FAQ
Q. Why can't I see my Cost Center#-Name?
A. The Division Name must be selected first before selecting the Cost Center #/Name. If you've already selected the Cost Center #/Name but not the Division Name, you must clear out all of the information so it's blank and proceed with selecting the Division name first.
If your Cost Center #/Name or Division name is not in the list, please contact Adrian Robinett to have it set up.
Q. Why does Virginia Housing have a corporate online store?
A. Many of our business units need Virginia Housing branded merchandise from time-to-time for job fairs, new hire orientations, trade shows, employee rewards or other initiatives. By offering all our promotional items through one centralized vendor, Virginia Housing saves a significant amount of money and ensures that our brand is displayed consistently on every order, every time. Virginia Housing’s online store also makes ordering easy and convenient, with less paperwork and 24/7 access.
Q. Are there any restrictions on what I can buy?
A. No. You can buy any of the items featured on the store. But some smaller items may have a "minimum order" requirement, meaning they’re not packaged as singles. This typically applies to small items used for housing-related seminars and workshops. You’ll find any minimum order requirements clearly specified. Authorized Virginia Housing approvers will receive all orders and contact you with any questions they may have regarding your order.
Q. How do I pay for my order?
A. Previously, the marketing business unit had incurred costs for standard, in-stock items. However, effective July 1, 2016, your respective division / cost center will incur costs for standard in-stock items ordered. Please note that monthly usage and expenditure reports will be retrieved and reviewed by authorized Virginia Housing administrators.
Q. How do I find the items I want?
A. You’ll find several ways to search for merchandise on the home page. You may type directly into the Search area at the top of the page or select Catalog to see all products available in the store.
Q. When do I submit my request for standard promotional items?
A. To receive your order by Friday, place your order no later than 5pm on Wednesday. Orders are delivered to Virginia Housing on Friday of the same week.
Q. Once I place my order, when can I expect delivery?
A. Deliveries will be made to Virginia Housing HQ and the Virginia Housing Center every Friday before close of business. Your order will come addressed to your attention and delivered to you via Support Services personnel. Orders placed by Wytheville associates will be shipped directly, via UPS.
Q. How do I know how much of each item is available?
A. It’s easy! You’ll find the quantity of in-stock merchandise shown right next to the item.
Q. What if there isn’t enough in-stock merchandise to fill my order?
A. The store will only allow you to place an order for quantity in-stock. If your order is event-oriented, and there isn’t enough stock available for immediate shipment, please contact Adrian Robinett or Tarsha Merz.
Q. What if the store doesn’t have what I’m looking for?
A. If you have a special need or request, please contact Adrian Robinett at ext. 4722 or adrian.robinett@virginiahousing.com to discuss.
Q. What happens if there’s a discrepancy with my order?
A. Contact Tarsha Merz at tarsha.merz@virginiahousing.com / 804-343-5814, or Adrian Robinette at adrian.robinett@virginiahousing.com / 804-584-4722.
Q. What if I need to cancel my online order?
A. Once an order is placed it can only be canceled by an authorized Virginia Housing administrator. If you need to cancel, contact Tarsha Merz or Adrian Robinett, or use the email link shown in the “About Us” tab.
Q. What if I need to return items that weren’t used?
A. Returns aren’t accepted, so please try to order reasonable amounts. For example, if you expect 500 attendees at your event, it’s advisable to order only 250 items.
Q. What should I do if I receive a request from external stakeholders or non-profits that wish to obtain Virginia Housing promotional items?
A. Due to serious changes in the market and resource considerations, we’re allocating our promotional items primarily to housing-related events that Virginia Housing sponsors or participates in. As a reminder, it’s Virginia Housing policy to use our funds judiciously, in accordance with our mission. Any contribution of promotional items must be made in support of housing-related entities or in relation to a marketing or outreach effort that either provides Virginia Housing with an opportunity to reach potential customers or furthers Virginia Housing’s mission. If the requesting party meets these criteria, you may simply fill out the form on their behalf and handle delivery.