Why should I register?

Here are five good reasons to register as a User with OverseasCafé;

1. You are an Agent selling property overseas.
2. You are an owner of a property overseas that you wish to sell.
3. You are interested in buying property overseas.
4. You want to find out more about overseas property by accessing impartial and independent advice, news and information.
5. You'd like to share stories and property advice with like-minded people worldwide.

How do I register?

1. Click Register.
2. You will be required to enter a valid email address and to supply a Password. Note: if you wish to register as an agent please use your main company email address.
3. After submitting all the requested details, an email containing your OverseasCafé User Name and Password will be sent to you.
4. In order to activate the account, you must either click on the link contained in the email link or copy and paste the supplied url into your browser.
5. When you follow the link / url above, the Validate Your Account page will be displayed. You must state if you wish to register as an individual User or Agent. If you are registering as an agent you will be required to supply a VAT number so that we can verify your company details.
6. You will be required to provide additional information to complete your registration. This will only take a couple of minutes to complete. You are then ready to take full advantage of all the site’s content.

Note: If you register as an Agent your account must be approved by the site administrator.

What kind of information will I find on OverseasCafé?

Independent editorial, Ireland's largest selection of overseas properties (supplied by both agents and individuals), up to the minute news and industry Information, a comprehensive listing of upcoming shows, exhibitions and seminars.

What makes this site different from all the other property sites I've seen?

It is a portal dedicated totally to the overseas property industry, set up by people who are well known and respected in the industry. As such it can provide you with in-depth information and news along with a selection of properties you won't find elsewhere.

Why does an agent have to supply a VAT number?

1. If you wish to register on the site as an agent you are required to supply your VAT number so we can verify you are a bona fide agent and thus approve your account.
2. If you can not supply a valid VAT number, but still wish to register as an agent, please contact us at support@overseascafe.com to discuss it further.

Why do I have to supply you with my email address?

1. Your email address is your username.
2. In order to register, you must supply an email address so we can send you a confirmation email with your activation code.

I registered but didn't receive the confirmation email. Why?

1. Activation emails are usual sent within 24 hours. NOTE: This process may take longer for agents as the account must be manually verified.
2. If you have not received an email within this time, it is most likely caused by the email being treated as SPAM by your email server or client.
3. Check that the email (from signup@overseascafe.com ) is not stored in your Junk Mail folder or ensure that this address is allowed by your spam blocking service.

How can I delete my account?

1. Contact us at deregister@overseascafe.com

Profiles

Why do I have to fill out profile information?

1. Information such as email address, name, date of birth and (for agents only) VAT number are required to create your account.
2. The information provided helps us keep the site updated with information applicable to the interests of our members.

What will other users on the site see if they look at my profile?

1. Users: Only your user name will be displayed. Your contact details will only be displayed if you wish to sell a property. Users are allowed to list one property for sale on the site.

How do I change my contact details?

1. Click the Settings link displayed on the top menu.
2. Click Edit Profile
   • Change your contact details.
   • Click the OK button.

What do I do if I want to change my email address?

1. Under MyOverseasCafé Settings, click Edit Profile.
2. Overwrite your old email address with you new one and click the Submit button.
3. You will have to go through the same email validation process that you did when you registered.
4. An activation code will be sent to the new email address you have submitted.

What do I do if I want to change my Password ID?

1. Under MyOverseasCafé Settings, click Change Password.
2. Enter your Current Password.
3. Enter a New Password.
4. Repeat the password in Confirm Password.

Searching

How do I view and search Properties?

See the Properties box on the left hand menu.

1. To view all properties - click the Go button to the right of the Countries dropdown list.
2. To view properties in a specific country - select a country from the Countries list and click the Go button.
3. To view properties of a particular type or within a specific price range, click Advanced Search and select Properties from the Search for dropdown list.

How do I view and search Exhibitions?

See the Properties box on the left hand menu.

1. To view all Exhibitions - click Exhibitions.
2. To view Exhibitions featuring a particular country, agent or venue:
   • Click Advanced Search
   • Select Exhibitions from the Search for dropdown list.

How do I view and search Articles?

Use the links or drop down boxes in the Articles box on the left hand menu.

View / Search News

1. To view all News articles - click the Go button to the right of the News dropdown list.
2. To view News in a particular category (e.g. Tax, Legal) - select a category from the News dropdown list and click the Go button.
3. To perform a search of News articles:
   • Click Advanced Search
   • Select Articles from the Search for dropdown list.
   • Select News from the Article Type dropdown list.
   • Select a Country or Author from the displayed lists or enter a Keyword/ID to search for in all News articles.
   • Click Search

View / Search Editorials

1. To view all Editorial articles - click the Go button to the right of the Editorials dropdown list.
2. To view Editorials in a particular category (e.g. Tax, Legal) - select a category from the Editorials dropdown list and click the Go button.
3. To perform a search of Editorials articles:
   • Click Advanced Search
   • Select Articles from the Search for dropdown list.
   • Select Editorials from the Article Type dropdown list.
   • Select a Countryor Author from the displayed lists or enter a Keyword/IDto search for in all News articles.
   • Click Search

View / Search Agent News

1. To view all Agent News articles - click the Go button to the right of the Agent News dropdown list.
2. To view Agent News in a particular category (e.g. Tax, Legal) - select a category from the Agent News dropdown list and click the Go button.
3. To perform a search of Agent News articles:
   • Click Advanced Search
   • Select Articles from the Search for dropdown list.
   • Select Agent News from the Article Type dropdown list.
   • Select a Country or Author from the displayed lists or enter a Keyword/IDto search for in all News articles.
   • Click Search

View / Search Advice

See the Articles box on the left hand menu.

1. To view all Advice articles - click the Go button to the right of the Advice dropdown list.
2. To view Advice in a particular category (e.g. Tax, Legal) - select a category from the Advice dropdown list and click the Go button.
3. To perform a search of Advice articles:
   • Click Advanced Search
   • Select Articles from the Search for dropdown list.
   • Select Advice from the Article Type dropdown list.
   • Select a Country or Author from the displayed lists or enter a Keyword/ID to search for in all News articles.
   • Click Search

What is the difference between news, editorial, agent news and advice?

News is general news about the overseas property industry. Editorial is independently commissioned copy written specifically for the OverseasCafé.com by some of the leading writers on the topic of overseas property in Ireland and the UK. Agent news is generally PR uploaded directly by agents to inform the general public of products or services that they are currently providing. Advice is independent information commissioned by the OverseasCafe.com from renowned overseas property industry experts from across Ireland and the UK.

How do I sort or filter the search results?

1. The sort order of search results can be changed by clicking the title of the result headings (e.g. Title, Country).
2. Filters are used to narrow down the search results. Select options from the filters displayed below the search results.

What extra does the 'Advanced Search' give me?

1. Advanced Search allows you to specify more search criteria to more accurately match your interests.
2. Property - specify the Agent, Property Type, Number of bedrooms,Price Range, and Keyword
3. Article - specify the Author, Country and Keyword

How do I save my searches?

1. Enter the search criteria and click the Search button.
2. On the results page, click the Save Search link displayed under User Options.

How do I add items to my favourites list?

1. Select the Property, Article or Exhibition.
2. On the details page, (under User Options) select Add to Favourites.
3. Add to Favourites will then be displayed as Added to Favourites

How do I search the entire site?

See the bottom right hand corner of all pages on the site.

1. To search all the content of the site for a keyword, enter the keyword in the field to the left of the Search Site button.
2. Click the Search Site button.
3. Any results found will be displayed on the Search Results page.

Costs and Payment

What do I get for free?

As a registered user you have free access to all the information and property listings on the site. As a registered agent you can freely upload information and news relating to your company along with property listings and details of upcoming exhibitions.

How much does it cost to advertise my services or list a property on OverseasCafé?

Users

As a registered user you are entitled to offer one property for sale for FREE. Please contact the OverseasCafé team if you wish to add more than one property to our site and are not an agent.

Agents

Banner adverts are priced per 1,000 page shows, the rate depending on the location: top, side or bottom. Premium properties are charged per 1,000 clicks. Normal properties are currently FREE.

How are the services available on the site priced - what am I getting for my money?

It very much depends on where you wish to advertise. You have the option of purchasing banner adverts or property clicks on the site. The prices for these are available when you log-in as an agent and visit your account summary.

Where can I read your detailed Terms and Conditions?

1. Follow the Terms and Conditions link on the left hand menu under OverseasCafé.

How do I purchase property listings or banner advertising space?

1. Click the My Account link displayed on the top menu.
2. Under Sub Navigation, click Purchase Property Clicks or Manage Banner Adverts.
3. Follow the instructions on the page. You will be asked the number of clicks you want for properties or the number of page shows you want for banners. At the moment normal properties are FREE, only Premium Property listings have to be paid for.
4. You will be able to calculate the cost automatically before you purchase.
5. When you click purchase you will enter the manual payment system and can follow the instructions.

Do I have to pay to put information on the 'Exhibition Listing' or 'Agent News' sections of the site?

No, these are currently free services for registered agents. OverseasCafe.com does, however, reserve the right to refuse content or edit anything offered to the site so that information presented to users of the site is in an acceptable format and does not contain any objectionable material, information of a questionable nature, etc.

Is your on-line payment system secure?

At the moment only a manual payment system is in place. An on-line payment system will be added in due course.

If I don't want to use online payment is there another option I can use?

At the moment only a manual payment system is in place. When the on-line payment system is added, the manual payment system will be retained as an option, for those users who have difficulties using an on-line system.

Adding Information

How do I add a property?

1. Click the Properties link displayed on the top menu.
2. Click the Add Property link.
3. Enter details for the property and click Save button.

How do I edit my property?

1. Click the Properties link displayed on the top menu.
2. Click the property Title or Full Details of the property that you wish to update.
3. Click Edit Property.
4. You can change property details, features, amenities and images.
5. Click Update button to save changes.

How do I delete my property?

1. Click the Properties link displayed on the top menu.
2. Click the check box displayed on the far right of the property that you wish to delete.
3. Click the Delete button.
4. A confirmation message will be displayed. Click the Confirm button if you are sure you want to proceed.

How do I add an article?

You must be registered as an Agent or PR Person.

1. Click the Articles link displayed on the top menu.
2. Click the Add article link.
3. Enter details for the article and click the Save button.

How do I edit my article?

1. Click the Articles link displayed on the top menu.
2. Select the Title or Full Article of the article that you wish to edit.
3. The Article Details page will be displayed. Click Edit Article.
4. Make the changes you require and click the Update button to save the changes.

How do I delete my article?

1. Click the Articles link displayed on the top menu.
2. Select the Title or Full Article of the article that you wish to edit.
3. The Article Details page will be displayed. Tick the checkbox to the left of the article that you wish to delete.
4. Click the Delete button. When you are sure you wish to proceed, click the Confirm button.

How do I add an exhibition?Agents only

You must be registered as an Agent or PR Person.

1. Click the Exhibitions link displayed on the top menu.
2. Click Add an Exhibition.
3. Enter details for the exhibition and click the Save button.

How do I edit my exhibition?Agents only

1. Click the Exhibitions link displayed on the top menu.
2. Select the exhibition that you wish to edit.
3. Click Edit Exhibition.
4. Update the details for the exhibition and click the Update button to save the changes.

How do I delete my exhibition?Agents only

1. Click the Exhibitions link displayed on the top menu.
2. Select the exhibition that you wish to delete.
3. Click the Delete button. When you are sure you wish to proceed, click the Confirm button.

Why does the content I add to the site need to be approved?Agents only

This is to maintain the quality of the information placed on the site. Although a lot of information is uploaded by agents, what some deem to be 'information' may not necessarily tie in with what is desired by the OverseasCafé.com. To maintain the integrity of the information on the site we therefore need to vet what is presented to our audience.

How long does approval take?Agents only

It should be completed within one working day but may take longer at weekends or during holiday periods.

How will I know when my material has been approved?Agents only

1. The status of your properties and articles, viewed in MyOverseasCafé will be changed from Unapproved to Approved and you will be able to see the material active on the system.

What should I do if my material is not approved?Agents only

If material is not approved OverseasCafe.com will explain why by sending a message to you’re account. You can then alter the material and resubmit it if you so wish.

How do I upload an image to go with my property or article?Agents only

1. On the edit property or article page, click the image upload.
2. A new window will be displayed. Click the Browse button. Browse to the image file location and select the image.
3. Click Upload
4. Enter a Title for the property. (This will be displayed below the image).
5. Enter a Description for the property. (This will be displayed when the mouse is moved over the image).
6. Click Upload
7. Click Done

How many images can I upload?Agents only

1. You can upload up to 11 images for your property.
2. To upload further images go to the ‘Image Gallery’ section and upload further images.
3. You can also upload 1 video for your property.

Can I upload properties in bulk?Agents only

If you are an agent you can use the supplied properties template file to upload bulk properties. Follow the steps detailed below:

1. Click the Properties link displayed on the top menu.
2. Click the Upload Multiple Properties link.
3. If you have not already downloaded the Template File click the Download button
4. When you have entered the details for the properties on to the template file, click the Browse button and select the file from its saved location.
5. If you wish to delete all previously uploaded properties, click the checkbox next to Delete old data.
6. If you wish to automatically mark the uploaded properties as approved, click the checkbox next to Approve Uploaded Properties, otherwise properties will need to be approved by Admin.
7. Click the Upload button.

Note:Any errors found in the uploaded file will be displayed on screen. These errors MUST be corrected or the file will not be accepted and the properties will not be displayed on the OverseasCafé site. If you need any help correcting these errors, contact support@OverseasCafe.com

Interacting with other users

How can I find out information about agents selling properties on the site?

1. When viewing the property details, click the View Profile link displayed next to the agents name
2. (The agent name and View Profile are displayed below the property title)

How can I find information on agents mentioned in articles on the site?

1. Click on the Agents link in the Properties box on the left side of your screen.
2. Use the filters at the bottom of the page to refine your search.

I am interested in a property. How do I contact the agent or owner?

1. When viewing the property details, click the Contact user about this Property
2. Enter details in the displayed message screen and click the Send button

How can I find out information about the authors of articles on the site?

1. When viewing the article details, click the View Profile link displayed next to the authors name
2. (The author name and View Profile are displayed below the article title)

I have interest in an article. How do I contact the author?

1. When viewing the article, click the Contact Author about this Article
2. Enter details in the displayed message screen and click the Send button.
3. Note: some authors have asked that they not receive messages. In these cases the messages will be delivered to OverseasCafe.com Admin instead.

How do I ask advice?

See the Articles box on the left hand menu.

1. Select a category from the Articles dropdown menu and click the Go button.
2. Click Ask Advice
3. A list of Advisors is displayed. Choose an advisor to contact and click on their name.
4. Send Message is displayed. Enter a subject and question you wish to ask and click the Send button.
5. Alternatively, if you are reading an advice article, you can contact the author directly by using the Contact Author about this Advice link. This again opens the message window directly to that advisor.

How do I locate the best qualified advisor to answer my question?

1. Use the Articles Advanced Search.
2. View the Advisors Profile and articles.

What is the difference between a discussion and a message?

1. Anything you put in a discussion is visible to all users.
2. A Message is private between the sender and the recipient.

How do I participate in a discussion?

At the end of each topic or property you will find a link to add your discussion. You will need to be registered to participate but this is a simple procedure.

How do I find out what discussions are available?

1. Click Discussions from the top menu.
2. The number of discussions for Properties, Articles, Exhibitions or Agent are displayed.
3. Select e.g. Properties to view the property discussions.

How do I start a new discussion?

1. Click Add Discussion and enter your comments.
2. NOTE: A discussion is linked to the Property, Article, Exhibition or Agent displayed on the page when you selected Add Discussion.

How is the discussion part of the site controlled; can I be sure that I won't be harassed or presented with inappropriate material?

All discussions are vetted by OverseasCafe.com so we will know what is being presented to site visitors. If, however, you feel some content is in any way inappropriate please contact us at feedback@overseascafe.com and we will examine the content in question.

How do I delete something I've added to a discussion?

1. Click the Delete link displayed next to the discussion message that you wish to delete.

How do I reply to a message I have received?

1. Click the Reply link displayed next to the message that you wish to reply to.
2. Enter a title and message and click the Send button.

How do I delete a message?

1. In Messages, click the Delete link displayed next to the message that you wish to delete.

Printing and Downloading

How do I download images from the site?

1. Right click on the image thumbnail and select Save Picture As.
2. Select location to save the image to and click the Save button.

Advertising

How do I purchase advertising?

To purchase property clicks:

1. Click the Accounts link displayed on the top menu.
2. Under Sub Navigation, click Purchase Property Clicks.
3. Select the listing type.
4. Enter the number of clicks- this is the number of times users can click your banner before your credit runs out.
5. Click the Calculate Total button, this will tell you how much the suggested number of clicks will cost. You are not committed to making a purchase unless you proceed to the next step.
6. Click the Proceed to Payment button.
7. Enter your billing details and click the Submit button.

To purchase banner advert shows:

1. Click the Accounts link displayed on the top menu.
2. Under Sub Navigation, click Manage Banner Adverts.
3. Browse through your folders to select the banner you wish to use. You can use more than one banner, or use the same banner in more than one location, but each one must be uploaded separately.
4. Enter the number of shows that you wish to purchase - this is the number of times your banner will be displayed before your credit runs out.
5. Click the Calculate Total button. this will tell you how much the suggested number of clicks will cost.
6. An estimate of the number of days your advert will last at current levels of site use will be displayed along with the cost. You are not committed to making a purchase unless you proceed to the next step.
7. Click the Proceed to Payment button.
8. Enter your billing details and click the Submit button.

How do I upload an advertising banner to the site?

1. Click the Accounts link displayed on the top menu.
2. Under Sub Navigation, click Manage Banner Adverts.
3. Click Add new banner. Note the banner sizes that are allowed as the system will refuse banners that do not conform to the sizes indicated.
   • Title: Name for the banner
   • Summary: Summary of the banner
   • Link Destination: URL (Web address) that the banner should direct to (e.g. the url of your own website http://www.yourownwebsite.com)
   • Location on Page: Select where on the Overseascafé.com site you wish to display the banner - Top, Right or Bottom of the page
   • Site Sections: Your banner will be displayed only in the Overseascafé.com sections you select
   • Country specific: Your banner will be displayed when Property or Articles for the countries you selected are viewed by users.
   • Click Browse and select the banner image from its location.
   • Click Save.
4. The Purchase Banner Shows page will be displayed with the banner details you entered.
5. To complete the purchase, please refer to the FAQ steps detailed above "How do I purchase advertising?"

I don't see my banner every time I log on - why is this?

1. Banners on OverseasCafé are cycled, the more advertising that is booked on the site the less often you will see your advert.
2. Banners are only displayed on the site sections and for the countries specified when uploading the banner.

What dimensions, file size and file format should I use for my banners in order to get the most out of the site?

• Top Adverts must be 234 pixels wide x 60 pixels high
• Right Adverts must be 120 pixels wide x 240 pixels high
• Bottom Adverts must be 234 pixels wide x 60 pixels high

1. Only the following formats will be accepted: jpeg, gif and png.

Do I need an agent to advertise my property on OverseasCafé?

• No, as a user you can advertise a single property for free. Click on Properties at the top of the page and then choose ‘Add Property’.

Alerts

Can I be notified about activity related to me on the site?

1. MyOverseasCafé has an alerts system so that users can be notified when there is activity on the site relating to them.
2. In MyOverseasCafé - Settings;, click Alerts.
3. You can select which alert types you wish to receive and how often you wish to receive them.
4. Alerts will be issued based on Saved Searches

How do I stop receiving alert notifications?

1. In MyOverseasCafé - Settings;, click Alerts.
2. Select Never from the dropdown list of the alert(s) types you no longer wish to receive.

Miscellaneous

How do I lodge a complaint?

Very simply email feedback@overseascafe.com and we will do our utmost to ensure that your complaint is dealt with quickly and effectively.

Can I get a refund if I'm dissatisfied with the site?Agents only

While we cannot refund outlay which has already been used in the form of banner shows or property clicks, we can certainly return any funds that are outstanding in you’re account should you feel you no longer wish to avail of our services. Please email info@overseascafe.com and we will have a representative contact you to organise any refunds necessary.

I have a question not dealt with in these FAQ's. What should I do?

Please contact us at info@overseascafe.com and we will do our best to answer your query satisfactorily.

Who is responsible for the information presented on this site?

The information is ultimately the responsibility of those uploading the information. If you have any queries on anything on the site please use the contact information for the entity who has posted it.

Problems

I'm viewing properties and I don't see the images with them - why is this?

1. Some agents store their images on a different web server to the server running OverseasCafé.com and provide a link to this image server.
2. If their image server is having problems, then the images may not appear even though the Overseascafé.com site is working correctly.
3. The best course of action is to log on again later and to see if this problem has been resolved.
4. OverseasCafé.com prides itself on providing a quality service. If you experience persistent problems with a particular image or set of images please report it to support@overseascafe.com and we will do our best to resolve the issue.