Stationery Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why can’t I have a metal filing tray?
A. The plastic filing trays offer better value for money.

Q. I would like to order a novelty mouse mat (or any other similar item), why won’t you let me?
A. The University should not be seen to be spending its money in this way. The standard mouse mat performs the function adequately.

Q. I want to order higher quality paper than the standard paper, can I?
A. The standard paper (EP4) is 75% recycled, manufactured in the UK from UK waste and works well in all mono devices and colour ink jet printers. This is the paper you should use. We are able to supply a better quality paper for use in colour laser printers, but you should bear in mind that colour printing typically costs 10 times as much as mono printing and should therefore only be used where colour is necessary.

Q. But this paper keeps jamming in our MFD!
A. Please see the advice on our web page http://www.uwe.ac.uk/printing/photocopiers.shtml that shows how to load the paper correctly. Typical reasons for jamming are: not loading a whole ream of paper at a time; the paper guides (where fitted) are not snug against the paper; damaged sheets of paper are put in the machine; loading paper the wrong way up.

Q. We used to order our stationery (or certain items of stationery) direct from the supplier using our Purchasing card – is this still OK?
A. No. All stationery must be ordered through Printing and Stationery Services.

Q. The prices in the Lyreco catalogue are very expensive!
A. The price in the catalogue is Lyreco’s recommended retail price. The price paid by UWE is considerably lower than those quoted in the catalogue.

Q. I was happy with the standard product from the old supplier, but the replacement is not suitable.
A. Please let our Stationery Coordinator know about your concerns which will be raised with Lyreco. We will take all necessary steps to correct the situation as quickly as possible.

Q. The product(s) we need are not available in the Lyreco catalogue so can I order direct?
A. No. PSS will ask Lyreco to quote for the supply of a similar product but if it's not suitable will order from a specialist supplier. By ordering centrally from specialist suppliers we will understand the demand for similar products and should be able to negotiate better discounts for the University.

Q. I’ve seen a similar product advertised on the Internet and it’s much cheaper than the price I am paying to PSS.
A. Firstly, please check that the price you have been quoted includes VAT and delivery. Secondly, does the supplier have the product in stock? You need to be aware that we are required by the Financial Regulations to add a mark-up on our prices and this could be the reason for the discrepancy. If this still doesn’t account for the difference then please report the details to PSS so we can take up with our suppliers.

Q. My Stationery order has not arrived
A. From time to time we get complaints from internal customers that stationery orders have not been delivered. Our system generates an e-mail to the person who raised the order with a PDF copy of the delivery note. This clearly shows the delivery address being used. This delivery address is identical to the address label attached to the boxes. Once we have packed the stationery order, sticking address labels on each box, we write the details on a Driver's Delivery Sheet. This gives the CSOs from Facilities who collect and distribute the jobs the opportunity to check the parcels are on the pallet being collected.

If we receive a complaint about non-delivery we firstly check the address is correct then check the parcel(s) is/are written on the driver's sheet. If the delivery address is correct you must check carefully at that location for the parcel, remembering that we sometimes pack orders into empty paper boxes so could be confused. Contact the post room to see if they have not yet delivered to you. If the parcel is not found we very much regret that the cost of replacement items will be charged to your cost centre.

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