Tutorial: How to use the USP online store

USP is pleased to announce the launch of an upgraded and enhanced online ordering system. Customers will find their online purchasing experience to be easier, more efficient, and user-friendly. This tutorial is intended to explain new and changed features in the USP online store and to introduce first-time customers to the online purchasing process.

New features and changes to the purchasing experience include:

My Account

Once you have logged into the online purchasing area, you will now see a link that says "My Account" at the top of each page. The "My Account" page will allow you to view the following options:
- Saved/Shared Carts
- View Saved Shopping Lists
- Order History
You may also view and make changes to your customer profile such as:
- Change Password
- Personal Information
- Contact Information
- Payment Book
- Accounts
- Preferences
The "Advanced Search" option will be taken out of the "My Account Bin". When you perform a search, the link to the "Advanced Search" option will appear at the bottom of the search results page.

Printable Quotes

You will now have the ability to review and print official quotes. The option to print a quote from USP will appear on the shopping cart page. Upon selecting this option, you will be navigated through the same check-out pages. However, you do not have to provide payment information for quotes. Once the quote is displayed, you may either print the quote or proceed to check-out.

Change Contact

Under Checkout: Billing Information, you will now see a "Change" button next to your contact name. This is a new feature to allow you to add multiple company contacts. These contacts can be added at this stage in the purchasing process or by going to "My Account" and selecting "Contact Information".

Shipping and Billing Addresses

We have added a checkbox to allow you to indicate if your shipping and billing addresses are the same so this information does not have to be entered twice.
We have improved the address search so that you can now narrow your searches by entering your country. The search is now based on the customer and allows you to enter your country. For example, if your company has addresses in the U.S. and Canada, all addresses are displayed. You may then narrow your search down by selecting 'Canada' so that only the address(es) in Canada are displayed.

Wire Transfers

To better serve our customers, we have introduced the option to pay by wire transfer. If you are paying via wire transfer, when your order is submitted, the shipment will be held until the wire transfer is completed. Once the wire transfer is completed, USP customer service will email you to inform you that the order will now be shipped.

Non-shippable Products

When purchasing non-shippable products (such as online subscriptions), most of the shipping information page will be suppressed. Only the "Ship To" contact name will be required.

Printing Invoices

Printable invoices can be accessed by going to "My Account", then "Order History", then pulling up your order number. Once you've selected the order number, there will be a link displayed to allow you to print your invoice.

Credit Application

On the payment information page, you will now see a link to USP's credit application. USP will extend an automatic credit limit of U.S. $2,000 for all customers in USA and Canada. To apply for credit terms with USP, please complete this form (94KB) , including your signature, and fax it to USP Customer Service at +1-301-816-8148, or scan the completed form with your signature and email it to for processing.

Purchase Orders

Duplicate purchase order numbers may not be entered within 90 days. The system is set up to give customers a warning if a duplicate order number is entered.

Adding Products to Cart

Previously, customers had to either mark a checkbox for bundled subscriptions or press a button for adding single-item products to their shopping cart. We have eliminated this distinction by only displaying an "Add to Cart" button. Note: There will be no changes for Reference Standards.

Search Function

If you choose to change your company contact on the Shipping Information page, and need to search for a Contact Name, you must enter something in the search box. The upgrade to our online purchasing system will no longer allow blank searches for Contact Name. This upgrade does not affect the search criteria for Address which can also be accessed from the Shipping Information page.

Additional information

You may find you are being required to complete more information than necessary for your needs, but this information is beneficial to USP's order fulfillment and reporting purposes. Such information may include subscription expiration dates or country of ultimate destination. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated.