on privacy settings'. Click on 'View'. We recommend the privacy settings are set to 'Medium', which still protects you from malicious use while providing access to cookies from legitimate sites.
For other versions or browsers please refer to your browser 'help' menu for information on activating cookies.
I added an item to my shopping cart but it says my cart is empty?
This is likely due to one of two reasons;
1) Your browser does not allow cookies. (see above section)
2) Your computer clock time may be wrong. The shopping cart only stays active for 8 hours and if your computer time is wrong it will fool the shopping cart into thinking its already expired. Please change your computer clock to the correct time and add the item again.
Why do I keep getting a message to move from a secure pages to a non secure page and vice versa?
This is because certain areas of the site are under a secure layer and others don't need to be. Generally, any areas that have ordering features of may contain personal information are encrypted for security. Other areas for general browsing are not inside a secure layer as this may hinder website performance. If you do not wish to receive this prompt every time you can do the following. WARNING, this change is effective for all sites, we take no responsibility for any problems that may be caused as a result of this change.
Internet Explorer® (6.0) - Go to Tools/Internet Options. In the 'Advanced' tab, in the security area, uncheck the box that says 'Warn if moving between secure and not secure zone'.
Netscape Navigator® (7.0) - Go to Edit/Preferences. Double click on the 'Privacy and Security' item, click on 'SSL'. Under the 'SSL' warnings area, uncheck both 'loading a page that supports encryption' and 'leaving a page that supports encryption'. Also make sure that in the 'SSL protocol versions area, all versions are checked.
For other versions or browsers please refer to your browser 'help' menu for information on this feature..
Do I need JavaScript to run this site?
Yes, this site uses JavaScript, as do many sites. The good news is that most fairly recent browsers fully support JavaScript, however if your security settings are set too high, it may not allow these scripts to run, or may prompt you every time one tries to run, which can be annoying. See your browsers 'Help' documentation on how to changes these settings.
I received a '404 Page Not Found' type error
This is a possible broken or missing link in our site, we do our best to minimize these and keep the site as up to date as possible, please report this to us and we will fix it as soon as possible.
This is most likely due to heavy traffic on the internet in general or a problem with your connection. Please refresh the page or try again later.
If you received a timeout error while attempting to place an order and you are using a newer version of Ineternet Explorer, please check the following;
What this does: When you enter your secure credit card the page needs to redirect to the approval site and then back to World of Stock in order to allow you to download your images. A recent Microsoft update decided to default this to 'disable' which does not allow this redirect to happen, resulting in a timeout. There is no security risk on our site by allowing this redirect, however you may want to change it back if you are browsing other sites with inadequate security practices.
This is a problem accessing the database for some reason, likely caused by a temporary problem with the server connection. Please report this to us and we will fix it as soon as possible.
I received a PHP or 'parse' error
This is a bug, which may happen from time to time. Please report this to us and we will fix it as soon as possible.
The Thumbnails or Closeup images don't load properly or I just see an 'image loading' icon
The features on our site are very graphics intensive and use dynamic pages and images. Please ensure you are working with the latest version of your browser, particularly if you are not using Internet Explorer.
Why can't I see the help menu when I click on the icon?
There are two likely cases. First you may have the other window already open, behind the current page. Or, you have a popup 'blocker' installed which will not let you open the popup help menu. Many blockers allow you to press ctrl while clicking the popup to bring it up or you can set the blocker to allow popups on the World of Stock site. There is no risk of spyware or other type of nasty things at this site.
Why cant I see any images when I click on the thumbnail?
When the Image Closeup page loads it may take a minute for the image to load, depending on your connection speed.
I didn't find the image I need in my keyword search, what now?
You can try changing your search terms or search options or submit an image request. We have access to many other images besides the ones which are shown on the site.
What search options are available to help me find the exact image I need?
We have tried to make searching simple yet powerful. You can simply enter some keywords and press go or you can tweak the search by changing your search options. We have also included some search tips here.
How do I get back to the search view?
If you are currently in closeup view you can click on the 'New Search' link at the top right of the page to go back to the thumbnail/search view. More information on the different views can be found here.
How do I get the details for a specific image?
Simply click on the thumbnail of the image you wish to see more details on. The image will expand and you will see all the relevant information to the right of and below the image.
What does all the various size information mean?
We try to provide you with as much information as possible about the image size, however its understandable that this may be a bit confusing if you are not familiar with the terminology. Here is a brief explanation. For a more detailed explanation of the sizes we offer please check here.
also see our info center section on searching
What kind of licensing do you have in place?
World of Stock offers two licensing options, which are set on an image by image basis. The vast majority of our images are offered on a Royalty Free basis, however we are also now offering a more exclusive collection of images which will be available on a Rights Managed basis. Please see the Usage Section for more details on these two licensing options,
Can I resell items I purchase?
Yes and no. The general rule is that you can resell items if you have added some value to them. In other words you cannot buy images in an electronic format and re-sell them as such, you need to incorporate them into some sort of production, artwork, merchandise, etc. Please visit the usage section in the info center for more details.
The original contributor (photographer, media artist, etc) continues to hold the copyright on the image or media item itself and as such should be given credit for the item. Copyright is not transferred unless under special agreement. Please visit the usage section in the info center for more details.
What are acceptable uses of the images?
There is a complete section on this in the info center. Please click here for more details.
Do your images have model/property releases?
Many of our images do not require release however some images contain distinguishable people or private property where the end client may require confirmation of a release. Any images which have a release will indicate with a 'yes' beside the model/property release flag. If this is not indicated it should be assumed that no release exists for that particular image.
Do you guarantee that your images are 'copyright safe'?
No we do not. Whether an image may potentially have restrictions will depend on the usage and we have no control over the end usage. For images which do not indicate release and a release may be required its best to call if you are unsure about the end usage. If there is a high risk of potential copyright issues we won't recommend that usage.
Do I need to pay every time I use them?
No, most of our images are royalty free, meaning once you pay for them you don't have to continue paying royalties for each usage. Although our usage policy is one of the most simplified and generous out there, there are however several restrictions.
Some of our images are under a Rights Managed License. The usage limitations and required royalties will be made clear to you at the time of licensing.
Please visit the usage section in the info center for more details.
Can I use the images from your website without paying for them?
Your are welcome to use a low res, watermarked image for evaluation (comping) purposes until such time as you can make a decision on whether to purchase the image or not. Hotlinking or copying of our images for display on your own website, newsgroup or elsewhere is not permitted. A few exceptions may apply. Please visit the usage section in the info center for more specifics. UNLICENSED USE OF OUR IMAGES IS A BREACH OF COPYRIGHT AND IS ENFORCEABLE BY LAW.
Can I make scans or copies of prints that I buy and use them elsewhere?
No. If you purchase prints only, you do not receive the Royalty Free license and they can only be used for single use applications, normally as a framed picture to put in a public or private location.
also see our info center section on usage and licensing
Ordering / Shopping Cart Questions
Should I use 'Buy Now' or the Shopping Cart?
Many of our customers are looking for one or maybe two specific image(s) and they need them right away. In this case the 'buy now' option is your best bet. If you require multiple images and wish to take advantage of volume discounts OR you require prints, its best to use the shopping cart function. Even if you use the shopping cart you may still download your images after placement of the order if you chose the 'web download' option.
How does Instant Download Work?
Instant download is the fastest way to receive your image. Once you find the image you wish to purchase and click on the Instant Download button. Next you can choose the size option and enter your billing information on the secure page. Major credit cards are accepted. Once the transaction is complete (it may take a few seconds) you will be taken to the download page. You will also receive a receipt and a payment confirmation via email (its very important to enter the correct email address). There are download instructions on the download page.
I didn't receive my download yet, can I still go get it?
Yes, you can receive your download up to 14 days after the original order is placed. In the payment confirmation email your received there should be a link to the order status. If you don't retrieve your image right away, you can retrieve it later from the main info center page. You will just need to enter your order number to retrieve the image.
If, for some reason your 14 days have lapsed and you have not been able to download your image you will need to contact World of Stock.
How large will my download be?
Your download file size will be shown on the download page. Do not confuse this with the 'uncompressed file size' which is the actual number of bytes of the image. The image you download will be in JPEG format in minimal compression and will likely be between 2 Mb and 10 Mb if you ordered the full size image. Medium and Small sized images will have considerably smaller file sizes. How long it will take to download will vary greatly based on your internet connection speed.
Will the downloaded image be watermarked in any way?
The image you download will not be watermarked (watermarked refers to overlaying some text or a logo over the image, usually in a semi-transparent fashion).
How many items can I have in my shopping cart?
Currently there is no limit to the size of your shopping cart, however it will expire after 48 hours of inactivity so keep this in mind.
If I exit the site will my shopping cart remain?
Your shopping cart should remain for approximately 48 hours if you exit the site, unless you completely close your browser. If you completely close your browser, the order will be lost. We recommend checking out before exiting the site. Once you have checked out the order will be sent to us and your shopping cart will be cleared.
I ordered something in error, now what?
This will depend on how far along you are in the ordering process.
If you have not checked out yet, this is very easy to correct, simply view your shopping cart and press the 'Remove' button beside the item you wish to remove.
If you have checked out but have not yet paid for the order, send us an e-mail to orders@worldofstock.com cancel the previous order and once you have received our confirmation of cancellation, re-order the correct way, OR if the amount is the same, just let us know which item you wish to change and we will confirm the change. Once we've confirmed the change then go ahead and process your payment.
If you have already paid for the order, but we have not processed the order for the media items yet, this will require us to issue a partial or complete refund. This may take several days or longer to process. Once this is complete, we will ship the modified order, if required.
If you have already paid for the order and have received the items, this falls into the refund policy section.
What is your refund/exchange policy?
Please see the ordering section in the info center see our refund/exchange policy.
Why can't I change the Quantity for an item in the shopping cart?
If you are not ordering prints there is no reason to need to change the quantity, you are paying for unlimited usage of one image so ordering more than one would be a waste of money.
Why do prints sometime cost less than the other formats?
With Prints you are not getting a royalty free license for multiple use, you are only paying for the image and the cost of printing. You are not permitted to scan or reproduce the image in any way.
also see our info center section on ordering
Checkout and Payment Questions
What name will appear on my credit card statement?
Descriptions vary by the bank and type of card but it should say 'worldofstock' or something to that effect and the description will say 'Stock Photos' or something to that effect.
I entered an incorrect card number, what now?
You will be given two opportunities to enter the correct card number and then you will be locked out by the credit card processor on the third attempt. Although we do check for obvious mistakes before submitting your card number we cannot detect incorrect numbers. If you have attempted more than twice and keep getting an error you wil need to contact us and we can enter the card number on our side.
What payment methods and which credit cards can I use to pay for my order?
Currently we accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express directly. Please also note that at present we can only accept American Express in Canadian funds. You will be given the option of converting the order to CAD and this amount will be converted back to your local currency on your statement. For more details on payments check the payment and pricing info page.
As of June 2007 we no longer accept online payments directly through Paypal. We can however make special arrangements for payments in this fashion if required.
Do I need to fill in my details every time I place an order?
Not if you saved your information the last time you visited the checkout page. This will allow you to populate your ordering information automatically next time. If you order more than once from us, this will save you a lot of time.
Do I need to fill both the billing information and the shipping information?
If the shipping address and billing address are the same, there is no need to fill in the shipping information separately. If you wish to have the item shipped to a separate location than the billing information you will need to fill in the shipping information and check off the box that says 'Check here if you are providing separate shipping info'
Which fields are required (on the checkout form)?
The fields that are required are marked with an asterisk (*). As mentioned above you don't need to fill in both sections if the shipping address and billing address are the same.
The information I saved previously needs updating, what should I do?
The next time you go to the checkout page, check off the box that says
Save the change to my
profile. Any changes you make this time will be updated for next
time.
Why have I received a confirmation e-mail before I've paid for the order?
In some cases you may receive a confirmation e-mail once the checkout process is complete. This provides us, and you with the details of the order. When you proceed to payment processing, you will no longer have the details, just the dollar amount. We ship the order once we match the order details with the payment confirmation.
I received a 'Timeout Error' while trying to place an order
If you received a timeout error while attempting to place an order and you are using a newer version of Ineternet Explorer, please check the following;
What this does: When you enter your secure credit card the page needs to redirect to the approval site and then back to World of Stock in order to allow you to download your images. A recent Microsoft update decided to default this to 'disable' which does not allow this redirect to happen, resulting in a timeout. There is no security risk on our site by allowing this redirect, however you may want to change it back if you are browsing other sites with inadequate security practices.
When will my order be processed and shipped?
We will get start getting your order ready as soon as we receive the e-mail with the order details and ship once we receive the payment confirmation. The delivery time will vary based on the media options you choose with internet download being the fastest (and least expensive option) as no shipping is involved. Please see the delivery times section for more information on estimated delivery times. You can check on the status of your order at any time by clicking on the link in the e-mail confirmation we sent you.
How will I download the media items after you receive the order?
If you chose to have the items delivered via internet delivery, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from us, after we have confirmed the order and set up the delivery site. This e-mail will contain a link to a location you can go to view/download the images. This location will be left open for a period of no longer than 14 days.
Do I have to pay for my order online, can I pay using other methods?
Yes, if you prefer using offline payment methods we can arrange to have you pay through cheque or money order manually, or we can take your Visa or MasterCard order over the phone. We will not however ship until we have received the payment confirmation. To pay manually, submit your order using the normal methods and when you get to the Payment Options page, select the link that says "Other Payment Methods....." and follow the instructions from there.
Can I set up an account and pay monthly?
If you are a creative professional or may wish to purchase images on an ongoing basis please feel to set up an account here. You can also choose to fund your account with a credit card to make checkout even easier.
What is this "Canadian Resident Tax" and does it apply to me?
Because we are a Canadian based company, we have a legal obligation to collect and submit Goods and Services Tax (GST) on purchases from Canadian residents. The tax is calculated based on the address form the checkout page. If you do not enter a Canadian address, you should not need to pay tax.
also see our info center section on ordering
Can I pay for the item in another currency besides US$?
At this time we accept payment in US or Canadian dollars only. Most credit card companies will automatically do the conversion back to your home currency at market rates.
As with most online purchases the customer pays for the shipping. There are several shipping options available. Of course, if you want to avoid the shipping cost altogether, order your images through an internet download.
Discounts are available on volume orders of 2 images or more automatically applied as the items are added to the shopping cart. To see the schedule of discounts available click here.
Do you offer project based pricing?
Yes, we can provide custom quotes for projects that require multiple images. For details click here.
also see our info center section on pricing
What is the benefit of using a Lightbox?
The Lightbox feature allows you to browse at will through all the categories and add the media items which you want to explore further to a 'virtual photo album', which only you can access. It also allows an easy way to group images together and add to your shopping cart in one step. You can add or remove items at any time from your lightbox or clear it at any time as well.
What if I want to change an lightbox after I added it to the shopping cart?
You would need to remove the item from your shopping cart, make the modifications to your lightbox and then add the lightbox again.
How do I remove an image from my lightbox?
Quite simple, follow the instructions here.
An album can be cleared by clicking the 'Clear Lightbox' button and confirming the change. For more details, click here and locate the 'clear album' icon. WARNING, once you clear the album there is no way to retrieve it.
Is the lightbox automatically cleared after I add to my shopping cart?
No, you will need to clear the album if you wish to clear it. This allows for you to make minor modifications and add the item to your shopping cart again if you made a mistake or wish to make a change.
Yes, the lightbox feature works by way of a cookie, stored on your machine, which will expire automatically after 30 days, or will expire immediately if you 'clear your cookies', which some cleanup software may try to do.
also see our info center section on using the lightbox
Printing and Framing Questions
Will the watermark show up on my print?
No, the watermark is only shown online to protect our images from theft. The printed image will not contain a watermark or any kind.
Why do these prints seem more expensive than commercially available prints?
Our prints are original works from one of our talented photographers. Most of our prints only sell a few times so you are really getting something that is original and you won't see anywhere else, unlike the mass marketed prints you see for sale almost everywhere. We also work with some of the best suppliers who use only high quality materials and skilled technicians. Each framed print is assembled to order when you order it. Each image is visually checked and slight flaws are corrected before submission to the print shop.
Does World of Stock do its own printing?
No we do not. We work with one of the best print partners in the business - EZPrints, based in Atlanta, Georgia and have done so for over 5 years now. We've been very happy with the spped of delivery and consistent quality they provide. We submit the files digitally to them and they will ship directly to you.
I am a commercial framer/printer/art consultant. Is there a discount?
Discounts can be arranged based on volume sales certainly. Just contact us to discuss your needs.
What print sizes are available?
We offer a wide range of print sizes from 4x6 up to 30x40 unframed. All of the prints sizes available for the image you select will be shown in the drop down print size menu. This list may change based on the options you choose and the size of the original image. In order to assure print quality, we will not offer a size which will is too large for the size of the original.
Please see the info center for descriptions of the various finishes.
Which finish should I choose for my print?
All framed prints will use a matte finish by default, unless you picked canvas. Picking the right finish depends on the size and location of the print. Please see the info center for descriptions of the various finishes.
Can any size of print be ordered as canvas?
No, canvas prints are only available in sizes 16 x 20 and above. Any less than that really wouldn't do the print justice.
How long will it take for my print to be processed and delivered?
Basic prints with no framing take 2 days to process and anywhere from 1 day to 7 days to ship (longer for non-US orders), depending on the shipping method you choose.
Canvas prints will take between 1-2 weeks to process and the same time for shipping.
I'd prefer my print in Black and White, can you do this?
Absolutely, any image can be made into B&W (or Sepia tone) by selecting the 'Black and White' or 'Sepia' option.
Our Canvas Prints are made using the canvas transfer process. A paper poster or print is coated with a special film that lifts the image from the paper. The film, with the embedded image, is heat-sealed to a 12 oz canvas surface. The image is now part of the canvas, taking on the texture of the canvas surface. The whole piece is given a clear UV protective coating and stretched over a wooden framework.
Should I frame my Canvas Print?
Its a personal choice. Stretched Canvas can by hung directly on a wall without a frame for a contemporary look. If you prefer the look of a traditional canvas painting you can add a frame. Please note that there are less frame choices for canvas prints because of the depth of the internal canvas frame.
Why do certain print sizes require cropping?
Cropping will be applied when the aspect ratio (ratio of width to height) of the original image does not match the aspect ratio of the chosen print size. The amount of cropping will be estimated and shown in the image preview.
What if the cropping doesn't look quite right?
By default we crop to the center of the image when the image requires it, however this may not always best match the subject of the image. You can change the print size to better match the original image or just contact us and we will be happy modify the cropping for your print and provide you with a preview.
What is the Refund Policy on Prints?
If the item was damaged or there is a quality issue we can normally provide a full refund. Just contact us to let us know the problem and we will provide you with return shipping instructions and additional information.
also see our info center section on prints
For support on a problem that is not answered here, please send an email to info@worldofstock.com. Please be sure to provide the as much information as possible to help us answer you question effectively. We will try to respond as quickly as possible.
We'd love to hear your feedback on our site and the media contained within it. Please send a feedback email to feedback@worldofstock.com