Do you have questions about how to submit a purchase order or just want to know what the heck is a purchase order? Here's some light reading to educate yourself.

For starters, you'll need an order form (pdf).

1. What is a Purchase Order and how do I get one?
2. What if my organization doesn't use Purchase Orders?
3. How do I pay with a Purchase Order?
4. How do I apply a discount or promotion to the Purchase Order?
5. What if I need my order by a specific date?
6. How long does it take for my order to be processed?
7. What if I am not within the United States?
8. What does the PO need to include?
9. How will I know if something is discontinued?
10. What happens if an item is backordered?
11. Do I get some sort of notification when my order is shipped?
12. What happens if our order is delivered during the summer or when the organization is closed for the holiday?
13. What if I am missing something or an item is damaged from my order?
14. What if my order is a giga order (i.e. pretty big); will there be any type of delays?
15. What if it has been a few weeks and I haven't received my package or my confirmation?
16. Can I just call my order in with a PO #?
17. Can I use a Purchase Order online?
18. Who do I contact if I have any questions?

1. What is a Purchase Order and how do I get one?

A Purchase Order is something that is generated with your school or organization to keep track of the purchases being made. Check with your school secretary or principal to obtain a purchase order. We do not require a standard form that needs to be filled out.

2. What if my organization doesn't use Purchase Orders?

You need to type / write your order on your organization's letterhead, with a signature from your supervisor and fax it to us. We will take it from there! Just make sure to include a phone number and email address so we can contact you with any questions and tracking information.

3. How do I pay with a Purchase Order?

Purchase Orders must be received via fax or mail. Payment is due within 30 days from the date of the invoice.

4. How do I apply a discount or promotion to the Purchase Order?

Most discounts or promotions that we offer, have a specific deadline. PO's need to be received by the discount deadline in order for the discount to remain valid. If it takes your organization a long time to generate a PO, contact our to discuss extending the discount. Please note that discounts on POs are only valid if payment is received within terms.

5. What if I need my order by a specific date?

If your order is needed by a specific date, you must note that on your PO. When we receive your PO we can evaluate whether regular ground shipping will get the order to you in time and will give you a call if an express shipping option will be necessary.

6. How long does it take for my order to be processed?

Purchase Orders are typically processed and shipped out within 3-4 business days from the day that we receive the PO.

7. What if I am not within the United States?

We do not accept international POs. International orders must be pre-paid.

8. What does the PO need to include?

The billing address, ship-to address, daytime phone number, e-mail address, item number(s), quantity of each item, description of the items you wish to order and a signature of authorization. To help expedite the PO process, we offer a downloadable order from for you to fill out, which needs to be accompanied by your official PO.

9. How will I know if something is discontinued?

Product changes happen all the time. While we strive to keep product around forever, sometimes vendors discontinue their products. If your PO contains a discontinued item, it will be reflected on your invoice and pack list and you will not be charged for the item.

10. What happens if an item is backordered?

If you need the items by a specific date, please indicate that on your PO and we will do everything in our power to make sure you have them in time or contact you with any problems. If a number of items on your order are backordered you will be contacted.

11. Do I get some sort of notification when my order is shipped?

Yes. As long as you provide us with a valid email address, we will send you notification as soon as your order is processed and FedEx will notify you once they have the package. FedEx will also give you an idea of when to expect your package.

12. What happens if our order is delivered during the summer or when the organization is closed for the holiday?

If you know your organization is going to be closed for an extended period of time, please let us know and we can delay the shipment. FedEx will attempt delivery 3 times before sending the package back to us. If we have to reship your package, you will be charged the additional shipping.

13. What if I am missing something or an item is damaged from my order?

Give us a call as soon as you notice the problem, preferably within a week or so of receipt of the package, and we will do our best to take care of the problem.

14. What if my order is a giga order (i.e. pretty big); will there be any type of delays?

We strive to keep enough product on hand to meet our customer's demands at all times. However, ginormous orders often require additional lead time. If your school is placing a rather large order, it may take 1-2 weeks for your order to be processed and shipped. We will contact you to let you know of any delays.

15. What if it has been a few weeks and I haven't received my package or my confirmation?

Your organization may take awhile to process your request. Give us a call to find out the status of your order.

16. Can I just call my order in with a PO #?

Most organizations will not allow us to process an order without receipt of a written, authorized PO. We do need a copy of the PO before we can process the order. This is the best way for us to verify that all of the information for billing and shipping is correct.

17. Can I use a Purchase Order online?

All POs will need to be faxed or mailed to us. Please do not both fax and mail a copy of the PO. Use the Order Form (pdf).
Fax: 866-795-9936
Mail: 4400 South Federal Blvd
Englewood, Colorado 80110

18. Who do I contact if I have any questions?

If you have any further questions regarding POs, please feel free to contact our office and speak with a customer service representative. Contact Us.