FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

• Why purchase through Central Distribution System if I am already a distributor for a manufacturer?
• Will the manufacturer (or a buying group I am a member of) still recognize my sales volume, even if I buy through Central Distribution System?
• Does Central Distribution System ever sell to end users?
• How do I become a Central Distribution System Customer?
• How long will it take to set up my distributor account?
• Does Central Distribution System require a minimum order?
• I already have an account with Central Distribution System - How can I obtain my login and password?
• How do I know it is safe to submit my credit card number?
• What methods of payment does Central Distribution System accept?
• What is a part number?
• How fast can Central Distribution System get my order to me?
• Will Central Distribution System drop ship?
• How do I track my order shipment?
• Can I order items that are not found on your website?
• Can I return / exchange an item purchased?
• Can I cancel my order?
• What happens if my order is lost or damaged?
• How do I retrieve or reset the password for my account?
• Does Central Distribution System process Tax Exempt orders?
• Will Central Distribution System sell my name and address to other companies?
• Need more help?
  

Purchasing the products you require on a weekly basis from Central Distribution System offers you many cost-saving opportunities. Enabling you to place one order via phone, fax or web, for one shipment, on one invoice gives you the ability to enjoy the benefits of purchasing all the products you need from dozens of manufacturers. You maintain your access to the products, programs and prices that make sense for your inventory and cash flow management, and (best of all) you gain the personalized attention to your business that our dedicated Customer Service Representatives offer!

Back to Top

Yes. Central Distribution System works very closely with the manufacturer's management, direct sales force and many buying groups. In most cases, we provide monthly reports to each manufacturer (and approved buying group) showing them every detail of your account activity.

Back to Top

Absolutely not! At Central Distribution System, we operate as an extension of the manufacturer and only sell through qualified distributors like you. We never sell to end users!

Back to Top

It's very easy to buy from us. You can start the process by filling out a New Account Profile Application Form online, or just call us at +1.650.873.0160 (or Toll Free in the USA at 1.800.632.2600). We have a Customer Service Representative dedicated to servicing new accounts. Of course, we will still need a New Account Profile Application Form completed and a copy of your resale certificate before we can process your application.

Back to Top

If you qualify as a distributor, an account can be approved and an online account assigned to your company usually within one business day.

Back to Top

There are no minimum orders on products Central Distribution System has in stock. However, orders for products that are considered "non-stock" or "custom" are subject to the discretion of Central Distribution System and its manufacturing partners.

Back to Top

If you are already a customer of Central Distribution System, we absolutely adore you! In order to provide you with an online account that allows you to login and use the full features of our website, it is very important that you NOT create a new login and password. Instead, please allow us to personally assign you a Login ID and password so that you will be able to access your current account, order history and credit terms (if applicable). This is very easy to do...

Please select the Request to Order Online option on the upper left side of our Home Page. Enter the requested information so that we can match you with your existing account. We will then quickly contact you by email or phone as soon as we have activated your special account for Web Order Entry.

If your request is submitted Monday-Friday during our normal business hours (M-F, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pacific Time - USA & Canada), you can expect a response within 60 minutes. Otherwise, we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Return to top

During the order process if you choose to make your payment by credit card you will enter a secured area of our web site. A key, lock, or chain may appear in your web browser's status bar to show that you are in a secure area (see below). In this secure area, your information will be encrypted using Network Solutions and then processed electronically by Central Distribution System. If you would like to submit your credit card information over the phone, simply contact one of our customer service representatives at +1.650.873.0160 (or Toll Free in the USA at 1.800.632.2600) and someone will be happy to assist you.

Return to top

You may pay for your order by check, money order, or by credit card. We accept American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. If it is convenient for you, you are always welcome to pick up your order at our warehouse and distribution center in South San Francisco, California. If your order qualifies for delivery by our trucks, you may pay our driver at the time of delivery.

To add to the traditional security of credit card number encryption, we also require that you enter a CVV2, CVC2 or CID number when you use your credit card. CVV2 (Card Verification Value), CVC2 (Card Validation Code) and CID (Card Identification #) codes are a new authentication scheme established by credit card companies to help reduce fraudulent use of credit card numbers in internet transactions. It consists of requiring a card holder to enter the CVV2, CVC2 or CID codes at transaction time to verify that the card is on hand. You can find these codes as shown below. If your credit card does not have one of the codes, please contact your credit card company to get a new credit card that will allow us to process your online credit card order in the most secure way possible. Visa and MasterCard cards have a 3-digit CVV2 and CVC2 security code. The security code is the last 3 digits of the number on the back of the card (see diagram on the right side). Discover card has a 3-digit Card Member ID security code. The security code is the last 3 digits of the number on the back of the card (see diagram on the right side). American Express credit cards have a 4-digit CID security code, and it's located on the front of the card in various areas.

Return to top

A Part Number is the unique number we assign to a product. It is a 3-5 digit numeric code that is the quickest, easiest and most accurate number to use to place your order and to ensure you get the exact product you want. In order to use our Quick Entry Pad, you will need this number. It can be found in the following places:

• Look at any previously printed invoices you might have. Part Numbers (PN) can be found after the product description or immediately before a product's green/eco statement as seen below:

• Under the Ordering tab, click Reorder Pad. You will see a list of all the products you have purchased for the last year. The Part Number for each product is in the far right column.
• Go to My Account, then Order History, select a previous invoice, select a product you want and open a full description of the product. The part number will be presented to you in the product display.
• Go to Search and use descriptive words or stock numbers to locate the product you want. The part number will be presented to you in the product display.
• Go to Contact Us to locate the most convenient way you would like to contact us. By providing us with the most information you can about the product you would like and someone will assist you.
  
  Return to top

You can determine an approximate delivery date in advance by using the Delivery feature under the Ordering tab. However, during checkout we will provide you with the date you can expect delivery of your order of all products in our current inventory. If a product you have ordered is not currently in stock, we will send you an email with an expected delivery date shortly after you submit your order to us.

Return to top

Yes. On your request, we drop ship to your customer for no additional charge - and with no additional fees.

Return to top

For most orders you can use the Open Orders feature under My Account to determine the Ship Date of your order. After the shipment of your order, you can use the Order History feature under My Account to determine the status of your shipment. Depending on the carrier used for your order, a tracking number may be provided on the invoice with a link to enable you to obtain additional status information on your order shipment.

Return to top

Yes, of course! If you need a custom designed product, require a specific logoed item, have seen a product you want on another website, in a catalog, or anywhere else, Central Distribution System will do everything we can to get if for you. Please contact one of our customer service representatives at +1.650.873.0160 (or Toll Free in the USA at 1.800.632.2600) and someone will be happy to assist you.

Return to top

Yes. All standard (regularly stocked) merchandise purchased from our website may be returned within 30 days of receiving it. Restocking fees may apply. Special order and custom printed products may not be eligible for return/exchange.

Return to top

It may be possible to cancel your order while it's being processed, however, once your order moves into the shipping process it cannot be canceled. If you have any questions about your order, no matter how big or small, please contact one of our customer service representatives at +1.650.873.0160 (or Toll Free in the USA at 1.800.632.2600) and someone will be happy to assist you.

Return to top

Our experienced parcel preparation team is very careful to ensure your order is packaged correctly and shipped with the utmost care. It is rare that an order is lost or damaged. Of course, the delivery folk can lose a package and their machines can mangle them from time to time. If that happens, Central Distribution System can run a quick trace if the package is lost. If we cannot find your order shipment, we can immediately send a replacement. If an item arrives damaged, report the damage and we'll correct matters as quickly as possible. Simply contact one of our customer service representatives at +1.650.873.0160 (or Toll Free in the USA at 1.800.632.2600) and someone will be happy to assist you.

Return to top

To retrieve the password for your account, use the Forgot My Login feature under our Home page. Simply enter the email address associated with your account and you will receive instructions on how to reset your password by email within minutes. Of course, the email address you enter must be the same as the address we have on file. If your email changed, you would like to change your password, or you do not get an automated response within a timely manner, simply contact one of our customer service representatives at +1.650.873.0160 (or Toll Free in the USA at 1.800.632.2600) and someone will be happy to assist you.

Return to top

Yes, of course...that is the only thing we do because we only sell products to companies who resell our products.  Of course, if you are a U.S. based customer, we must make sure we have your current Tax Exempt or Resale Certificate on file.  Once you have reviewed, completed and signed this form, you can submit the required forms via fax to +1.650.588.7061, or alternatively via email to customercare@cdsadvantage.com.  A retail certificate is mandatory and must be completed and signed.  No e-commerce site access, pricing or quotes of any kind will be provided until the account has been properly established.

Return to top

Absolutely not! Any information you provide is used by Central Distribution System only to serve you in the best and most efficient way. We do not sell our mailing list to anyone...period! For more information, please read our Privacy Statement.

Return to top

Simply proceed to our Contact Us page to learn of more ways we can help you. Of course, you can also call and speak with one of our customer service representatives at +1.650.873.0160 (or Toll Free in the USA at 1.800.632.2600) during our normal working hours (M-F, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pacific Time - USA & Canada)

(Updated November 6, 2012)

Return to top