Central Receiving

Purchasing Services oversees and manages Central Receiving for the University (excluding library book acquisitions). When items arrive that were purchased through Purchase Order (PO), our staff will verify and match up these items with those listed on the P.O. In some cases, freight/delivery companies will deliver tangible items directly to the department. Please notify us via e-mail or hard copy memo if you receive items directly. Please reference the Purchase Order number, vendor name, item(s) received, quantity and quality of items received. Accounts Payable will not pay on tangibles that Central Receiving has not posted electronically.

Damages and Shortages
In some instances, damage of goods can be concealed on items such as furniture and filing cabinets that are cartoned making it impossible to check for damages/shortages until the items reach the department. If the order is delivered damaged or incomplete, please inform Central Receiving as soon as possible. Delays in reporting damages may limit the University's ability to claim, causing the University to lose its rights to recover for the damages. The normal time limit provided by law for filing claims is seven working days. In order to file the claim for you, we will need the Purchase Order number, packing slip, date of receipt, vendor name, and nature of damages. Please do not discard the original boxes/cartons/crates until the claim has been settled.

Return(s) for Credit
When a vendor has shipped items as specified on a Purchase Order, they have legally complied with their part of the contract and are under no obligation to accept for credit any of those items delivered as specified. Acceptance of a return by the vendor is by no means automatic, and a restocking charge may apply. Also, most vendors have varying time limitations for acceptance of returned items. Generally, the vendors will accept a return within 15 days. Computer supplies such as toner cartridges, ribbons, and/or other similar consumables are returnable within 5 business days in their original unopened box. Please note that this policy may change without any advanced notice.

Please contact the vendor as soon as possible to learn about their policy on such returns before contacting Central Receiving. Once the vendor's policy is known, Central Receiving will handle the return of merchandise. We will ensure that a return authorization number has been obtained, post information electronically, and arrange for freight/delivery to return the item(s) back to the vendor.