FAQs

Getting started

How it works

Security and privacy

Cost

VicTouch

Background Screening with Verified First

Using Volgistics


Getting Started

How do I get started?

Start by signing-up for a free trial account. This takes just a few minutes, and you only need to provide basic information about your organization. Once you're ready to subscribe, just enter your payment information and you're all set. Sign-up for a free trial now!

How does the free trial work?

The free trial gives you a chance to try-out the system before paying for the service. Trial accounts work just like paid accounts, but are limited to 50 volunteer records and 2 System Operators. Free trials are good for up to 30 days from the day you sign-up. If you decide you want to use Volgistics before the end of the trial period (or within 60 days of when your trial expires), you can enter your payment information and keep any customizations you made or information you entered during the trial.

Can I get started without the free trial?

If you know you're ready to subscribe now, you still start by signing-up for a free trial account. This takes just a few minutes, and you can enter your payment information right away if you want to skip the trial period.

Is there a way to import information from my current database?

Yes. Visit the conversions page for information about tools and services you can use to transfer information from an existing database into your Volgistics account.

Is there a phone number for Volgistics?

Volgistics has developed an excellent system of providing support through electronic means rather than a call center. So we do not have a telephone number. At first this may seem surprising, however our customers soon learn to rely on our rapid response to questions and the accuracy and completeness of our answers. At any time simply click 'Help' to post an inquiry. Not sure what help topic you need? Post an inquiry. Questioning the best way to set something up? Post an inquiry. The Volgistics Team will respond promptly. It's free, it's unlimited and it never expires.

Providing support online rather than by telephone helps us keep Volgistics rates low and allows us to provide rapid support during more hours each day. Our support team is located in Michigan and each member has gone through extensive training.

Our support team is available to answer your questions weekdays from 8am to 9pm Eastern. On Saturday, we are available from 11am to 4pm Eastern. Additionally, a support team member will log in at least once Saturday evening and three times throughout the day on Sunday.

If you have a question simply click the support menu; or select Help from the menu from inside Volgistics and post your inquiry. The Volgistics Team will respond promptly. We can answer most inquiries right away, but the final resolution of some technical inquiries may take longer.

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How it works

Can I use Volgistics anywhere, anytime?

Yes! You can work with your volunteer records from anywhere you have an internet connection - at the office, on the road, from branch offices, in the field, or at home. Your volunteer database is always up-to-date and at your fingertips.

Why don't I need to install any software?

Instead of installing software on your computer, you use the Volgistics system over the internet through your web browser. Volgistics operates from a centrally located, secure data center. You don't need to worry about installing or maintaining any software, or losing valuable data due to computer error. Your data is continually backed up for you. New features are added automatically so you never have to purchase or install software upgrades.

What type of computer do I need?

Any computer from which you can access the internet, and any popular web browser. You can use Volgistics from either a PC or a Mac. See complete system requirements.

Can more than one person use the system at a time?

Yes. Each Volgistics account comes with space for two different users, and you can add as many additional users as you need. Each user can be in the system at the same time as the other users. However, two different people cannot access the system at the same time using the same Volgistics user login name. There is never any limit to the number of volunteers who can access the system simultaneously through VicNet or VicTouch.

What kind of internet connection do I need?

You can access your information from any computer that has any kind of internet connection. A high-speed internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or T1 internet is recommended for locations where you'll access Volgistics frequently (such as your office).

What happens if my internet access is down?

You can access your information from any computer with an internet connection. If your connection to the internet is down you will not be able to access your account until you restore your connection, or move to a computer that has an internet connection available. See complete system requirements.

Does it work with IE11?

No. With Microsoft's decision to cease support for Internet Explorer, we have decided to do the same, and future releases will no longer support Internet Explorer. If you experience issues in Internet Explorer, we recommend using another supported web browser (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari).

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Security and privacy

Why is it safe for me to send my data over the internet?

Volgistics encrypts information as it travels across the internet using industry-standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. SSL helps ensure that your information is protected during transmission over the internet. This is the same technology used to protect online banking services, and for protecting credit card information at online stores. Volgistics uses up to 256-bit SSL encryption on all transactions. See complete security information.

What is 256-bit SSL encryption?

256-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption is the highest level of encryption currently supported by commercial web browsers. This is the same type of security used by many financial institutions.

How reliable is Volgistics?

Volgistics monitors its systems for reliability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Located in a secure data center, the system includes redundant servers, backup power, and multiple network links. Learn more about the reliability of Volgistics. See complete reliability information.

Is Volgistics available 24 hours a day?

Yes! You can access Volgistics any time via the internet. Occasionally, we may need to take down the system for regular maintenance. We always try to perform these kinds of maintenance during non-peak periods, and we always announce them ahead of time.

Do you backup my data?

Yes! Volgistics protects your volunteer records by storing your information on firewall-protected servers, and redundant disk drives. In addition to always maintaining two copies of your data to help ensure that a hardware failure will not affect you, Volgistics automatically backs up your data every day so that your information is protected.

How do you ensure no one else can access my data?

Volgistics stores your data on firewall-protected servers. You have control over who can access your account and what they can see and do. Once you sign up, only the people whom you explicitly authorize can access your information. Each user has a unique login name and password, and you can track their activity in an event log. See complete security information.

Can Volgistics see my information?

The information you store in your database belongs solely to you, and Volgistics carefully safeguards the privacy and security of this data. Volgistics never discloses the content of your database to anyone.

In the course of managing the database, managing file system components and creating and testing system enhancements, authorized Volgistics developers will have access to the database. Volgistics customer service employees will have access to customer data as needed for the purpose of answering customer support inquiries. Volgistics employees may also access the 'event log' for your account for the purpose of answering your support inquiries or assisting you with system operation issues. This log contains a record of system setting changes, system errors, and related system events You can view the event log for your account under 'Account management' in the Setup area.

The security of your data is extremely important to us and therefore all Volgistics staff work under strict Nondisclosure, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation agreements and our Privacy Policy. In addition, all employees are subject to pre-employment and periodic background checks.

Does my browser need to allow cookies?

No. You can use Volgistics even if your browser does not accept cookies. If your browser does accept cookies you can tell Volgistics to remember your account number and login name at your computer, which saves you from having to enter them when you Login. If your browser is set to reject cookies you can still use Volgistics, you'll just need to enter your account number and login name each time you Login.

Can I get my data back if I want to?

Yes! Volgistics includes a data export function so you can retrieve copies of the volunteer information you store in Volgistics as often as you'd like, anytime you want to. More...

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Cost

What is included in the monthly service fee?

You get around the clock access to Volgistics for up to two users (or more if you choose). This includes automatic upgrades; automatic data backup; online application forms and opportunity directories; and online technical support.

If you use the optional VicNet module, your service fee also includes unlimited around the clock access to VicNet for your volunteers and coordinators.

If you use the optional VicTouch module, your service fee also provides for an unlimited number of VicTouch transactions from as many different touch screen kiosk stations as you choose.

Rates vary depending upon the number of volunteer records you wish to track in the system; the number of System Operators you want; and any VIC options you select. See our Price Calculator for details.

Can I have more than two users?

Yes, you can add as many additional users to your account as you choose. Your monthly service fee increases as you add additional users (after the first two). You may add users one at any time (there's no need to add users in blocks of 5, for example), so you can add exactly the number of users you really need.

Are there licensing fees or other start-up costs?

No! All you pay is the monthly service fee. There is no software to buy or license, and no ongoing or long-term commitment. Your start-up cost is just the first month's service fee, and you can cancel at any time.

If you choose to have any existing volunteer database converted through our Jump-Start service, a data conversion fee does apply (a free data conversion utility is also available).

What are the optional services?

The optional services include VicNet and VicTouch. There is an additional monthly rate if you want to use these services. You can add or drop either of these services any time you choose without any change to your information in Volgistics.

How do I pay for Volgistics?

For fastest service, pay for Volgistics on-line at the secure Volgistics Store. You can pay online by credit card or electronic check. If you prefer, you can mail a check. Accounts paid by mail are activated after payment is received and processed.

See the complete Payment Terms for details.

Can I pay with a purchase order?

One way we keep Volgistics rates low is to reduce the cost of collecting service fees. We do this by collecting service fees electronically, online; or by check. For this reason we do not accept purchase orders as payment for service fees. See the complete Payment Terms for more details.

If you need to use a purchase order internally to initiate the generation of a check, you can optionally generate an Invoice for Volgistics that includes your purchase order number. You can find directions in the help section.

Do not send Volgistics your purchase order. Try or Buy order numbers may be listed on Invoices for your internal accounting purposes only. Your account is activated (or your service extended) once you enter your online check information; or, if you choose to mail your check, once your check is processed at Volgistics.

Are there not-for-profit discounts?

Most of our customers are not-for-profit organizations involved in a wide range of important community service, health care, recreational, educational, cultural, and civic endeavors. Our service fees are set with the fiscal realities common to not-for-profits in mind. While some for-profit organizations also use the service, they typically do so as part of outside philanthropic efforts. For these reasons the Volgistics service fees are the same for all.

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VicTouch

Can we have more than one VicTouch workstation?

Yes! You can run VicTouch at as many locations as you'd like. If you have more than one VicTouch station, Volunteers can sign-in at one station, and sign-out at another. Remember that each station requires a PC with an internet connection.

Do I need a touchscreen monitor to use VicTouch?

If you choose to use the optional VicTouch module with Volgistics, we suggest that you use VicTouch at a touchscreen equipped PC. A touchscreen monitor is not required at the computers where you use Volgistics.

For testing or trial purposes, you can run the VicTouch module at any PC that has an internet connection. Simply use the mouse to simulate "touches" on the screen.

It is possible to use VicTouch at a PC that does not have a touchscreen monitor (volunteers would use a computer mouse to select buttons); however, touchscreen monitors generally provide an interface that is easier to use than a mouse. Some volunteers may not be familiar with the use of a mouse, others may be accustomed to a left-handed mouse rather than one that is setup for right-handed users. If your VicTouch station(s) are located in public areas, touchscreen monitors are more secure than a computer mouse.

Where do I get a touchscreen monitor?

Volgistics does not sell touchscreen monitors. However there are many touchscreen monitor vendors around. If your organization has an IT department, they may already have established sources for hardware from which they can purchase a touchscreen monitor.

You can also find touchscreen monitor vendors online. If you perform a simple web search for "touchscreen monitors" you'll find a variety of different vendors.

How much are touchscreen monitors?

Touchscreen monitor prices are available online at many of the touchscreen monitor vendor's web sites. Prices vary depending on the type and size of monitor you choose, and whether or not the monitor has a PC built into it (your touchscreen monitor must either be attached to a PC, or have a PC built-in to it).

Should I get a resistive or capacitive touchscreen?

Touchscreen monitors come in two varieties, resistive and capacitive. You can use VicTouch with either variety, although capacitive monitors are generally recommended.

Resistive monitors respond to pressure from anything on the screen, but their surfaces are a bit less durable. Capacitive monitors respond only to the touch of an ungloved finger, but are more durable.

With a resistive monitor, you can touch the screen with just about anything: gloved or ungloved fingers, the end of a pen or pencil, the edge of a credit card, and so forth. Choose a resistive monitor only if your VicTouch workstation will be in a location where arriving and departing volunteers would be wearing gloves.

While capacitive monitors respond only to the touch of an ungloved finger, their surfaces are harder and better suited to the kind of un-attended, high-volume access your VicTouch station may receive.

What size monitor should I get?

Touchscreen monitors come in a variety of screen sizes, from 14 inches to 21 inches, or more. Since VicTouch will work with any size monitor, monitor dimensions are a matter of preference and budget.

Do I need a kiosk?

A kiosk is a specially built cabinet or pedestal used to hold the touch screen monitor and the PC it is attached to. Kiosks are not required for the VicTouch station, but they do offer good degree security when the station is located in an unattended public area.

When a kiosk is not used, VicTouch workstations are often located at information desks, on a counter in the volunteer office, or on tables or shelves near the location(s) where volunteers arrive and depart.

In some installations where security is a concern, the VicTouch computer and monitor are secured to a counter or desktop with security cables or small, vented PC cabinets instead of inside a kiosk.

If we used VIC with VolunteerWorks, can I use the same touch screen with VicTouch?

Probably. If you used the VolunteerWorks VIC module previously, you can likely use the same touch screen monitor and PC for VicTouch. As long as it uses an operating system and browser that are still supported by their makers, there are several options for launching VicTouch.

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Background Screening with Verified First

Who is Verified First?

Volgistics and Verified First are separate companies, but we've partnered together to provide background screening options right inside Volgistics.

Since 2012, Verified First has been providing fast and accurate results along with competitive rates and outstanding customer service. Connecting Volgistics to Verified First through a simple browser extension allows you to send basic details about the volunteer to Verified First. Then Verified First automatically contacts the volunteer for other needed information to complete the background screening, all without leaving Volgistics.

What are the requirements for using Verified First?

Verified First Account

Verified First

Of course, you'll need to have an account with Verified First to perform any volunteer background screening through their service with this integration.

Web Browser Add-Ons and Extensions

Firefox icon
Firefox Add-On

To use the Verified First integration with the Firefox web browser, you'll need to install the Verified First add-on, which is freely available through Mozilla.

Chrome icon
Chrome Extension

If you use the Google Chrome web browser, you can install the Verified First extension from the Google Webstore to use this integration.

Edge icon
Edge Addon

Microsoft Edge users can install the Verified First addon from Microsoft Edge Addons to use this integration.

Safari icon
Safari Extension

Safari users can install the Verified First app from the Mac App Store to use this integration.

Is my data still private?

Yes! Our partnership with Verified First doesn't provide them with any access to the Volgistics system directly. Instead, their browser extension will pull a few volunteer details (like their name, email address, and phone numbers) from the screen, and only send it to the Verified First system when you ask it to.

How much does background screening cost?

Background screening is completely handled through Verified First. Packages start at just $14 per screen, but pricing can vary based on several factors like the number of screens per month and the types of screening you require. You can get a quote from Verified First, or contact their support if you have more questions.

What kind of background checks can Verified First provide through Volgistics?

Verified First can perform many different kinds of background screenings, including:

  • Criminal history
  • MVR & DOT
  • Drug screening
  • Civil records
  • Credit & financial
  • Identity services
  • Tenant screening
  • Healthcare

Visit the Verified First website to learn more about background screening.

On average, how long does it take to receive results?

There are many factors that go into the turn-around time for background screening, and different parts can take more or less time to complete. Typically though, you can expect results in 2-3 business days on average. Verified First has a blog post that explains some of the complexities about this question.

Can I use a different service?

Of course! Many of our customers use other services for background screening, and can continue to do so. To use another service, you'll just need to manually send all of the details. This partnership just makes it a little easier to use Verified First.

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Using Volgistics

How do I correct misaligned address labels?

With some versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, and under certain Adobe Acrobat Reader settings, that program will re-size documents so they are smaller. Volgistics renders the label sheet properly, but Acrobat Reader reduces the page size causing the labels not to align properly on the label sheet. Follow the directions here to solve the problem. Once you make these adjustments in Acrobat Reader your labels will align properly.

Where should I track volunteer requirements such as health screening?

The Checklist features are designed for keeping track of actions that new or current volunteers must complete, such as Attending orientation; Health screenings; Confidentially agreements; Parental consent forms; Background checks; Reference checks; and more. More...

Can I assign my own volunteer numbers?

You can assign numbers to your volunteers if you want to, however assigning and using volunteer numbers is not required unless you use the VicTouch module. With VicTouch, volunteers use their PIN (personal id numbers) to sign-in and out. More...

How do I add more items to a drop-down list?

You can add items to the drop-down lists in your volunteer records, and manage other field properties such as hiding and un-hiding fields, changing field names, and setting System Operator rights from the Setup page. More...

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Try or Buy

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Sample Account

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