An informational guide to eStores vendors

What is eStores?

eStores is a purchasing tool that houses groups of vendor catalogs within eRequest. It is the preferred method of purchasing items as the University has negotiated contracts with vendors to offer reduced prices. When you create a new eRequest there is a red button that can be clicked to enter this catalog system: 

Why should I use eStores?

The University has negotiated contracts with vendors to offer reduced prices. Often there is free delivery when ordering catering options as well as finding many items cheaper than through Amazon. Using eStores helps the University and you save money.  If you enter a request to purchase an item/service and are not utilizing eStores, we will ask that you resubmit your request through eStores to get these discounts.

What vendors are in eStores?

There are over 400 approved vendors who offer discounted services and goods through eStores. For a full list of all the vendors and categories of what they offer, please visit the OSU Business and Finance Supplier pages: https://busfin.osu.edu/buy-schedule-travel/purchasing/find-supplier

Commonly used vendors are:

• Catering
  • Adriatico’s Pizza
  • City Barbeque Inc
  • Creative Cuisine
  • Donatos Pizza
  • Metro Cuisine
  • Panera
  • Two Caterers Inc

• Computer Hardware and Peripherals
  • CDW Government Inc
  • Dell Computer Corp
  • GovConnection Inc
  • Hewlett-Packard Co

• Computer Software
  • Insight Public Sector

• Photography and Videography Supplies
  • B&H Photo

• Office Supplies
  • Staples

• Laboratory Equipment and Supplies
  • Fisher Scientific

Please note that we must utilize the vendors for items in their categories – e.g. office supplies must be purchased through Staples, even if it can be found through other vendors in eStores or other retailers.

What if I can’t find what I need in eStores?

Most common items that are needed for office use, educational and research supplies can be found through the eStores catalogs. If you aren’t sure if it is in eStores, please contact your fiscal coordinator for more information.