FAQ’s for Online Purchasing with Invitrogen
1) What are the benefits of ordering Chemicals through Invitrogen on the E-Portal?
• provides you with up-to-date catalog information
• displays Yale’s discounted pricing
• gives you the ability to track your orders
• increases your ordering efficiency through the use of time-saving features such as a Favorites list
2) Do I have to use the ePortal to order Chemicals?
No, in many ways it is simply a replacement for phoning or faxing an order. However, it does offer the additional benefits mentioned above.
3) What do I do if an item does not appear in the online catalog?
The online catalog is very comprehensive and you may often see items appear online long before they appear in a paper catalog. However, if you fail to locate a product online, please contact the sales representative for help or send an e-mail to Invitrogen using the Contact Us function on the web site.
4) Does the Invitrogen web site make a commitment for you?
No. First, check with your Business Manager to see if this is necessary. Should you need a commitment in our financial system, simply use Yale’s Custom Commitments web tool.
5) Who do I call for help?
Contact our Invitrogen Sales Representative, Debbie Consiglio at (800) 955-6288 x66501 or debbie.consiglio@invitrogen.com.
6) What do I do if I need my order by the next day?
Be sure to place your online order by 3pm to ensure next-day delivery. Call our Sales Representative with emergency orders if necessary.
7) What should I do if my department requires internal approval on an order that I place through Invitrogen’s web site?
Leave the PO Number field blank under Step 2: Input your Purchase Order Information and be sure to include the e-mail address of the person approving your order in Step 4: Order Routing Information. Your order will be forwarded to that person and they will be responsible for approving and submitting your order.
8) Can I use a VIP Number when ordering online with Invitrogen?
Yes, Invitrogen will have a current list of valid VIP numbers and will validate your VIP when you enter it into their system. Incorrect VIP numbers will automatically be kicked out of the system and you will not be able to continue processing until you enter a valid VIP number. You will be notified by e-mail if your VIP number is not valid.
9) How are VIP numbers entered?
The VIP number is entered into the Cost Center field on the Invitrogen online ordering form. You must enter “VIP” before the 7 digits.
10) Can I use a Purchasing Card with Invitrogen?
Yes, you can use your Yale Purchasing Card. As mentioned above, the Purchasing Card will enable you to use SWAP to reallocate funds if necessary. Also, you may prefer the way Purchasing card transactions look when reconciling your financial reports.
11) Can I store credit card information online with Invitrogen?
No. You must enter your credit card information each time you shop on line with Invitrogen.
12) Can I save an incomplete order in Invitrogen’s web site?
Yes. In fact, the Invitrogen web site will remind you that you have an order in progress the next time you log onto the web site.
13) How long will incomplete orders remain in the system?
Incomplete orders will remain in the Invitrogen web site indefinitely.
14) May I combine orders for shipping purposes?
No, you can only ship to one shipping location at a time.
15) Is there a dollar limit to online Invitrogen orders?
Yes, the limit is $5,000 because you are ordering against a University-wide contract.
16) Are there any time-saving features for ordering frequently purchased items?
Yes, you can save ordering time by creating a list of favorites by clicking on this option and entering the catalog numbers of these items. Once you have created this list, you will simply click on Favorites again and a list of products will appear where you can enter the quantities and check the “Add to Order” box.
17) Do I need to use a Requisition number with Invitrogen?
No, you do not need to use a Requisition number. Invitrogen will assign a unique order confirmation number that will enable you to track your order. Departments that require a requisition number should enter it after the PO number in the PO Number field under Step 2: Input your Purchase Order Information. Please use a slash to separate the two numbers in this field. For example, you will type “UNP1000053/Req1234567”.
18) Can I use split-charging in Invitrogen’s web site?
No. If you are using a VIP number as your method of payment, you will need to place individual orders for each set of charging instructions. If you are using a Purchasing Card as your method of payment, you can place one order and later go into the SWAP (Simple Web Allocation Process) Procurement web tool to reassign the charges to the appropriate account(s) quickly and easily.
19) Can end users self-register and train themselves?
Yes. First-time users can self-register and use the system immediately as long as they know their Yale Customer Number which ensures proper delivery and Yale contract pricing. Online help is available to assist end users who register themselves. Training is available but not mandatory. If you require training, please contact Sales Representative, Debbie Consiglio, at (800) 955-6288 x66501 or debbie.consiglio@invitrogen.com.
20) What will my charges look like on my statements for Chemical orders?
P-Card charges for Chemical orders will look exactly like all other P-Card transactions. Orders placed with VIP numbers will be invoiced on a daily basis. These will appear as actuals when the invoice is paid by Accounts Payable. We are currently working on electronic invoicing with Invitrogen and will inform you of any changes in this information in the future.