1. Browser
We have developed our site to be compatible with both PC's and Mac's and with both Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. The site works and views best in the latest versions of these browsers, which you can download free from their sites. Please note; There are compatability problems with Netscape 4.6 and 4.7. Parts of the site will not function properly while using them. Those people using these versions are encouraged to update in order view and use the site properly.

2. Navigation: You can navigate through the main body of the site by either drilling down or searching by keyword/s.

Keyword Search: To search by keywords, simply type the product, brand, or descriptive word and click go. The search will go through our database and retrieve products related to the word/s of headings and descriptions. Usually you will receive more information than you need. For instance, if you were to type "circular saw" you would see not only the power tool, but blades and any other item that had "circular", "saw", or "circular saw" in it's heading or description. In addition, you will see at the top of the returned screen four ways to refine your search. You can search within the results just retrieved, search within certain product lines, search by a manufacturer or by industry.

Drilling Down: Our database is set up in three layers. The main headings are Departments, which are divided into Categories and they in turn are divided into subcategorizes. To find an item, choose the most appropriate Department and so on to the Sub category level. We have tried to place items as logically as possible, although some items may be in two or three subcategorizes.

3. Products
Each item on the site has at least two sizes of pictures, along with its part number, description and price. We have tried to put as much information as possible in the description. In some cases there simply was very little and in others you will find a great deal. In addition to this we will be adding over time some associated documents. These documents are PDF files from our database or from other web sites. For instance, a woodworking machine would have an associated document of the owner's manual, parts breakdown, manufacturers specifications, etc. To see and download these files you need Adobe Acrobat, which is down loadable free from the Adobe site.

4. Login
Once you have registered and entered your login and password you have access to your personal information. You can review, edit or delete all your personal information from the "Account Information" pages. You can also add as many different shipping addresses as you need. All information relating to our customers is stored in a secure environment separate from our Web site. To better protect your credit card, the number is not stored and you must re-enter it for every purchase. If you forget your password, please use the "Retrieve Password" function. The system will automatically send you out an email with your password. We recommend you change it after using this reminder to maintain your information security. Should there be a problem with the item/s you have ordered or a typing error in your order profile that will not allow us to proceed, we will need to contact you.

5. View Cart
This screen allows you to see what items you have added to your shopping cart before you move to the checkout and purchase section or return to shopping. It shows the items and a subtotal, but does not include tax charges. This can only be seen at the checkout stage. On this screen you can delete an item or clear the cart completely, print the cart out so you can have a paper copy or for faxing the order in. You can also change the quantity ordered. To delete and item, simply check the remove button and hit Update Order. You can also Continue Shopping if you wish. The last button, Place Order, is for when you have finished shopping and would like to proceed to the checkout.

6. Checkout Process
Our Checkout pages are Verisign Secured, to ensure your information is protected to the fullest. For previous customers you just need to login and the system retrieves your shipping address and information. If you are a new customer you need to fill out these information fields.

Page One: Here you fill out your shipping/billing address as well as your login name and password. When you submit it takes you once more to the cart to confirm your items. If they are correct then hit Place Order.

Page Two: The second page of the checkout process shows you a breakdown of your order. It lists each item and it's price. The total costs of items, the shipping and then grand total. At the bottom you are asked what form of payment, either credit card or an account purchase you would like to use. Please Note: Only those companies or organizations set up with accounts may use purchase orders. If you wish to apply for an account please contact us at e-mail (sales@westerntool.com) or Call us at 1-888-698-7638 8:00am - 5:pm Pacific Standard Time.

Page Three: The second page asks for your credit card information. All fields are required to continue. Please enter your name, address and credit card number with expiry date. Please Note: Our new security system is very sensitive to credit card numbers and expiry dates. If your credit card number & expiry date will not go through, please e-mail (sales@westerntool.com) or Call us at 1-888-698-7638 8:00am - 5:pm Pacific Standard Time and we can help process your order. Also, to increase card security, our system is designed so it does not store your credit card number, so it must be entered for each purchase.

Page Four: This is the confirmation page reviewing your shipping/billing address, product items and totals. Please take the time to print this screen for your records. Finally, all you need to do is hit the purchase button. This sends your order to us and an automatic e-mail is sent to you with your order reference number. Please note: All shopper and payment information is encrypted and secure.

8. Recommend Our Site
This is a link to the "Let'em Know" system where you can send a note to a friend who you think might enjoy our site. You enter both yours and your friend's name and e-mail address and a message is sent telling them you recommended our site. Western Tool Supply or "Let'em Know" makes no use of either your or their e-mail address. Please see our Privacy and Security section or contact us if you have any concerns.

9. Links
Here we list links to suppliers and manufacturers of tools and machinery. In addition we also list sites on woodworking, tool reviews & comparisons and magazines.

10. Contact Us & View Stores Locations
Here is our customer service e-mail address along with our toll free phone and fax lines. In addition you can see the address of our retail stores located across the country, to make it easier for you to visit us.

11. Privacy & Security
Please see our Privacy & Security section for a full explanation regarding your private information and credit card security.