Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Ordering :: Shipping :: Returns :: Payment :: Online Security :: Instrument :: Other

Ordering Questions:

When will my order ship?
Most orders placed by 2:00 PM Central Standard Time, are shipped the same business day. Shipping will not occur on Saturday, Sunday, or on holidays. Orders received during the weekend or over holidays will be promptly shipped on the next working business day. Click here to view our shipping policies.

What is your back-order policy?
If an out-of-stock item is back-ordered, the item will be shipped immediately upon receipt from our supplier. You will be notified if any of your ordered items are on back-order.

Can I cancel my order?
Orders are instantly transmitted to the warehouse for shipment and are therefore difficult to intercept. If you wish to try and cancel anyways, please call our customer service line at 630-613-9687 and a representative will try to help you with your cancellation.

Do you accept Purchase Orders?
Yes, we accept purchase orders from educational, professional and other qualified organizations. Click here to view our purchase order terms.

How do I checkout as a guest?
To checkout as a guest select PayPal as your method of payment. Once you are on the PayPal payment screen select the option that says "Don't have a PayPal Account" and continue checkout. For more information Click Here.

How do I place a bulk or specialty order?
Contact customer service at 630-613-9687 and they will be happy to assist you.

Shipping Questions:

What are your shipping policies?
Click here to view our shipping policies.

Do you ship internationally?
No, at this time we can only ship to locations within the United States.

What if I open my package and find items missing or defective?
We make every attempt to accurately pack and ship your order. Should you receive incorrect, damaged or defective merchandise, please contact Customer Sevice at 1-630-613-9687 for assistance.

Questions on Returns:

What is your Return Policy?
Click here to view our 30-Day Return Policy.

Are there items that I cannot return under any circumstance?
Custom made, custom labeled, overstock sale and final clearance items cannot be returned. Please call Customer Service at 1-630-613-9687 with any questions.

Payment Questions:

What are my online payment choices?
Through PayPal or Google Checkout we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, bank transfer, or a PayPal balance transfer.

What are my other payment options?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express by phone, fax, or mail.

Online Security Questions:

Is your site secure?
We understand that you may have concerns about using your credit card to make online purchases. At BBSinstruments.com, we utilize PayPal or Google Checkout to process our online orders.

Click on the Seal below to verify that BBSinstruments.com is secure for online transactions:

Is a PayPal account required when using PayPal to purchase?
No a paypal account is not required for purchase. Make sure to select PayPal as your payment method if you want to pay without an account.

Is a Google account required when using Google Checkout to purchase?
Yes a Google account is required for purchase using Google Checkout.

Instrument Questions:

Where do you get your instruments from?
All of our instruments are from Xinhua Surgical Instrument Company of China. Xinhua is registered as a Manufacturer with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Xinhua also holds International Organization for Standards (ISO) certificates, as well as a CE certificate.

What quality grades of instruments do you offer?
We are proud to offer you the choice of two different quality grades of our surgical instruments:

• Standard Quality Instruments - BBSinstruments understands that sometimes an instrument is not for use in the operating room and therefore we offer our line of standard quality instruments. All our standard quality instruments are made for situations where functionality outweighs precision and durability. For example: where a nurse needs to cut a bandage or a researcher needs to pick something up with a pair of forceps. In these situations it does not make sense to pay for a high quality precision and durable instrument when all you require is function. Our standard quality instruments usually come in a dull mirror finish and normally do not have any type of identification numbering directly on them. BBSinstruments standard quality instruments are intended for use in non-surgical procedures and situations. Item numbers of our standard quality grade normally end in one letter. (For Example: "R" or "C").
• High Quality Instruments - Shinva Instruments - BBSinstruments understands the demand for quality in the operating room and therefore we offer our exclusive high quality surgical instrument brand - Shinva Instruments. Our high quality Shinva brand instruments are crafted out of the highest grades of surgical stainless steel and inspected thoroughly so you can be sure they meet the demands of your medical facility. High quality Shinva instruments come in numerous surgical patterns including, surgical scissors, micro scissors, supercut scissors, hemostatic forceps, micro forceps, scalpel handles, micro needleholders, tungsten carbide needleholders, retractors, and more. These instruments are crafted with precision, durability and functionality in mind. The Shinva instruments bear a non-reflective matte finish and are usually marked with the item number for easy identification. Item numbers of our high quality grade normally end in two letters. (For Example: "RN" or "RG").

What does "mm" stand for?
The "mm" stands for millimeters which is the unit we measure our instruments in. For help converting between inches (in) and millimeters (mm), please see our conversion page here.

What is the difference between dissecting forceps and tissue forceps?
The term dissecting forceps or dressing forceps usually indicates a forcep type that has serrations on the working tip of the instrument. The term tissue forceps usually indicates a forcep type that has prominent teeth at the working end of the instrument.

What suggestions do you have for the care and maintenance of surgical instruments?
Click here to view Care and Maintenance recommendations.

Other Questions:

Will I be charged sales tax?
Sales tax will be charged in Illinois and in select cases California.

I need another copy of my invoice. How do I get one?
To obtain a copy of your invoice, please fill out our Invoice Request Form (Note: will open a new window/tab).

When will my credit card be billed?
Your credit card will be billed when your order is shipped. Your charges should appear on your next credit card statement.

No one answered the Customer Service Line when I called?
Being a small company we only have representatives available during our business hours of Monday through Friday 8:30 AM CST to 5:00 PM CST. If your call was not answered you can try calling back, leaving a message or sending an email to bbs@bbsinstruments.com

Do you have additional products not on your website?
Yes, we have hundreds of types of instruments available for order. Our website was set up as a convenience for customers to order our most popular items. Call 1-630-613-9687 to inquire about additional products not seen on the website.