"How long after I order before you ship it?"
If you place an order by 4:00pm (Pacific Time), generally it will be shipped that same day (Monday - Friday, excluding holidays).
It is rare (but naturally does happen occasionally) that we are out of stock on any product listed on any of our over 2,500 paged catalog.
"How can I buy from you? Your shopping cart is different than others that I've used."
Yes, ours is different because we didn't purchase a shopping cart program like most of our competition. Our shopping cart is designed to allow you to order many items and in any quantity that you would like. We also have designed our site so that you can add a note to us while ordering. You can also order from us without using our shopping cart. Click here if you would like to read more about all of our ordering options or instructions on how to place an order.
"Why should I buy from you, as there are so many mail-order Internet companies to choose from."
We are very experienced, provide fast, efficient service, and have been selling plumbing products on the Net since 1995. We show over 900 written customer testimonials from customers that wrote to thank us for our great customer service (we did not solicit or ask for their testimonials, after they wrote us we then asked them for permission to use their words and show their name/city/state). We are quite proud of our service level and hope that you also will give us a try. Our repeat customer rate is very high, and in 1998 PlumbingSupply.com was called "the model of the distribution industry" (as featured in The Supply House Times Magazine). We started on the net in 1995, we have a fantastic inventory, fast service, our prices are very low, we're very honest and reputable, we're easy to deal with, and over 99% of our customers are happy with us. We are (we believe) the fastest growing Internet mail-order plumbing supplier in the world and have shipped to some of the most famous companies in the U.S.
We sell top-quality plumbing parts and products. We have a very knowledgeable and caring staff. We believe that this is the way many people in America will be doing much of their shopping in the future, and we are one of the original Internet plumbing supplier pioneers. We were here yesterday, are here today and we will be here tomorrow for you.
Consider another exciting "new" industry at the beginning of last century. Automobile manufacturing was a VERY exciting business to get into. Between 1900 and 1908 there were 485 car manufacturers. Most thought that they would make money; but most didn't. By 1908 only half survived, and it went down from there. We believe that only the "best" Internet mail-order plumbing suppliers will last, and we believe we are the best by far. We implemented our dream in 1995 (one of the first in our business), we have the best staff, great experience, we are honest, we have great financial backing and we have a great inventory as well as excellent pricing. Long after many other Internet suppliers are gone ... we will still be here. Deal with the best now and in the future.
"I don't have a credit card, can I still make a purchase from you?"
Yes, no problem. We also take PayPal as well as checks and money orders (sorry, we don't take cash). For more information please read our how to order page.
"I make purchases with you every month. Why don't you keep my personal information on record, so I don't have to re-enter it each time I place an order with you?"
We take extreme measures to make sure your credit card number and other personal information is secure. Therefore, once we've completed your order, all personal information is removed from our servers. This way, in the event our information system is hacked, none of our customers will have to worry about their personal information getting into the wrong hands. Nobody is immune to hackers; financial institutions, software companies (including Microsoft), the Pentagon and many other organizations have been hacked into. In order to provide the absolute highest level of security, we choose not to keep your personal information on file. We understand this may be an inconvenience to some, but peace-of-mind, knowing your personal information is safe is absolutely critical. We believe it's worth the trade-off.
"What are your shipping charges/rates? How much do you charge for shipping and handling?"
Our basic shipping charges, which can be viewed here, are based off of the cost (subtotal) of your order (not the weights or where you are located, etc). We charge a flat rate based on the products subtotal plus a small handling charge in cases where the orders are low cost (measured by dollars, not number of products). We have more shipping FAQ's on our shipping FAQ's page, and believe that all questions in regards to shipping are answered on that page. If you need more information on Second Day Air or Postal shipments, we offer a more comprehensive explanation on those pages.
"Why don't you offer a voice phone for questions?"
We actually do offer a phone number but because we believe accuracy and "perfection" are desirable and that we are more efficient operating without "pushing" a phone number, we try to have you e-mail us first.
Receiving questions by e-mail, or orders using our forms, e-mail, fax, or mail, allows us to operate in a very organized fashion. We know that many people feel more comfortable speaking verbally with a salesperson. Also, some feel uncomfortable with sending credit card information through e-mail (we do offer a secure order site). It is only natural. Changes in perception and habits take time.
Our hope is to impress you and make your plumbing product purchases a very pleasant experience. We have a dedicated message phone where you can leave your credit card number and expiration date on our message line - (530) 891-1556 if you prefer.
Yes, sometimes it would be "easier" to just answer the phone rather than write back to you. Many questions that we receive over and over about a product are shown on each product's page. Out of the ordinary questions can be answered (in a timely matter) by e-mail rather than being put on hold or waiting on the phone for any length of time.
Believe us, real people do work here. People that care. If you still prefer to call us....then please click here for our page listing all of our phone numbers.
"Are you people reputable?"
We are part of The PlumbingSupply Group, LLC. We have been in the business since 1995 as the Internet mail-order plumbing supplier. We believe we do the largest volume of business of any Internet-only plumbing supplier. We have seen many other suppliers "come and go" during the time that we have been in business on the Net. We aren't a "fly by night" type of operation! Our founder started distributing plumbing products in 1977, and when he set up our company it was done "right." We are proud of our Dun and Bradstreet credit rating and we will be here should you wish to buy plumbing products or need us in the future.
"Do you have a catalog?"
Yes, our website is our catalog. Please feel free to print out any page you like. One of the reasons for our low prices is that we save money by not having a printed catalog. Our catalog on the net is not three months old and doesn't cost us $8 (or more) per catalog to print out over 2,500 individual pages (it would take over 10,000 actual printed paper pages because many pages are much longer than 11" long). We also don't mail out catalogs, which costs a great deal of money. Our catalog is always current, with current prices. Imagine the overhead of printing over 2,300 named pages!
We pass these savings on to YOU.
If you "insist" :-) :-) ....here is our phone number page.
"I tried to view your site (or e-mail you) and I couldn't just now. What's wrong? Are you gone for good?"
We're here today and we will be here tomorrow. It is possible that the Internet was slow, or your connection was down/slow, or any one of a multitude of Internet (aka "WWW - Wild Wild West") problems. Sometimes (very rare) OUR site is "down." This happens to ALL sites. From AOL to Microsoft to E-Trade to Yahoo. We wish it didn't happen, but downtime does happen on all sites on the Internet. In January 2001 Microsoft's sites were down for several days because of a domain name server problem, so their sites were unreachable. We do all that WE can to prevent it, but it does happen, as the Internet is comprised of chains. When one link is broken the entire chain has a problem (is broken). Our site is "up" over 99.7% percent of the time (that still means that we can be down from a few minutes to up to an entire day per year). We are the best Internet mail-order plumbing supplier with the most Internet sales experience. If our site or e-mail is "down" and you need to communicate with us and can't wait, please e-mail our management. Generally a quality, experienced, server and site combination like ours will only be down for a few minutes/hours maximum. In our history, since 1995, we have experienced three "major" (defined by us as no more than 2 days in a row) "down" times. Other popular sites such as EBay, Yahoo and so on, have ALL experienced some "down" time as well. EBay has been down 11 hours at one stretch for example. Microsoft has been "unreachable" for more than two days at a time. The Internet (as much of life) simply is not "perfect."
"I'd really rather talk to a live person, what's your phone number?"
We don't blame you for wanting to talk to a live person. Many people do, and some of our employees even prefer to do so.
We know some people feel more comfortable talking rather than typing. We are on the "forefront" and are a true Internet plumbing supplier.
Our phone numbers are available by clicking here.
Buy from PlumbingSupply.com on the Internet and you'll get superior service, large inventory, low prices, quality products and a very knowledgeable staff.
Please know that we prefer to put our promises in writing and not verbally over the phone (which isn't really binding).
"What is your policy on privacy? Will you sell my e-mail address?"
We honor your privacy and would never sell or give your e-mail address to anyone. Just click here to read more about our privacy guarantee.
"How risky is it sending my credit card number over the Internet?"
We guarantee your credit card transaction on our site. Period!
We will pay for any loss that you would have using your credit card at our site due to fraud. Period!
Need more reassurance? U.S. News & World report, Dec. 7, 1998, page 44 had an article titled: "A credit card is your best weapon on the Web." Here are a few quotes from it: "...it's no surprise some people fear their credit card numbers are vulnerable in cyberspace. But that belief is unfounded. When it comes to buying products and services on the Internet, the credit card is the best method of payment because it provides the most protection to the consumer... Federal law guarantees that cardholders are liable for only the first $50 in fraudulent charges if the number falls into criminal hands - though there are no reported incidents of numbers being grabbed en route to an online store... Criminals are more apt to target databases filled with credit card numbers."
Another article - Wall Street Journal, October 1, 2000 had an article by Tim Townsend. Here is a small quote from that: "Remember, too, that Internet transactions are quite safe. 'Consumers are much more likely to find their card accounts stolen in the real world than on the Web,' says David Robertson of the Nilson Report, a credit-card industry newsletter."
Let us repeat: We guarantee your credit card transaction on our site. Period!
We will pay for any loss that you would have using your credit card at our site due to fraud. Period!
Please rest assured, we use the latest credit card fraud prevention methods, including "V-codes" (security confirmation numbers) and you will be safe giving us your credit card information.
"What countries do you ship to?"
We ship everywhere that does not require customs and that means we only ship to the United States and its territories.
"How long will it be until I receive my order?"
We normally ship by standard carriers such as Federal Express or UPS. West of the Mississippi generally takes 1-5 working days and east of the Mississippi can take 4-8 working days. If you need to get it faster, no problem - we can ship Second Day Air! (Check out our "Fast rates").
"Is your company environmentally sensitive?"
We are proud of our recycling programs. About 50% of our waste products are recycled. In addition, to save natural resources (and overhead as well), about 35% of the products that we ship come to you in recycled boxes. We have tested and found that shipping in new boxes compared to recycled (used) boxes has had no impact on the amount of shipping damage. The only effect has been that some customers will contact us initially complaining that they received the wrong products. They might get a box that on the outside says "Gateway Computers," but on the inside, it contains the correct plumbing products. It is rare but it does happen that we get a complaint like that, but over 99% of the customers that we surveyed are happy that we recycle. They really don't care what the outside shipping box looks like. We have never had a complaint about recycled boxes once our customer knows that what is inside of the box is correct.
"What is your phone number, and why don't you offer an easy to find toll free 800 phone number?"
Just like the world's largest bookseller (Amazon.com), in order for us to have the lowest prices
we must have the lowest overhead. When we started in 1995 we decided that if we
wanted to offer the lowest prices and best service that we had to "trim" someplace.
Not having a toll free phone number (just like Skybus Airlines who don't offer a phone number at all) keeps our prices lowest.
This is the Internet ... you can order by our "toll" free order form method.
Also, you can order by e-mail or by fax.
You can contact us, ask questions, etc. by e-mailing us ... "toll free." This keeps our overhead down (and your prices down)
and we show our most frequently asked questions on each page.
If you insist and "must" have our phone numbers, then please simply click here, and it will list all of our phone numbers.
"Why do you ask for a billing address for credit cards?"
Credit card processing banks charge us lower rates if we do all that we can to avoid fraud. When we enter your credit card info, we also enter part of your address to the bank. This keeps the chances of fraud down (and our credit card processing rates lowest). If someone has your numbers or your credit card, they probably still don't know your credit card billing address (according to a bank spokesperson). We agree and think it's a good idea.
"Do you sell pipe?"
We do wish to be flexible and service oriented. Because of the high shipping cost, we don't sell any type of rigid (straight) pipe in lengths over 4'. We do sell flexible pipe. Also, due to shipping costs we do not ship very common piping as this can be purchased locally at a reduced cost. If you "insist" on us shipping straight pipe we will do so for lengths up to 4 feet long but please do recognize that we will not have as low a price as you can get locally and that is due to shipping costs. Where you to insist that we ship you straight pipes not listed, we will quote you a price and charge you the actual shipping costs (which will be greater than if you can get the straight pipe locally in most cases).
"I need a part and I'm not sure which one that I need. You show two different ones. I'd like to buy both and return the one that I won't need. What is your return policy?"
Our return policy is spelled out very clearly on our return policy page. Just click here and it will take you to that page. Basically (to make it short) we wish to offer the lowest prices. We also wish to stay in business. Returns cost us time and money and in some situations we have seen customers order over and over and continually returning products. Ultimately that would cause a company to go broke. Therefore, we have a return policy that we see as a "happy medium" and fair to both our customers and us. That also means that our return policy isn't the most generous policy on the Internet. Simply click here and you can read all of the specific details of our return policy.
"My products are being shipped to California and I noticed that I was charged sales tax on my shipping and handling charges. Is this correct?"
The California State Board of Equalization requires sales tax on shipping charges UNLESS you are charged actual shipping costs. If the shipping charges are other than FedEx/UPS/Postal/etc. actual charges AND/OR handling charges have been added, then sales tax MUST be charged when shipping to California. Our shipping charges are based on the cost of your products, not the actual cost of shipping. We charge shipping based on the products subtotal, plus a small handling charge. Overall, it costs us more, but this allows you to figure out your true cost before you place your order.
"I'm an investor and just experienced your great service, as well as I can see how successful a company that you are. Whom do I talk to about buying your company or some stock?"
Sorry but we are a privately owned company and do not offer stock and we are not for sale.
"I'm a Contractor (store/architect/designer, etc) and wondered if you offer 'better' (lower) prices than those listed to customers in the trade (reseller, etc)? "
As you can tell, our prices are low; and we simply cannot give lower prices. It was a business decision that we made when we started in 1995. We base our prices on the product and our cost (not what trade our customer is in) and everyone pays the same amount.
"I wish to purchase 1,000 of the same item, do you offer better prices?"
We sometimes offer a better discount for volume (those volume discounts are always indicated on the page of the products).
"I noticed you have a price listed of $2.95 when everyone else is selling that product for over $40. Is your price correct?"
We go to great lengths to have a very low error rate, but we are human and do make mistakes. If everyone has a price of over $40, our price is probably less than $37.95 but it probably isn't $2.95. We are not responsible for typographical errors, and our prices listed are subject to change. If we notice a pricing error, we will not change it on your order without telling you first (and asking for your permission). If we notice that you/we show a price that is higher than it should be, we will change that price to the lower price without contacting you first. If we accidentally show an error in our pricing and it is within 10-15%, we probably won't tell you that we made a mistake. We will "live with" selling it at the lower price. You will find that we aren't perfect, but we are totally honest. We would never attempt to cheat you or raise a price without getting your permission first.
"I think what you charge for shipping is more than it actually costs you to ship via Federal Express or UPS for the product that I ordered. Can you please give me a better price for shipping?"
Overall, it costs us more than what we are charging for shipping to everyone. We stick to our shipping policy and generally most customers are quite happy with it. It's easy to understand and one can compare prices immediately. For more questions on our shipping/handling charges please click here to go to our shipping FAQ's page. Note that because we are firm on our shipping/handling policies, and because we aren't as "easy" (as some) with our return policy, our prices are low and our customers who do buy from us are happy over 99% of the time. Our shipping policy works for us, and it works for over 99% of our customers. It allows you to figure out your true cost before you place your order.
"I order the same thing again and again. It would be nice to be able to log in under my name and be able to bring up my previous order list or have my 'customer favorites list'. Something on that order. Why don't you offer that?"
We are overly "paranoid" and very security minded. We do not wish to put our "cookies" permanently into your computer and we also do not wish to have it possible for anyone to have a direct line into our computer. Yes, this may be a slight inconvenience but we think that in the long run most customers will appreciate our taking extra security measures. We believe that all websites can be broken into. We've seen it with some of the most secure web sites by the biggest companies. We don't want to take ANY security chances and so when you see our website please recognize that our web servers are not connected to our servers that hold personal information about previous orders. You can rest assured that no one can "hack" into our web servers and grab many years worth of personal information because of the way we have designed our systems. That personal information isn't there for anyone to take.
"I click on a product link and it leads me back to your index of products page????"
Although very rare that can happen.
We have our site set so that if a link tries to go to a non-existing page (in other words, when we are human and list a bad link or the page is no longer available) then generally it will send you to our index page. Please let us know by e-mailing us and we will fix the link as well as direct you to the right page.
"I need to have the same exact size for my manufacturing process. Can you get me the same exact part with the same exact specs?"
While we do offer some manufacturer's specific parts, we also offer "will-fit" and other general products that may not be brand name specific.
With these parts and fittings, there may be small variances in size and length. They will work for the application that they are being offered as. However, if you need a specific size, brand name, or have other specifics, please do let
us know at the time you place your order. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, and will contact you immediately if we are unable to do so.
"What is your company's actual name?"
PlumbingSupply.com is our actual name. It's not IBM or Xerox, but PlumbingSupply.com. It is the easiest name to remember. You won't forget our name and you'll love our prices and inventory.
"Why do you charge my credit card even if it takes a week to ship?"
We do hold your funds on special orders and back orders as a deposit on the goods until the product ships. If some situation comes up that results in us not being able to proceed with your order we will issue the proper credit back to you using the same method that you originally paid us with.
