Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about accounts, orders, returns, resources, and more.

     

Why should I create an account?

Creating an account isn’t required, but it makes things smoother and gives you helpful tools:

  • Faster checkout & saved details. Save shipping/billing information and view past orders. For security, we don’t store full credit-card numbers; payments are processed by our PCI-compliant provider.

  • Order tracking & invoices. See real-time order status and download invoices for your records. If you check out as a guest, we can still help retrieve documents, but it may take longer and we may need your order number and email to locate the purchase.

  • Quotes and school purchasing. Submit and manage quotes and, where eligible, place purchase orders tied to your school. Requirements may vary by institution and jurisdiction.

  • Tax-exempt purchasing (schools/organizations). Upload your exemption documentation once and, after verification, your account will reflect tax-exempt status at checkout. Please note: exemptions apply to the verified account on a go-forward basis; in many jurisdictions we’re not able to retroactively refund tax on prior, non-exempt purchases.

  • Returns and replacements. Having your orders in one place helps us verify eligibility and process approved returns/replacements more efficiently under our published policy.

  • Resource access. Many products include downloadable teacher notes or answer keys in the RESOURCES section of the product page; an account helps you keep these organized alongside your purchases.

  • Communication preferences. Choose to receive shipping updates and product notices. You can adjust or opt out of non-transactional emails at any time.

We understand some customers prefer not to create an account—guest checkout is available. If you go that route and later need help locating an order or invoice, we’re happy to assist; it just may take a bit more back-and-forth to verify details.

A few practical tips (especially for schools):
Use a central, role-based email (e.g., office@school.org) so multiple staff can access order history, quotes, and tax-exempt settings as team members change. Please keep your login secure; you’re responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your credentials.

If you have questions about privacy, tax-exempt verification, or purchase-order eligibility, let us know and we’ll walk you through the steps—our goal is to make the process clear and hassle-free.


How do you handle Purchase Orders?

We’re happy to accept purchase orders from public and charter schools once the PO is signed by an authorized administrator (typically the treasurer or principal) and certifies that funds are available. All POs are subject to verification before processing. Private schools that do not have established credit with us will need to prepay using an approved method (e.g., credit card, ACH, or check). Schools that wish to set up terms can apply for an account; approval is not guaranteed and may depend on credit review and jurisdictional requirements.

For the smoothest processing, please make sure your PO includes:

  • A unique PO number, bill-to and ship-to addresses, and a primary contact (name, email, phone).

  • Item names/SKUs, quantities, unit prices, and any quoted discounts.

  • Applicable tax-exempt certificate (if eligible) and shipping method or required delivery window.

  • Authorized signature and a statement certifying that funds are available.

Once approved, we’ll confirm the order and schedule fulfillment based on availability. We reserve the right to request revisions to incomplete POs, and we may ship in multiple cartons as items become ready. Payment terms (if granted) begin on the invoice date; late or unpaid balances may affect future PO eligibility. If you have questions about setting up an account, tax-exempt purchasing, or acceptable prepayment methods, we’re glad to help you choose the option that best fits your school’s process.


My school is tax‑exempt. Why am I being charged tax?

We’re glad to support tax-exempt purchasing for eligible schools and organizations. To activate exemption on your online orders, please complete these steps:

  1. Create an online store account using a central, role-based email (e.g., office@school.org) so all authorized staff can benefit.

  2. Email your current exemption certificate (PDF or image) to accounts@edutc.com along with your account email and billing address.

  3. Allow 1–2 business days for verification. We’ll review the documentation and may request clarification if the certificate is expired, jurisdictionally limited, or does not match your billing entity.

  4. We’ll mark the account as tax-exempt once approved, and eligible orders placed while signed into that account will reflect the exemption at checkout.

A few helpful notes: tax regulations vary by state and jurisdiction, so approval is not automatic and applies only to qualifying purchases shipped to covered locations. Exempt status is not retroactive; in most jurisdictions we cannot refund tax on prior orders placed before approval or under non-exempt accounts. Please keep your certificate up to date; expired documentation may result in tax being charged until renewal is verified. If you have multiple campuses under different legal entities, each entity may need its own verified account. We’re happy to answer questions and help ensure your documentation is set up correctly.


How do I obtain a quote?

To request a quote online, add the items you need using the Add to Quote button, then open View Your Quote, enter your contact and delivery details, and submit. You’ll receive an official, signed PDF quote by email that is generally valid for 30 days from the date issued. If you need to adjust quantities, items, or addresses, give us a call or reply to the quote email and we’ll make the revisions and resend an updated document.

A few helpful notes: pricing, availability, freight estimates, and taxes are based on the information provided at the time of the quote and may change after the validity period or if order details change. Lead times are estimates until we receive an approved PO or payment. Quotes include a unique quote number—please reference that number when you place your order or contact us with questions. If we discover a typographical error or an item that has been discontinued or backordered, we’ll let you know and issue a corrected quote.


What happens once I place my order, and will I be notified when it ships?

After you place an order, our accounting team verifies payment and any required documentation (for example, tax-exempt status or a purchase order). Once verified, the order moves to production and then to shipping. When a shipping label is created you’ll receive an automated email with a tracking link; however, most carriers don’t activate tracking until the package is physically picked up and scanned at their facility. It’s normal to see a “Label Created” status for several hours—often until early evening—so if tracking hasn’t updated yet, check again after about 6:00 p.m. CT or within the next 12–24 hours.

Helpful notes: multiple-item orders may ship in more than one carton and tracking can update at different times for each carton; weekend or holiday pickups are limited and may delay the first scan; and spam filters sometimes catch the tracking email, so please check your junk folder. If your tracking still hasn’t activated after one full business day (or you believe an item is missing), contact us with your order number and we’ll review the shipment and coordinate next steps. Our goal is to keep you informed and get your materials to you as smoothly as possible.


What if I discovered that my order was shorted?

We want to make this right quickly. If you believe an item is missing, please let us know within five (5) days of delivery so we can research, verify the shipment, and issue the appropriate correction under our policy. Reports received after that window can’t be honored, and any unverified shortages would need to be purchased separately.

To help us help you fast, include your order number, a photo of the packing slip, and clear photos of the box and contents (including any inner packaging). Keep all packaging until we confirm next steps—if a carrier inspection is needed, they may request it. Note that multi-carton orders can arrive on different days; tracking each carton often resolves apparent shortages. If you’re unsure whether your order shipped in multiple boxes, we’ll check for you.

If damage or loss occurred in transit, we’ll guide you through the carrier process and, where applicable, arrange replacements consistent with our published policy. Our goal is to resolve genuine shortages promptly while keeping the process straightforward and fair


What is your return policy?

We’re committed to making returns straightforward while protecting the integrity of classroom materials. New, unopened items may be returned within 14 days of delivery for a refund, less a 25% restocking/shipping recovery fee that helps cover outbound freight and inspection/repackaging costs. To ensure we can receive and process your return, please obtain an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) from our team before sending anything back; unauthorized returns may be refused or significantly delayed in processing.

If the return is required due to our error (for example, we shipped the wrong item), we’ll provide a prepaid return label and cover return shipping. In all other cases, customers are responsible for secure return shipping and any associated costs. Returned items must be in new, resaleable condition with all components and packaging intact; after inspection, approved refunds are issued to the original form of payment (please allow standard bank processing times once we complete the return).

Certain items aren’t returnable: consumables (e.g., student booklets intended for single use) and opened, prepared classroom materials that cannot be restored to new condition. Please also note that timelines and charts should not be laminated; lamination alters the product and voids eligibility for replacement under our policy.

To start a return, contact us with your order number, the item(s) you wish to return, and the reason. We’ll confirm eligibility, issue the RMA with instructions, and outline next steps. Our goal is to be fair and helpful while keeping materials ready for the next classroom that needs them.


What if something arrives damaged?

If your order arrives damaged, please contact us as soon as possible and keep all packaging and contents (including the outer box and packing materials). We’ll open a carrier claim on your behalf and guide you through the next steps. To help us move quickly, please share your order number and clear photos of the damage, the shipping label, the outer carton (all sides), and the packing slip. Replacements are issued in accordance with our policy and the carrier’s claim process; in some cases we may replace items immediately at our discretion, while in others we must wait for the carrier’s review. The carrier may require inspection or pickup of the package, so please hold all materials until we confirm the claim is resolved. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and work to restore your materials with as little disruption as possible.

Where do I find answer keys and teacher’s notes?

Most keys and teacher notes are provided as digital downloads on our website. To find them, locate the item in our online store, open its product page, and scroll to the RESOURCES section to download the files. If the resource is gated, please sign in with the account used to purchase the item. A few products intentionally do not include keys (for example, open-ended or manipulative-based work); where keys are included in the printed set, that will be noted on the product page. If you can’t locate what you need, share the item name/SKU and your order number and we’ll point you to the correct file. Please note that downloads are provided for use by the purchasing classroom or organization; redistribution is not permitted.

Where can I get suggestions for what containers to use?

For storage and presentation ideas, open the product’s page and scroll to the SUGGESTED CONTAINERS section—there you’ll find our recommended sizes and styles that fit the specific cards, task strips, or manipulatives in that set. You can also browse our dedicated Containers category to see options across materials and classroom areas. Availability and exact dimensions may vary by manufacturer, so if you’re matching an existing shelf or box, feel free to share your measurements and we’ll help confirm a good fit before you order.

This FAQ is provided for convenience and summarizes store guidance. For the most current policy language, please refer to the official ETC Montessori website.