Sterling Business Machines, Inc. is committed to providing outstanding customer support and the best value to our State, Government, and Military customers. Our support team is available for all your needs, whether you need assistance locating a hard to find item or need to place an urgent order. For your convenience we have provided you with FAQ's to help facilitate the ordering process.

How do I find out about my order?

E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 625-4375
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday

Submit an order status request here

How do I submit orders?
  • GSA Advantage website
  • DoD eMall website
  • Phone, Fax, E-Mail
  • Vendor Portal

To order online through our vendor portal you must first register for an account. To set up an account first click on the, "request account" button on the navigation menu. Once on the "request account" screen please fill out the contact form. This form will be received by our Federal Accounts team. An account rep will contact you shortly to set up your account. If this is an urgent request, please mark "urgent" in the remarks box.

Once your account is active you will be able to login using your email address on our secured online ordering website. The vendor portal contains GSA, and BPA pricing as well as Open Market pricing. Items that are listed on the GSA schedule will show an icon that states, "GSA Contract." Items without the icon are considered "open market," items. The vendor portal contains a video site tutorial located at the bottom of the page for your convenience.

How do I exchange or return items?

To return an item, use the following steps:

  • Contact us by Phone (815-625-4375), Email or Live Chat to request a Return Authorization Number (RA#). Returns received outside of this process are subject to delay or refusal. Submit request here
  • Include a copy of your order confirmation or packing slip with the package with the RA# clearly written on it.
  • Make sure you receive a tracking number for the package so there is a way to track the package back to us.
  • Please include PO#, Item Numbers, Qty, Reason for Return

Return Policy
Sterling Business Machines, Inc. offers a 30 day return policy minus any
applicable restocking fees.

  • No restocking fee for orders returned within 30 days from receipt of
    merchandise.
  • All products must be in their original contents and unopened.
    Opened or unpacked items may incur restocking fees and/or shipping
    charges.
  • Customer order errors may also incur a restocking fee and/or return
    shipping charges.
  • No returns on perishable or dated goods.
  • 15% restocking fee and/or shipping charges applies for any orders returned
    after 30 days.
  • No returns/exchanges/credits after 45 days, on a case by case basis.
  • If item is damaged, shorted or incorrect by fault of Sterling Business
    Machines, Inc. there is no charge for return shipping.
  • Incorrect orders by customer will incur a shipping/handling charge plus any
    applicable restocking fees.


Credits
Sterling Business Machines, Inc. will issue credit, refunds within 10 business days of receipt of merchandise after inspection.


Shortages
Please report shortages immediately. Shortages reported after 10 days may not be
honored

Click here to view complete terms and conditions.

When will I receive my order?

At Sterling Business Machines, Inc. we understand how important it is to receive your order in a timely manner. We strive to ensure every order is delivered as fast as possible. The majority of our products are delivered within 1-2 days, and in many cases deliver next day. However, there are some instances that may take longer. For example, a truck load of copy paper may take 7-10 days while a smaller order would be delivered next day. Lead times may also depend on stock availability, if a customer's local warehouse is out of stock we may ship from a remote warehouse that may have a slightly longer lead time. For your reference please see below for typical lead times.

Delivery Lead Times:

  • Standard Office Products: Orders placed by the close of business
    day at 5pm CST will be processed next business day and will be
    delivered within 1-3 business days. Occasional backorders and
    minimal delays can occur.
  • Truck Load Orders: Will be shipped within 7-14 business days
    after receipt of order. All Truck load orders are Dock to Dock
    Delivery. For inside delivery additional charges may apply,
    please check with vendor before purchase.
  • Furniture/Bulk Paper/ Bulk JanSan: Shipped based on
    manufacturer’s lead time and product availability. Call for special
    pricing on furniture, paper, or jan san products by pallet and
    truckloads.
  • Ability One items: Ability One items placed by the close of
    business days at 5pm CST will ship within 2 business days.
    Lead times may vary due to stock or back orders.
  • Expedited Delivery: Customers may request expedited delivery.
    Please call (815) 625-4375  for rates
  • Inside Delivery for LTL and Truckloads: all deliveries utilizing LTL
    Freight and Truckload orders are dock to dock, Inside Delivery is additional
    charge.

Please note, occasional back orders and minimal delays may occur.

Special Notice on Ability One items: Sterling Business Machines, Inc. carries over 1,500 in stock Ability One items. As an Ability One distributor we are obligated to carry the full Ability One catalog. While we do carry the full catalog some Ability One items ship direct from the Ability One agencies. These items may have longer lead times than our regularly stocked items.