Business-Supply.com - They get my business!
Written: May 14 '04 (Updated Aug 19 '04)
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Why is it I can’t find my favorite S.O.S. Scrubber Sponge, All Surface - in any store around here anymore? I have no idea! These are my favorite sponges to use to wash dishes. They come in a package of three, but I got down to my last sponge. So I needed to go to desperate measures to find more…I checked the internet.
Where to look?
When I typed in SOS SPONGE in the Google search engine, over 6,700 items came up. So, I started clicking at the top to see at which web site I could find the best price. After checking about 12 sites, hands down the best price was at Business-Supply.com
Why were they the best price?
Because of the shipping costs…there weren’t any. At most of the other web sites, including Staples.com, Office Depot.com, and even at a janitorial supply web site called BettyMills.com, the shipping costs ran from $10.75 to $12.95. Most of these web sites give you free shipping if you bought over $50 of stuff, but since I was only buying a total of 24 sponges, I was only spending $25.44. Thankfully, Business-Supply.com offers free shipping on orders over $25. Since my order was $25.44, I received the free Next Business Day shipping (if it’s after 2:00 pm, it gets shipped out the following business day). If your order is under $25, than shipping is a flat rate of $4.95. They even offer free shipping on oversized items like office furniture that has to be shipped by common carrier!
The sponges averaged about $3.33 for a pack at most of the web sites I checked, but Business supply.com has them for $3.18. So in total, with the free shipping, I saved up to $14.15 on 24 simple sponges! That total is not even including the fact I did not have to pay sales tax, so my savings are actually a little better.
I also crossed referenced other web sites with prices on other items like toner and everyday office supplies, and they seem to beat the other web sites by a few cents or more on each item, and offers the next-business-day shipping. They accept Visa, MC and Amex only. No Discover or Paypal.
Variety?
This web site sells a lot of business items, like: art school supplies, office supplies, filing supplies, janitorial supplies, binders, office furniture, shipping supplies, computer and printer accessories, and even health care supplies (like blood pressure monitors, cold/hot packs, exam gloves, gowns, drapes, vests, tray stands, medical cabinets, medical scales, medical tape, stethoscopes and thermometers) to name most of the items. They even offer weekly specials, like ink toner for Canon: list price $31.95 down to $23.59; or folding chairs: list price $98 down to $59.57.
Easy to use?
I think that since they don’t sell a ton of stuff, their web site is not cluttered and is easy to maneuver through. Very clear, clean pages, and your total is clearly indicated before you give all of your information (just type in your zip code). There are only 5 file tabs at the top of the web site, because that really is all you need (Home, My Catalog, Shopping Cart, Check Out and Order History). After placing an order, you can check on your order history. Also, when you go back to order something else, you don’t need to re-enter all of your information again, just your e-mail name and password.
Was my order correct? Did I get it on time?
The answer to both of these is yes. My order was correct, packaged nicely, and it was here in the one-day delivery service as promised.
What didn’t I like?
I didn’t like that I did not receive an e-mail confirmation of my signing up with them, or of my order. Nor did I get an e-mail confirming that my order was shipped. I mean, how hard is it to have an automated program send-off an e-mail when you’ve finished checking out or after your item has been shipped? To check on your order, you need to go to their web site and click on the Order History link. Here you can see what you have ordered, and there is a link that takes you to the UPS site that gives you the status info on your package. I found this acceptable.
Contact Information
They have a real mailing address (not a P.O. Box):
Business-Supply.com, Inc
115 MacKenan Drive
Cary, NC 27511
They have an 800 phone number that I never used, so I cannot comment on their live phone service:
(800) 676-0180
And they have a link for e-mail support:
support@business-supply.com
Bottom line
Exceptional company, excellent prices and super fast shipping.
©Sherri (cubmomma) 2004
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? S.O.S. Scrubber Sponge, All Surface
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Epinions.com ID:
cubmomma
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Member: Sherri
Location: Southern Calif.
Reviews written: 28
Trusted by: 26 members
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