• entering a keyword in the "Quick search" box at the top of all pages
• using the "Select Manufacturer" drop-down menu at the top of all pages

Once you find a product you are interested in, you can often get more detailed information and/or see larger photos by clicking on the product's underlined product name, or the thumbnail photo, or the Info button.

Buying a product

If you want to buy the product, ensure the quantity required is entered in the Quantity box, and if applicable select any other attributes such as colour, model etc. When you are happy with your selection, click the Add to Basket button. A message will pop up confirming that the item has been added to your shopping basket. You can then either continue browsing for products, or go to the Checkout page - see below.

Monitoring and amending your shopping basket

Your basket will retain all the products you have added as you continue to shop. A brief summary of your shopping basket contents is shown in the blue basket frame at the foot of all pages. This is automatically updated as you add products to your basket. You can view a more detailed breakdown, or amend your shopping basket contents, at any time, by going to the Checkout page (see below).

Checkout page

Click the Checkout button. There is a checkout button at top right of all pages, and also at the bottom left in the blue basket frame.

On the Checkout Page you can see a detailed breakdown of all the products you have ordered. The sub-totals excluding VAT are shown, along with the total charges for postage and packing, the VAT amount charged, and the Overall TOTAL you will be charged.

• To amend quantities, change the figure in the Qty box and press your keyboard's Enter key. The charges will be automatically updated.
  
  
• To remove an item completely from your basket, click to tick the Delete box next to the item. A message will pop up asking you to confirm that you want to delete the product. Click OK or cancel. The charges will be automatically updated.
  
  
• To clear your order completely. Click the Clear Order button. A message will pop up asking you to confirm that you want to delete the product. Click OK or cancel. The basket contents will be cleared.
  
  
• To exit the checkout page and continue shopping click the Continue Shopping button. This will take you back to the last page you were on prior to entering the checkout.

When you are ready to proceed with your order, in the Checkout page, complete all relevant fields for Billing Name and address, Delivery name and address, etc. Any fields which you MUST complete are indicated by a red asterisk (*) next to them.

We would also appreciate if you would complete the "How did you find our site?" field.

Use the vertical scroll bar to move right to the bottom of the Checkout frame where under the text Submit your Order you will see an additional three buttons.

Printing a copy of your order

If you want to firstly print out a copy of your order details, click the Print Order button (scroll to foot of checkout frame if you can't see this button).

Confirming your order

Click the Send Order button (scroll to foot of checkout frame if you can't see this button).

Entering your credit/debit card details

After you click the Send Order button you will be taken to the secure Protx payment page where you enter your credit or debit card details. All credit and debit card transactions conducted through our website are processed by Protx, one of the Internet's leading payment service providers, using 128-bit SSL encryption technology. This ensures a completely safe and secure shopping environment for you.

The Protx payment page displays the secure padlock icon at the bottom right of the browser window, so you will know that you are on a secure page. Your payment details will be securely encrypted and cannot be read or accessed by anyone - and that includes us. After completing the information you click Proceed and Protx transfers the encrypted card details to your card provider where they are checked and authorised. We never see or have access to your card details at any time. For your additional security and peace of mind we do not store your card details either.

If Protx authorises your payment you will be taken to a "Thank You" page which also confirms your ORDER REFERENCE NUMBER, card TRANSACTION NUMBER, and the total amount charged to your card.

If for any reason Protx cannot authorise your payment, the reason will be indicated, and you can select to cancel the order. You will then be taken to the "Transaction Failed" page. You can try placing your order again, but it is usually best to contact your card provider to query why your payment has not been authorised.

Automatic Order Confirmation E-mails

Shortly after completing your order, you will be sent two confirmation e-mails as follows, to the e-mail address you gave us:

• CUSTOMER E-MAIL from Checkpoint Direct: This e-mail will confirm the order details and quote your order reference number and transaction reference. If you need to contact us about your order, you should always quote the order reference number and the date of your order.
  
  
• ORDER NOTIFICATION E-MAIL from Protx.com: This will confirm your order reference number, and the amount charged to your credit/debit card. It may not confirm the details of the goods ordered.

Your goods will be despatched as soon as possible after receipt of order. We will endeavour to have your order with you within 5-7 days from ordering, but we reserve the right to supply up to a maximum of 28 days. We will send you an e-mail to confirm when the products have been shipped. If a product is out of stock you will also be advised by e-mail, and as soon as the product becomes available it will be despatched.