HELPFUL INFORMATION & HOW-TO-VIDEOS
ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
Is there a Membership Fee?
Catholic Purchasing does not charge any membership fees. We are a b2b website for non-profit religious and educational institutions.
Do I need to register for an account?
Yes, we do require registration for several reasons:
- To verify that you are a non-profit religious or educational institution.
- To collect the necessary information to bill you properly; CPS is invoice-only and offers Net 30 terms.
- To verify your sales tax status; we require a tax-exempt certificate to remove state sales tax from your invoices.
- To ensure a seamless return visit, we ask that you create an account using your email and password of your choice; it is also recommended that you BOOKMARK CPS for easier access.
How do I register for an account?
In the upper right corner of the CPS home page you’ll find clickable words Log In/Register, which will take you to the registration page. Please complete the required fields on the form and create a password. Once you’ve completed registration you are ready to purchase from our entire website, including the CPS Marketplace, our ordering portal for partner sites like Staples, ODP, School Specialty, School Health. Lakeshore Learning, US Games, B&H Photo, Regency Supply (electrical), CPS Jan-San, and Slabbinck.
What are the password requirements?
Passwords must be a minimum of 9 characters in length and must include at least 1 Upper Case, 1 Lower Case, and 1 Number.
How do I verify tax-exempt status?
Please email your tax-exempt certificate to [email protected]. Once we apply the tax-exempt status to your organization, any new purchaser who registers from the same organization will not need to verify status, or send a certificate.
Do you store payment information?
We do not store any financial payment information on our website or within our ERP. We currently do not take credit cards. We do offer payment via check, ACH, Bill.com, and Venmo for Business. Besides check, the other formats utilize secure 3rd party platforms for payment and CPS is not viewing or storing any sensitive data. We only hold name, email address, physical address, and phone number in our ERP.
Do you sell customer email lists?
We will never sell your email information. We are very careful with our customer data and upon occasion will only share this information with our partners/suppliers.
ORDERING INFORMATION
How do I order from the CPS website?
Ordering directly from our regular (non-CPS Marketplace suppliers) is easy. Once you’ve registered/logged in, simply search for products, under the ALL PRODUCTS option on the main navigation bar. Then, select what you’d like to purchase, and add those items to your Shopping Cart. Once you’re ready to check out, click on the Shopping Cart and follow the directions to complete your transaction.
How do I know my direct Web Order was successfully submitted?
You will receive two confirmations of your order. First, a web order confirmation will be sent to the ordering email within minutes of completing the transaction on the direct CPS website. Second, you will receive a Sales Order Confirmation once our Customer Service team has had a chance to review and finalize the original web order. This second confirmation will also be sent to the email provided at the time of order.
Please check your Spam folder in case you do not see confirmation emails in your Inbox.
What if I can’t find what I want on your direct website?
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please call us! We carry thousands of skus on our website, usually the most popular SKUs from each supplier. However, it’s just not possible to carry every SKU offered. We can usually find just about anything you’re looking to procure. Either call us at 800.237.4125 or email us at [email protected].
What’s the difference between the direct website and CPS Marketplace?
Our direct website features products we directly procure and re-sell from our world-class partner network. These product categories include: School, Church, Office, Commercial/Residential and Outdoor Furniture; Church Supplies, Classroom Supplies like Boards, Laminators, Room Dividers, and Technology; Facility Products, like Flooring, Staging, Recycling, Cooling/Heating, Vacuums, Flags.
The CPS Marketplace is a portal to access our discounted, contract pricing from our retail suppliers by shopping on their sites directly.
What if I have a problem during my transaction?
Again, please call us with any issues or questions. If you call CPS during business hours, we can usually resolve any issues right then and there. We are available Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm ET. Please call 800.237.4125 for assistance.
CPS MARKETPLACE
What is the CPS Marketplace?
The CPS Marketplace is our ordering hub for select retail suppliers – B&H Photo/Video, ODP, Regency Supply, School Specialty, School Health, Slabbinck, US Games – where our customers are able to pass through our website and order directly from the supplier, but with CPS discounted pricing and invoicing. It’s important that customers access these supplier partners through our CPS website, and through the CPS Marketplace. Going through CPS guarantees that you will receive our discounted, contract pricing and negotiated shipping, and also take advantage of buying on your CPS account with Net 30 terms.
Where is the CPS Marketplace?
The Marketplace can be accessed several ways on our website
- Via our HomePage, you’ll see “CPS Marketplace” listed on the Main Menu Bar, next to All Products. Simply click to access the Marketplace landing page.
- Via the Main Menu Navigation, you’ll see the retail partner logos on the drop-down menu and you can click on a specific logo to access the desired partner website.
- Via scrolling down our CPS HomePage, you will see the CPS Marketplace and our supplier logos listed. Simply click the specific logo to access the desired partner website.
How do I order from the CPS Marketplace?
To order from the CPS Marketplace, you must be registered and logged in. If you are an existing customer, simply login when prompted, then select the specific logo to access the desired partner website.
If you are NOT a customer, you’ll be prompted to register. Again, simply complete the required information regarding your institution affiliation, create a logon (using your email) and a password that is 9 characters in length and uses 1 Upper Case, 1 Lower Case and 1 Number.
Once you are registered and logged in, you are ready to proceed to the desired partner website for shopping. As an example, once logged in, select the logo to access the desired partners website – in this instance, Staples. You’ll travel out to the Staples Advantage site, where you can start ordering. Staples recognizes your customer contact information and your CPS affiliation. Select your items and add to the Staples Cart. When ready to checkout, review your cart and click Submit Order.
A submitted order takes you back to the CPS Marketplace Shopping Cart, where you will check out. You may confirm or edit your quantities and items here. Click Checkout to continue the process. You’ll then confirm your Shipping and Billing Address, and you may add a Requested Delivery Date. You MUST add a PO Number, under the Payment box. The PO Number can be a legitimate PO from your organization, if required, however, it can also be your name, today’s date, or a made-up number. Once your information is complete, you may click Place Order to process an order. You’ll receive an Order Confirmation number. Alternatively, if you have an established Approval Workflow within your organization, you may click Save Requisition, which files your order under Requisitions, for later review and approval.
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
What is CPS Business Solutions?
CPS Business Solutions includes our national contracts with partners who can supply enterprise-wide savings on a range of services. These Business Solutions partners include Cintas, QTS Payroll and HR, Xerox, Quadient, Regency Supply, Sherwin Williams, PPG Paint, Rentokil, Regional Fuel Contracts and Regional Jan-San Contracts.
How do I order from Business Solutions?
Customers interested in these contracts may complete the lead generation form on the appropriate supplier page and a sales representative from the partner company will reach out. In some instances, like with Sherwin Williams or PPG, it’s just setting up an account for the customer, who may then go to their nearest store to purchase product using our contract pricing. With other partners, a sales rep will reach out to schedule a call to better understand your business need.
Feel free to call us at 800.237.4125 or email us at [email protected] if you’d like to learn more.
RENOVATION HUB
What is the Renovation Hub?
The “Reno Hub” is a collection of supplier resources for customers embarking on a remodel, renovation, or new construction project. If you’re looking for inspiration stop by the Reno Hub! Here we feature access to supplier pages where customers can view catalogs, videos, and cool tools to better envision and plan a new space.
Keep in mind, this is not a transactional area of our site, meaning you cannot procure directly from the Reno Hub, rather it’s a place to generate ideas. There are lead generation forms for each supplier page, and customers may complete these forms to request more information and assistance on custom furniture projects from a CPS Account Manager.
Feel free to call us at 800.237.4125 or email us at [email protected] if you’d like to learn more.
DELIVERY INFORMATION
Why do you need detailed delivery instructions?
Catholic Purchasing collects delivery information on specific products in order to determine freight costs and confirm lead time.
Delivery instructions are required for all Furniture deliveries, even those that may go Parcel (UPS or FedEx). When requested, please provide the contact information as follows, including a mobile phone number:
- Delivery Contact Name
- Delivery Contact Mobile Number
- Ideal Delivery Days, noting restricted dates, days, and hours
What is the difference between Tailgate and Liftgate Delivery?
Tailgate Delivery is sometimes referred to as Dock Delivery, where the driver does little to assist with unloading. Usually, Tailgate involves the driver pulling the order to the back of the truck and the customer is required to offload the product from that point. Customers with a loading dock at their facility are better equipped to handle Tailgate, however, customers without loading docks may choose to save money and off-load their order from the truck to the ground on their own. It’s not recommended, but it does save money. Liftgate is very helpful for those customers who do not have a loading dock. In this instance, the truck will carry a “lift” on the back, which will aid in bringing the order, pallet, or loose product, down to the ground or curb level. From that point, the customer will take ownership of moving the product indoors.
Is Inside Delivery, Installation, or “White Glove” service available?
Inside Delivery and Installation are other Furniture Delivery Services available to customers on a quote basis. Inside Delivery is an extra fee the freight carrier charges to bring the product just inside the closest entry door. The customer then takes ownership of the product at that point and is responsible for moving product to the final, intended location, assembling product, and disposing of waste.
Installation costs vary depending on the level of service, and may include delivery, offloading to the intended room, assembly of product, and disposal of all waste, usually by a third-party installation firm. The charge for Installation can be extensive and sometimes involves shipment directly to the installer first so they can stage and assemble product in their own warehouse, then transport everything for set up at the customer site. Installation is usually requested for large Furniture orders, or by customers who do not have the staff or volunteers to assist with a larger order.
If you are interested in Installation Services, please contact our Sales Team. In order to accurately provide a quote for installation, we ask customers to complete an Installation Checklist. This form provides detailed information about exterior and interior delivery conditions.
What are “LTL”, Less than Truckload, Deliveries?
Most of our customer orders ship LTL vs Truckload (Full Truck). With LTL deliveries, the carrier will attempt to contact the listed Customer Contact at least 24 hours in advance of delivery to arrange an appointment, usually within a delivery window that may span 4 hours. Because the carrier will make limited attempts to contact, it is important to provide a mobile number and to return any voicemails quickly. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to be available during the scheduled appointment to receive and sign for the package. Any redelivery charges incurred will be billed to the customer.
It is highly recommended that the Customer Contact be present at the time of delivery to inspect and sign for the shipment. If no one is available to accept the delivery, the driver may leave the shipment at the first accessible area outside the building.
On the day of delivery, it is the sole responsibility of the customer to fully inspect the shipment for potential damage caused during transit. Please ensure that all pieces are accounted for and inspect all sides of the boxes or crates for anything out of the ordinary.
What happens when my Furniture order includes damaged products?
For ANY and ALL Furniture deliveries, a customer representative MUST be present during delivery. It is critical to document all damaged product, including packaging. If you can see damage on the outside of the box, or if some of the packaging is missing from the shipment, take PHOTOS to document the condition of the box. Please open the box to inspect interior condition before the freight carrier departs. If ANY damage is suspected, please note “DAMAGED” on the delivery receipt or Bill of Lading (BOL). NEVER allow a freight driver to mark the BOL, only the customer representative should sign or mark the BOL. You have the right to refuse delivery if the item, or packaging, is visibly damaged.
Failure to note damages on the delivery receipt within 4 business days will release the trucking company of liability, so it is very important to make the proper notations on the delivery receipt and/or BOL. Please take photos of all damage, including the condition of the exterior packaging, as well as any resulting damage to the actual item. Again, photos are excellent to help document how products arrive. Please also take a photo of the delivery paperwork and any receipts for your records.
How should I communicate damaged product to CPS?
Please alert CPS of damage immediately/ASAP, by sending an email, with photos and a description of what is damaged, how many pieces are damaged, and any other details, to your CPS Account Manager. We are here to assist you and to help protect your purchase. Our suppliers are excellent partners and usually very responsive to damage claims. However, failure by the customer to notify CPS in a timely manner (within 4 business days of delivery) may release both the carrier and the manufacturer of any liability to remedy the situation. We want to be proactive in representing your claim and encourage you to communicate promptly.
What if I receive product that is damaged during Parcel delivery?
Some furniture items, depending on size, may ship Parcel, via common carrier like UPS or FedEx. Parcel deliveries do not require an appointment or signature upon receipt. Occasionally, damage may occur, and it is important to notify CPS immediately of any issues. It can be very difficult to receive any damage remedy from the parcel carriers, therefore, the supplier absorbs much of the damage costs. It is critical to document any damage with photos of the original packaging and the actual damaged product. Supplier reporting requirements are strict. All damages via Parcel should be reported to CPS within 24-48 hours of receipt.
What is the Return Policy?
Normally, CPS follows the individual return policy of the applicable supplier. At minimum, returns must be initiated within 5 business days of receipt. There is a restocking fee equal to 25% of the returned items, a prorated portion of outbound freight, plus the cost of return freight. Because it is so onerous to return items, especially Furniture items, we ask that customers carefully review Estimates and Sales Orders before signing off on any Furniture order.
There are NO returns for special orders, or custom product, including custom size, fabric, color, or marking. Understandably, these sales are FINAL unless damage has occurred and a warranty may be invoked.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Why is the only online payment option “On Account?
We do not take credit cards on our website or over the phone. All payment is “On Account” via an invoice from Catholic Purchasing Services. One of the benefits of working with Catholic Purchasing is that we do not require any up-front payment and we provide Net 30 Terms. We will email an invoice to you when your order has started to ship. From that ship time, you have 30 days until your invoice is due and payment is due to CPS.
How will I receive an Invoice?
Invoices will be emailed to you upon the date your order starts to ship. Please be sure to “whitelist”, or identify incoming CPS emails as safe contacts, so that our order information, invoices, statements, and updates will reach your Inbox in a timely manner. If you need an invoice to be sent to the accounting department or business manager, we can add that email also to your account.
Statements are mailed for invoices over 60 days old. Statements can also be emailed.
How can I pay my invoices?
We currently accept payment via Check, ACH, Bill.com, or Venmo for Business.
ACH payment from your bank to our bank is available. To avoid fraud, please ALWAYS call CPS to confirm an ACH transaction – 800.237.4125 x530. CPS will NEVER send an email regarding a change of ACH information. If you receive such an email, please reach out immediately to CPS at 800.237.4125 x530.
We also accept payments through Bill.com. The customer must create an account with Bill.com, and then send an invitation to [email protected]. CPS will accept that invitation so payments can be transferred.
Venmo for Business is also an option. Our business account is @CatholicPurchasing. CPS absorbs transaction fees. Please note your Invoice # and institution name in the notation area.
Please contact our controller at [email protected] with any questions or to set up ACH, Bill.com, or Venmo for Business.
How can I pay using EANS, ESSR, or GEER funds?
Catholic Purchasing is an approved vendor on Sam.gov and with ClassWallet. When designating a vendor, please look for CPS as an option in ClassWallet. Catholic Purchasing is also registered with Sam.gov, and multiple individual states, as a qualified, approved vendor. If you cannot locate Catholic Purchasing Services in the vendor search, contact CPS at 800.237.4125 x 530 so we may investigate.
Are there any penalties for late payment?
A 1% finance charge is calculated for invoices aged over 60 days on the outstanding balance.
Sales Orders using EANS, ESSR, or GEER funding may be exempt from incurring late fees as long as customer communicates status to CPS.
How do I verify tax-exempt status?
Please email your tax-exempt certificate to [email protected]. Once we apply the tax-exempt status to your organization, any new purchaser who registers from the same organization will not need to verify status, or send a certificate, again.
How do I request a W-9 from CPS?
Please email [email protected] to request a copy of our W-9. We will need the name of the organization, along with the name and email of the person requesting the W-9. We will then email a pdf copy of our W-9.
