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MSC Industrial SupplyFAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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About MSC Industrial Supply
Q: How do I find an MSC Industrial Supply branch near me?
A: To find an MSC branch, visit Our Locations page and click on your state to see a list of locations near you.
Q: What name is MSC Industrial Supply traded under?
A: MSC Industrial Supply is traded under MSM. To find out more information about MSC Industrial Supply stock, go to our Investor Relations page.
A: To view the Annual Report, you can download the latest copy on the Investor Relations page. A printed version of the Annual Report is also available upon request. To request a copy to be sent to you, please contact a Customer Support representative at 800-645-7270 or send an email to cust_service@mscdirect.com. A message window, pre-loaded with the Customer Support e-mail address, will be displayed. Simply enter your request and press send.
Browsing
Q: Is there a way to view a specific page from the Catalog?
A: To view a specific page in our online catalog, enter the word "page" followed by the page number into the Keyword search box and click 'GO'. You can also view a specific page by going to the Item Details page and clicking on the catalog link within the item specifications.
Q: Is there a way to 'flip through' pages of the virtual catalog?
A: To "flip through" pages of the virtual catalog you can 1) click on Virtual Catalog under the Order tab, scroll to the desired tab/section and click on view index page; 2) click on the actual page number; 3) enter a page number in the "Jump to Page #" field on the last row of the top navigation bar and click 'GO'; 4)click on the Next or Back icon; or 5) scroll the page slider, in the virtual catalog tool bar, to the desired page.
Q: Is registering necessary to browse the catalog?
A: No, it is not necessary to register to view or browse the catalogs; anyone can browse the Big Book® or any of our catalogs and brochures without having to register.
Q: Can customers browse through sales catalogs online?
A: Yes, everyone can browse our available sales catalogs on line. Visit Catalogs Home under the Order Tab to view all sale flyers and catalogs available for online viewing.
Q: What version of Adobe Acrobat is required for viewing the catalog page(s)?
A: The mscdirect.com websites use Adobe Acrobat version 9.0.115 and above, which is used solely for the purpose of displaying the catalog page(s). Please note that you may still save the catalog page to the hard drive by using the disk icon on the toolbar in the Acrobat window.
Q: How do customers download Adobe Acrobat?
A: Adobe Acrobat can be downloaded for free from Adobe's website. Once it is downloaded and installed catalog pages will open in the browser when the link is clicked.
Q: Does MSCdirect.com use cookies?
A: MSCdirect.com reserves the right to use cookies. Cookies can be disabled on the browser, however if they are disabled, an order cannot be placed and account information cannot be viewed.
Q: How do customers view and/or print a virtual catalog page in PDF format?
A: From any search results, look for the catalog page number link and click it. On the resulting page, look on the viewer toolbar and click the View PDF drop-down button to select the proper page image. Once the page is viewable as PDF, you can use the Acrobat toolbar print button to generate hard copies of individual pages.
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Customer /Vendor Managed Inventory
Q: Where are VMI carts located?
A: When a VMI cart is uploaded, it can then be found on the Manage CMI/VMI Carts screen which can be accessed from the My Account screen. You can select the applicable VMI cart to add to your Shopping Cart. Once a VMI cart is checked out, the applicable reference will be removed from the Manage CMI/VMI Carts screen.
Q: Where are CMI carts located?
A: When a CMI cart is uploaded it can then be found on the Manage CMI/VMI carts screen which can be accessed from the My Account screen. Once a CMI cart is checked out, the applicable reference will be removed from the Manage CMI/VMI carts screen.
If you are an anonymous Punch out customer, you must log in with your key code first in order for a reference to be saved for a CMI upload, or you can save it as an order, but you will then be prompted to log in.
Q: Is there a way to rename a CMI/VMI order to something more recognizable?
A: To rename a CMI/VMI order so that it can be easily identified, click on 'Edit Cart Name' and enter the desired information.
Credit Cards
Q: Are credit card numbers secure?
A: Credit card numbers are secure because mscdirect.com uses 128-bit encryption while transmitting secure information, ensuring the highest level of security.
Q: How is credit card information protected on mscdirect.com?
A: Credit Card information is protected using secure socket layer (SSL) for the encryption of transactions. During transmission, it encrypts all of your personal information, including credit card number, name and address, so that it cannot be deciphered by anyone except the account holder. All sensitive information is also encrypted, remains on our server, and will never be transmitted for any reason.
Q: How do credit cards get added to an account?
A: To add a credit card to the account, select Maintain Credit Cards from the My Account Screen and add the desired information.
Q: Can credit card numbers be edited online?
A: The expiration date is the only thing that can be edited. For security purposes, it is recommended that the credit card number be deleted and a new card number entered.
Q: My credit card is no longer valid; how do I delete it?
A: Credit card numbers can be deleted by selecting Maintain Credit Cards from the My Account Screen.
Q: Is there any notification when a credit card on the account expires?
A: When a credit card expires, an e-mail will be sent to you notifying you to update the records.
Q: Do other contacts at the company have the ability to see all my credit cards?
A: Other contacts do not have the ability to see other users' cards. If it is a company level credit card, all users will be able to see the company credit card number(s).
Q: If there are many credit cards on the account, how is one set as the default?
A: To set a credit card as the default, go to My Account and select Credit Card /Reference Number defaults and select the desired card.
Q: Do MSC Industrial Supply associates have access to see a credit card number?
A: MSC Industrial Supply associates only have access to the last four digits and expiration date of credit cards.
Q: Can credit card information be stored?
A: The option to store credit card information is available on the website.
Q: How many credit cards can be stored?
A: There is no limitation on the number of credit cards that can be stored.
Q: What is a company credit card?
A: A company credit card is a card that all contacts in the company have access to.
Q: Do all users see the company credit card?
A: Yes, all users see the company credit card, but only the last four digits.
Q: What is a Procurement Card Reference/Account Number used for?
A: Companies that contract for additional services with credit card providers may utilize this feature to provide enhanced reporting capabilities of their buying history. If your company utilizes these additional features, you will be provided reference or account numbers to utilize.
Q: How is a reference number used?
A: Reference numbers can be created from the My Account screen by selecting Maintain Procurement Reference Numbers. Once created, a single reference number can be set as a default reference number by the user.
Q: How can reference numbers be edited?
A: Reference numbers can be edited on the Maintain Procurement Reference Numbers page, but only the description can be edited. It is recommended to delete and re-enter a new reference number.
Q: Do reference numbers or credit card numbers print on any order related paperwork?
A: Reference numbers or credit card numbers will not print on any paperwork for security purposes.
Q: Is there a maximum amount of characters on a reference number?
A: The maximum amount of characters on a reference number is 17.
Q: What types of credit cards are accepted for payment?
A: The following credit cards are accepted for payment: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. We also accept Procurement Cards.
Q: Is the payment screen part of the checkout process?
A: Yes it is, but users have an option to "turn off" the payment screen in the (regular) checkout process. The option to turn off the payment screen details can be found in Credit Card/Reference Number Default.
Customer Part Numbers
Q: What is a Customer Part Number?
A: A Customer Part Number is a cross reference from your part numbers to MSC Industrial Supply part numbers.
Q: How is a Customer Part Number created?
A: Only individuals registered as an Administrator of an account can create Customer Part Numbers either through the option on the My Account page, by calling Customer Support at 800-753-7970 or by sending an e-mail to cust_service@mscdirect.com.
Q: If a Customer Part Number is created on the website, when will it be available?
A: Customer Part Number creations are real time and are ready to be used once submitted.
Q: What is the maximum amount of numbers/letters a Customer Part Number can have? Can it be any characters on my keyboard?
A: The maximum amount of characters a Customer Part Number can have is twelve and may only contain letters, numbers, dashes and underscores. The MSC Industrial Supply Part Number can be any eight digit number as it appears in our Big Book®.
Q: How are Customer Part Numbers updated or edited?
A: To edit or update Customer Part Number, please call Customer Support at 800-753-7970.
Q: How long will it take for Customer Support to edit Customer Numbers? Will they be immediately accessible?
A: Customer Support will update the Customer Part Number over the phone. Once the data is entered, it will be available to use immediately.
Q: How are Customer Part Numbers viewed?
A: To view Customer Part Number, click on my account and then click on view Customer Part Number.
Q: What part number will show on the invoice, the Customer Part Number or the MSC Part Number?
A: If the order was placed using the Customer Part number, both numbers will appear on the invoice and shipping confirmation.
A: To delete a Customer Part Number, you must call Customer Support at 800-753-7970 .
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Customer Support
Q: What are the hours for Customer Support for the website? What number do I call?
A: Dedicated eCommerce Customer Support representatives are available Monday through Friday 7am-10pm ET . General Customer Support is available Monday through Friday 7am-11pm ET and Saturday 8am-5pm ET. For website-related issues call 800-753-7970; for all other Customer Support issues, call 800-645-7270 . The technical team can also be reached via e-mail at cust_service@mscdirect.com.
Q: How are technical questions answered?
A: Technical questions will be answered by our eCommerce Customer Support Team. They are available Monday through Friday 7am-10pm ET at 800-753-7970 . General Customer Support is available Monday through Friday 7am-11pm ET and Saturday 8am-5pm ET at 800-645-7270.
Q: How do e-mails get sent to someone at MSC Industrial Supply and how long before a response is received?
A: To send an e-mail to someone at MSC Industrial Supply, you can use one of the pre-defined e-mail links set up throughout the site. When you click on an e-mail link, it opens an e-mail window with the address field already populated. E-mails will be responded to within the next business day.
Q: I ordered an item from MSC Industrial Supply before but now the item says Invalid when I try to purchase it on the website - Why?
A: If you ordered an item from the website before, it is possible that the has been phased out or inactivated . It is also possible that the item was a special order part number or an item that we are currently reviewing for various reasons. For help in this situation, call Customer Support at 800-753-7970.
Q: Is there a way to request additional catalogs?
A: To request additional catalogs send an e-mail to cust_service@mscdirect.com , call 800-753-7970, or visit MSCdirect.com and under Customer Support click on ÌáRequest a Catalog.
Q: Is there a way to get a CD-ROM?
A: We no longer offer a CD-ROM version of our catalog.
A: FAQs are reviewed and updated annually. The FAQ section will contain the most current information available.
Email
Q: Why don't the e-mails I receive from MSC related to my order or quotes display correctly with Lotus Notes®?
A: E-mails do not display correctly because there is a configuration change required for Lotus Notes®. The Lotus Notes e-mail server must be set to "keep external e-mail in sender's format." Once that setting is changed, you will be able to receive our e-mails properly. Please note, this configuration change must be made by personnel within your IT group. For the short term, if you print your documents using landscape instead of portrait you should be able to view all the information.
Q: Why should I use Express Checkout instead of the regular Checkout?
A: Express Checkout has all your preferred settings saved to help you get through checkout faster. If you always use the same checkout information, Express Checkout is an easier function to use. If you regularly find yourself updating your ship-to or payment information, then the standard checkout process would be the best way to proceed.
Q: How are Express Checkout defaults set up?
A: There are two ways to set up Express Checkout defaults. If there are no defaults set up, once on the cart screen, click on the 'Change Defaults' button in the Express Checkout Settings section. If you would like to update your settings, go to the My Account page under Personal Settings and choose 'Express Checkout Settings' to update the information.
Q: Why does the Order Review screen show during every checkout?
A: This Order Review page appears just prior to the order being submitted every time so that customers have the opportunity to review the order one last time before submitting it.
My Account
Q: How is My Account set up?
A: To set up My Account, click on My Account. There are three scenarios:
- Existing MSC Industrial Supply Account: If you have previously placed an order with MSC Industrial Supply (by telephone or fax), your account already exists. You can locate that account here by entering your MSC Industrial Supply account number and billing address. Then follow the prompts to register.
- Previously registered users: simply enter user name and password, and click on login.
- Customers who are new to the website, simply register and enter the required information when prompted.
Q: Can a login name be edited?
A: Login names, once they are created, cannot be changed. If necessary, a new contact can be added through contact management.
Q: How do I edit my ship-to information?
A: To edit ship-to information call Customer Support at 800-645-7270. For security reasons, customer account information cannot be edited by anyone other than a Customer Support Representative.
Note: A new ship-to can be added by clicking on My Account, clicking on Manage Shipping Addresses and entering the required information or by calling Customer Support at 800-645-7270.
Q: How do I edit my bill-to information?
A: To edit bill-to information call Customer Support at 800-645-7270. For security reasons, customer account information cannot be edited by anyone other than a Customer Support Representative.
Q: How do I make a bill-to and/or ship-to tax exempt?
A: To make a bill-to tax exempt, a tax-exempt certificate must be faxed to our Tax Department at 800-753-7959.
Q: How do I make one item on my tax-exempt order taxable?
A: To make on item on your tax-exempt order taxable, simply select the tax exempt check box to the right of the respective line item. The order must be placed using a tax-exempt address.
Q: What actions should be taken if someone leaves our company?
A: If someone leaves the company, the Administrator has the ability to deactivate the user. If you cannot contact your Administrator, call Customer Support at 800-645-7270.
Q: Where can open invoices be viewed?
A: To view open invoices, the Administrator can click on My Account and then click on View Account Detail/Pay Invoice.
Q: How can customers pay previous balances on an account?
A: You can pay outstanding balances on the account as long as you are the Administrator and you are paying by credit card. If you are the Administrator, click on My Account then click on View Account Detail/Pay Invoice.
Q: Who can access accounts receivable information?
A: Accounts receivable information, such as invoices, is only available to the Administrator from the My Account page.
Q: Is UPS tracking information available?
A: To look up UPS tracking information, click on My Account and then click on View Order History, search for the required order or click on the order number, and click on UPS tracking. You may also review the Search Past Orders page and search for the part numbers you are trying to gain information on.
Q: How long is UPS tracking information available?
A: UPS tracking history is kept on the system for two years.
Ordering
Q: Besides the website, what ordering methods does MSC Industrial Supply offer?
A: You may order using any of the following methods:
Make a free call: 800-645-7270
Visit one of our branch locations
Send us a fax: 800-255-5067
Send us an e-mail: orders@mscdirect.com
Visit our Ordering & Shipping Options area
Q: How is the quantity edited after the item is already in the Shopping Cart?
A: To edit the quantity after an item is in the cart, click in the quantity box and enter the new quantity by typing over the existing quantity. Scroll down and click on Update Cart or use the enter key.
Q: How are notes entered on an item?
A: There are two means of entering notes on an order; notes can only be entered by a Supervisor or Requisitioner prior to an order being routed to a buyer. Routing notes can also be attached to the specific item in the Shopping Cart and remain with that cart throughout the order process. However, these notes will not be read by an MSC associate; they are for customer use only.
Q: Does MSCdirect.com accept international orders?
A: If you are ordering from an international location, please call International Sales, Monday through Friday 7am-11pm ET and Saturday 8am-5pm ET at 888-880-2048 or fax at 001-248-200-4045. Delivery, duty, and tax are the responsibility of the customer and warranties are void outside of the U.S.
Q: How can I request a quote?
A: There are a few ways to request a quote: 1) Contact the local branch or our Customer Support Department at 800-645-7270, 2) e-mail quote requests to quotes@mscdirect.com; please allow at least a 24 hour turnaround for e-mailed quotes, 3) request a special item quote by navigating to the Order tab drop down and entering in all pertinent information.
Q: How do I know that my order has been processed?
A: Once you've placed an order, you will receive an e-mail confirming your order. You may also use the Order Status/History link on the My Account page.
Q: Will I receive an order confirmation?
A: You will receive an order confirmation through e-mail. After your order has shipped, you will receive the shipping details through e-mail also.
Q: How can I check on the status of my order?
A: To check on the status of an order, go to the My Account page and search within the Order History and the Search Past Orders section.
Q: How can I change/add to an order that I just placed?
A: The best way to change/add to an order is to call our Customer Support Department at 800-645-7270. Due to the commitment of meeting our Same Day Shipping Guarantee, we have a narrow window for making changes to orders before they are processed and shipped.
Q: When I place an order with MSC Industrial Supply I never receive an acknowledgement. Why?
A: If you do not receive an acknowledgment, there are several potential reasons:
- Your e-mail address may not be correct in our system. To verify this, click on My Account in the top navigation bar, sign on, select modify profile and verify that the e-mail address is correct.
- Call an MSC Industrial Supply Customer Support Representative at 800-753-7970 and send a test e-mail to ensure we are receiving it.
- Spam filtering - check with your IS department to ensure that e-mail from MSC Industrial Supply is not being stopped by a spam filter.
If the above fails, contact Customer Support at 800-753-7970 to track an order. We will need the P.O. number and the contact e-mail address.
Q: How do I request a duplicate invoice?
A: To retrieve a duplicate invoice from the website, visit the Search Past Orders section from the My Account page to reprint invoices and packing slips. You can also contact the Customer Support Department at 800-645-7270 or e-mail a request to cust_service@mscdirect.com.
Q: How do I place repetitive buys?
A: To place repetitive buys, select Personal Lists from the My Account page and create a personal list with the items you wish to purchase most regularly. You can add lists to your Shopping Cart, and edit directly from the Shopping Cart as needed.
A: To order a special part number, requests should be called in to Customer Support at 800-645-7270 or e-mailed (click on Customer Support, scroll down to the e-mail list and click on the appropriate contact). Or you can send a special item quote by filling out the form under the Order drop down.
Page Errors
Q: What are the different types of page errors I might encounter?
A: The different types of page errors may vary. Some of the more common errors include:
- Submitting a form that causes duplicate or inaccurate results to be displayed
- The inability to proceed while trying to register as a user
- mscdirect.com system error screen
- File unavailable error
- The inability to move past a particular point in a process
Q: What causes page errors?
A: Page errors are generally caused by one of the following factors:
- Missing or incorrect information
- Helper applications (i.e. Gator)
- Use of bookmarks or favorites (to secure or dynamic pages)
Q: How can I reject a Pending Order?
A: To reject a pending order, you must be a 'Buyer,' 'Supervisor,' or Administrator. You can reject an order by selecting the order and clicking the 'Reject Order' button at the bottom of the page. Buyers, Supervisors, and Administrators have the option of attaching a rejection reason that will be added to the e-mail informing the 'Requisitioner' of the rejection and giving them an explanation and/or further instructions.
A: Pending orders can be reassigned by 'Buyers' and 'Supervisors' in 'Pending Order Carts.' This feature helps relieve any "bottlenecks" in the procurement process that may occur as a result of complications or uneven work load. If a 'Buyer' or 'Supervisor' runs into a problem which prevents them from reviewing all their Pending Orders in a timely manner, they can reassign it to someone who can. Select someone to reassign the order to by choosing another Approver from the drop down at the bottom of the page.
Q: How can I create a new Personal List?
A: Personal lists can be created from a number of places on our website:
- Personal List page - by entering items directly in the quick add fields or by uploading a file
- Shopping Cart – by clicking on the Add to List button
- Search Results pages – by selecting the respective item and clicking on the Add to List button
- Item Details page – by clicking on the Add to List link at the top of the page
- Compare page – click the 'Add to List' button of the desired item, to add it to a list or create a new list
- Upload a List – use the upload feature to upload a list of part numbers and their respective quantities
- Search Past Orders – select the desired items and click the 'Add to List' button
Q: How do I edit a Personal List?
A: To edit a personal list that you have created, you must select and open the Personal List first. Once your list is open you can perform one of the following functions:
- Change the name and description of your list
- To share or not share your list
- Add and remove items from your list
- Change the default reorder quantity (used when adding an item to the Shopping Cart)
- Choose if the Item # or the Customer Part # should be used when adding an item to the Shopping Cart
- Add notes to each item
- Delete an entire list
- Please Note – you may not edit a 'Shared List' unless you are the creator
Q: What is 'View Company Shared Lists'?
A: A Company Shared List is a list created by another contact within your organization that the creator has elected to share with everyone on the account. A Company Shared List can be created by anyone in your organization. Once a list has been designated as shared, all contacts within the same account can see this list. To see Company Shared Lists, click on the Shared List button located at the bottom of the Personal List page. Only the contact that created the Shared List can modify it.
Q: How do I upload items to a Personal List or Shopping Cart?
A: To upload items to a Personal List from the Personal Lists page, select the 'Upload List' button and from the 'Upload List' page you can browse for the file you would like to upload. The file must either be tab (.txt) or comma (.csv) delimited and must be accessible from the PC you are using to connect to mscdirect.com. After the file is selected, you will be brought to the 'Upload Items to a Personal List or Shopping Cart' page. As the title implies, you can either create or add the items to a List or your Shopping Cart. Note: the maximum upload at one time is 500 items.
Q: How can I view my Personal Lists?
A: To view Personal Lists go to the My Account page and click on Personal Lists within the Shopping Options section. All Shopping Option pages will have a link to the Personal Lists in the left navigation.
Q: How can I add items in a list to my Shopping Cart?
A: To add items from a Personal List to the Shopping Cart, go to the Personal List page. You can either add an entire list or select items from one list or multiple lists.
Note: When items are added to a Shopping Cart from a Personal List, they are not removed from the Personal List
Q: How can I access my Favorites List without going through the My Account page?
A: To access the Favorites List without going through the My Account, go to the 'Orders' tab on the top navigation and choose 'Favorites' from the drop down list.
Q: What is a Saved Order?
A: A Saved Order is a way to save the items in your Shopping Cart until you are ready to check out. Creating a Saved Order gives you the flexibility to come back at a later time and add the saved items back to your cart when you are ready. Items in a Shopping Cart can be saved 3 ways:
- If you are logged in and click on the 'Save Order' button from the Shopping Cart, you will be required to name your cart.
- If you have items in your Shopping Cart from a previous session and now are adding items to your cart without being logged in. Once you log in, the items from the previous session are automatically saved as an order. You will see a message in your cart advising you of the change.
- If you are a Supervisor, Buyer or Administrator and have items in your cart and click to approve an order from a Requisitioner, the items in your cart will automatically be saved as an Order. You will then get a message in the cart advising you of the change.
Q: How can I view my Saved Orders?
A: To view a Saved Order, go to the Shopping Options on the My Account page and click on Saved Orders. On the Saved Orders page, a list will be presented with a listing of all Saved Orders. From here you can:
- Select one or more Saved Orders and move them into the Shopping Cart.
- Delete a Saved Order.
- See the items within a Saved Order. From this screen you can choose to go back one screen or move all the items into the Shopping Cart.
Note: the Saved Order must go through the order process prior to it being deleted automatically.
Q: What kind of search criteria can I enter into the search box?
A: The new search box was designed to help you search quickly and easily using keywords, MSC part numbers, customer part numbers, competitor part numbers, manufacturer part numbers, catalog page numbers, UPC numbers and NSN numbers.
Q: Do I have to use the categories provided by the Auto Search Suggestions feature, or can I use my own keywords?
A: The Auto Search Suggestions feature was designed to provide suggestions as you type. If you do not see your search term in our drop down box you can just click 'Go' when you are done to search using your own term.
Q: Why do the Auto Search Suggestions disappear?
A: If your search criteria no longer matches one of our pre-determined search suggestions, the type ahead drop down will disappear. You can continue entering your search term and click 'Go' when you are done.
Q: What is different about category search (Visual Browse) from the homepage?
A: We have updated the product categories found on the left side of the homepage to make your category search as intuitive and user friendly as possible. The new categories, coupled with our new category images, will assist you in narrowing your search more quickly.
Q: Does the Quick Order Pad work differently now?
A: The Quick Order Pad function has not changed, but is now conveniently located on the homepage. You can enter either an MSC or customer part number and add it to your cart without leaving the home page.
Q: Can I still search by catalog page #?
A: Searching by catalog page # is as simple as typing page, followed by the numerical page you are searching into the search box at the top of the page.
Q: What if I am trying to search for something and can't find it, but I know that you carry it. Can I ask someone or report the problem?
A: Our customer service team is always available to assist you with any issues you are having with our site. They can be reached at 800.753.7970, or email us at Searchfeedback@mscdirect.com to report a problem with the New Search.
Q: If I want to see my search results without refining them any further can I do that?
A: Yes, your search results can be found by scrolling down below the search refinement options at the top of the page. You can also click on the "See Items Now" button above the refinements section to quickly get to your current search results.
Q: What should my screen resolution be set to when using the new MSC Search?
A: For optimal viewing, please set your screen resolution to 1024x768.
Q: Does the browser I am using make a difference when using the new search features?
A: The new search is best viewed using the following browsers:
- Internet Explorer version 7 or higher
- Firefox version 3 or higher
- Google Chrome version 5
- Safari version 4 or higher.
Q: How do I add multiple items to my Shopping Cart from within search results?
A: There are 2 ways to add multiple items to your Shopping Cart from within search results. Either enter the quantities for the selected items and click 'Add to Cart' or, check the select box to the left of the items you would like to purchase and click 'Add to Cart'. When using the select box, the quantity will default to 1.
Q: From the Search Results, how do I add multiple items to my Personal Lists?
A: Check the select box to the left of the items you would like to add and click 'Add to List'. The quantity will default to 1.
Q: Where can I find inventory and the location of the product?
A: To find location and inventory of a specific product, view our search results which have real-time inventory and once logged in to the account, the search results will show the location of the available inventory and if pickup is available. This information can also be found on the Item Details page.
To learn more, click here to view the tutorial.
Shopping Carts
Q: How do I create a Shopping Cart?
A: There are many ways to create a Shopping Cart:
- Select the cart icon from the header.
- Click on the Order tab and select Place an Order Now from the drop down menu.
- Personal Lists - From the My Account page, select Personal Lists, select a list and then add list to cart. Or you can select a Personal List, and select a specific item and add it to your cart.
- Saved Orders - On the My Account page, click on the Saved Orders link and select an order and add it to your Shopping Cart.
- View Order Status History - On the My Account page, select View Order Status History, click the order number, put in the quantity and select the copy to cart button.
- Search Past Orders - On the My Account page select Search Past Orders, filter the results based on your needs, add a quantity to the items you would like to purchase, and click Add to Cart.
- Quick Order Pad - enter a part number (select type —Çô default is MSC part #) and quantity, and click 'GO'.
- Within Search Results enter the quantity in the field below the price, and click the 'Add to Cart' button.
- From the Item Details page, enter the quantity in the field next to quantity , and click the 'Add to Cart' button.
Q: How do I edit the quantity after the item is already in the Shopping Cart?
A: To edit the quantity of an item after it is in the cart, click in the quantity box and enter the new quantity by typing over the existing quantity. Scroll down and click on Update Cart.
NOTE: if you are in the middle of the order process, click on the back button in the browser tool bar or click on To Order. If you have already clicked on Order Now, your order has already been placed.
Q: Why is the price that I was charged different from what was in the Shopping Cart?
A: The price you were charged may be different than what was in the cart because prices are continuously updated; therefore, it is possible that the price you were charged was either higher or lower than the price that was displayed in the Shopping Cart.
Q: How do I clear a Shopping Cart?
A: To clear a cart, scroll down and click on the Clear Cart button. At the prompt, 'Are you sure you want to clear this cart?' click 'OK' (click 'Cancel' to exit without clearing).
Q: How do I save the Shopping Cart?
A: To save a cart, click on the Save Order link above the cart. A new page will appear in which a name can be created prior to selecting Save Order.
Q: How do I retrieve a Saved order?
A: To retrieve a Saved Order, go to the My Account page, click on the Saved Orders link and select the order you would like to review or add to the Shopping Cart. To rename an existing Saved Order, enter the name of the Shopping Cart and click on Update Name.
Q: How do I delete a Saved order?
A: To delete a Saved Order, go to the My Account page, click on Saved Orders, search for your order, and then select the delete button.
Workflow: Administrators, Buyers & Requisitioners
Q: What is the difference between Administrators, Buyers, Supervisors and Requisitioners?
A: The differences between Administrators, Buyers, Supervisors and Requisitioners are as follows:
Administrator: Has the authority to assign and/or reassign other registered users to their applicable role and set per order spending limits if so desired. The Administrator has full authority to browse and place orders. Multiple Administrators may exist within one company. An Administrator can be changed to a Buyer, a Supervisor or a Requisitioner.
Buyer: Has full authority to browse and place orders. Buyers may be assigned multiple Supervisors and/or Requisitioners.
Supervisor: Has the authority to receive Shopping Carts from Requisitioners and forward the approved cart to their Buyer, or check out if it is within their authority. The Supervisor can shop and fill a cart, and place orders if it is within their authorized spending limit. If the Supervisor's cart is above their spending limit, their cart would then be forwarded to their Buyer. The Supervisor's role is an optional approval step in the process between the Requisitioner and the Buyer. If the Supervisor's role is for approval purposes only and they will not be placing any orders, their spending limit should be set to zero. The Administrator has the authority to redefine the roles of appropriate Buyers to the role of a Supervisor or a Requisitioner. Each Supervisor must be assigned to one Buyer.
Requisitioner: Has the authority to browse, fill a Shopping Cart and "send" it to their respective Buyer or Supervisor, or place the order if it falls within the spending limit established by the Administrator. The Buyer or Supervisor will then be sent an e—Çômail stating either that the Requisitioner has placed an order within their authority, or that a Shopping Cart has been sent to him/her from their Requisitioner. The Administrator has the authority to redefine the roles of appropriate Buyers to the role of a Requisitioner or a Supervisor. Each Requisitioner must be assigned to one Buyer or one Supervisor.
Q: How do I know who the Administrator is?
A: To find out the Administrator on your account, go into My Account and click on View Users and Their Roles. Contacts and their roles are defined on this list as well as to which Buyer the Requisitioner is assigned.
Q: How do I become an Administrator?
A: To become an Administrator, please contact our Customer Support Department at 800-753-7970, if you are already an Administrator and would like to assign Administrator permissions to someone else, you can select Manage Users Roles from the My Account page, scroll to the contact, click on the down arrow under role, click on the appropriate role and click on Update.
Q: How many Administrators can be assigned to the account?
A: There is no limit to the amount of Administrators on an account.
Q: What if the Administrator leaves the company?
A: If an Administrator leaves the company, please call Customer Support at 800-753-7970.
Q: How do I become a Buyer, Supervisor or Requisitioner?
A:become a Buyer, Supervisor or Requisitioner, the Administrator must change the user's role. ÌáThe Administrator must go to the My Account page, click on Manage Users Roles, scroll to the contact, click on the down arrow under role, click on the appropriate role and click on Update.
Q: How do I set up my Buyers?
A: If you are an Administrator of the account you can create and maintain the Buyer role from the My Account page. Click on Manage Users Roles, scroll to the contact, click on the down arrow under role, choose Buyer and click Update.
Q: How do I become a Supervisor?
A:To become a Supervisor, the Administrator on your account assigns this role to you.
Q: How many buyers can a Supervisor have?
A: Each Supervisor must be assigned to one Buyer.
Q: Can a Supervisor place orders?
A: The Supervisor can shop, fill a cart, and place orders if it is within their authorized spending limit. If the Supervisor's cart is above their spending limit, their cart would then be forwarded to their Buyer.
Q: How does a Supervisor change their spending limits?
A: A Supervisor can only change their spending limits through the Administrator on the account. These can be changed by going into Manage Users Roles.
Q: How do I set up my Requisitioners?
A: The Requisitioners are set up by the Administrator of the account from the My Account page. Click on Manage Users Roles, scroll to the contact, click on the down arrow under role, click on Requisitioner, click Update, click the down arrow for 'please select a new buyer,' choose the buyer's name, enter a spending limit, and click on Assign.
Q: How can I see who my Buyer is?
A: Go to the My Account page, click on View Users Roles and scroll to the contact. The Buyer's name is displayed under the column Assigned Buyer.
Q: How many Buyers can I be assigned to?
A: Only one Buyer can be assigned to a Supervisor or Requisitioner, although a Buyer can have multiple Supervisors and/or Requisitioners assigned to them.
Q: How can I see who my Requisitioners are?
A: To see who the Requisitioners are, go to the My Account page, click on View Users Roles and scroll to the contact. The Buyer's name is displayed under the column Assigned Buyer.
Q: How many Requisitioners can I be assigned to?
A: A Buyer can have multiple Requisitioners assigned to them; however, only one Buyer can be assigned to a Requisitioner.
Q. Can an order be reassigned to a different Buyer?
A. Yes, an order can be reassigned to a different Buyer by the current Buyer. This is managed in Pending Orders from the My Account screen. If the Buyer who was originally assigned the order is not the proper person, the Buyer has authority to reassign the outstanding order to another user on the account by selecting the Assign Order button.
Q. Can an order be rejected?
A. Orders can be rejected by the Buyer and a reject reason can be entered in the field provided. This information will then be sent to the originator of the order via e–mail.
Q: How do I maintain the Buyer–Requisitioner relationship?
A: Only Administrators can maintain the Buyer–Requisitioner relationship. Go into My Account and then click on Manage Users Roles, scroll down to the name of the Requisitioner and click the Assigned Buyer column's drop down list and highlight the name of the Buyer, and click on Update.
Q: If a spending limit says "N/A", how do I change it?
A: The reason why the spending limit says "N/A" is because that user's assigned role is Buyer. Only Supervisors and Requisitioners can have spending limits. To assign one, the Administrator must change the user to a Supervisor or Requisitioner, and then set a spending limit.
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