Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. How can I place an order?
  2. Why should I choose The Electrode Store?
  3. Do you offer discounts?
  4. How quickly can you ship my product?
  5. What is the shipping cost?
  6. Do you ship to countries outside the USA?
  7. Do you do third party shipping?
  8. What trade shows are you going to?
  9. How do I contact you? What is your phone and fax number?
  10. What is your mailing address?
  11. Where is The Electrode Store located?
  12. What are your hours?
  13. Do you have a store I can go to purchase from?
  14. Are your products manufactured on site?
  15. Is there a minimum order size?
  16. What is your return policy?
  17. Can I use the products after their expiration date? /  How long does sterilization last before expiring?
  18. How should we disinfect or clean our re-usable electrodes?
  19. What are your credit terms?
  20. What forms of payment do you accept?
  21. Do I have to fill out any forms to be a new customer?
  22. How do I get answers for questions that are not on the FAQ?
  23. Are you ISO-certified?
  24. Do you manufacture products or equipment for third parties?
  25. Can The Electrode Store supply custom made products?
  26. How do I communicate an idea I have for a new product, or a modification of one of your existing products?
  27. What type of connectors do your electrodes have?

 

Question 1: How can I place an order?

Answer: You can order online (ElectrodeStore.com), by email (info@electrodestore.com), FAX (360-829-0402), or by calling (360) 829-0400 or +1 (800) 537-1093.

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Question 2: Why should I choose The Electrode Store?

Answer: The Electrode Store has been in business since 1975, and offers proven, high-quality needle electrodes, surface electrodes, lead-wires, gels and accessories for electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) procedures.  Most of our revenue comes from products we design and manufacture in our Seattle-area facility, but we also offer high-quality medical products and accessories made by other trusted suppliers in the electrodiagnostic industry.  We strive for the highest quality products and customer service, at competitive prices.  We are ISO-13485 certified, and are compliant with US FDA standards as well as those of the European Community and Health Canada.

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Question 3: Do you offer discounts?

Answer: Yes, on medium-sized to larger orders!  Any order subtotaling $1,000.00 (US Dollars) or more (excluding fees, shipping, tax, etc.), qualifies for a dollar volume discount, based on order size.  If ordering online, enter discount codes 1000DISC, 2000DISC, or 5000DISC, respectively, when you are checking out.

5.0% Discount

US $1,000.00 – US $1,999.99

7% Discount

US $2,000.00 – US $4,999.99

10% Discount

US $5,000.00 – and above

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Question 4:  How quickly can you ship my product?

Answer:  We ship 95% of all orders the same day they are received (if received before noon Pacific Time).  Our goal is to keep most finished products in stock, ready to ship to you immediately.

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Question 5:    What is the shipping cost?

Answer:  Shipping charges are determined through balancing product weight, size, desired speed of delivery, and the customer's location.  We have a minimum shipping charge of $12.50 per order.  Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and international (non-US) locations will likely cost more.  We typically ship via FedEx in the United States, with shipping charges usually added to the invoice.  However, if the customer has a specific carrier preference we can usually accommodate that request.  (More information on shipping costs and methods is provided in the next two questions, on international shipping and third-party shipping.)

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Question 6:  Do you ship to countries outside the USA?

Answer:  Yes, we can ship to several countries outside of the US.  We have the flexibility of being able to select the preferred international carrier, including FedEx, UPS, or others. International orders received before NOON (12:00 pm Pacific time zone) are typically processed that same day. Delivery times vary depending on the shipping method, the distance and customs procedures.  Shipping charges are usually prepaid and added to the invoice, but may be paid for and shipped using the customer’s shipping account number if provided at the time of the order.

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Question 7:  Do you do third party shipping?

Answer:  Products are typically shipped via FedEx in the United States, with shipping charges prepaid and added to the invoice.  However, products may be shipped using the customer’s preferred shipping provider and account number if instructions are provided at the time of the order.

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Question 8:  What trade shows are you going to?

Answer:  Please refer to our Trade Shows page which always has the latest information regarding trade shows.

The Electrode Store is pleased to support and attend many industry trade shows each year relating to the areas of neurology, diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, physiatry, electromyography (EMG), electroencephalograpy (EEG), electroretinography (ERG), and ophthalmology or neuro-ophthalmology.  We typically have an exhibitor booth at the annual conferences or symposiums of the following organizations/associations and others both inside and outside of the United States:

AANEM  Annual Meeting  (American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine)

AAPM&R  Annual Assembly  (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

AAP  Annual Meeting  (Association of Academic Physiatrists)

AAN  Annual Meeting  (American Academy of Neurology)

ASET  Annual Conference  (ASET - The Neurodiagnostic Society)

ANSM  Annual Conference  (American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring)

*The Electrode Store occasionally runs trade show promotions such as discounts or free shipping for trade show attendees, so please watch for communications relating to this or just ask us in advance!

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Question 9:  How do I contact you?  What is your phone and fax number?

Telephone:  360-829-0400 
Toll-Free:  800-537-1093 
Fax:  360-829-0402

Website:  www.electrodestore.com

Email:  info@electrodestore.com

Or visit our Contact Us page. 

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Question 10:  What is your mailing address?

The Electrode Store

PO Box 188 
Enumclaw, WA  98022

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Question 11:  Where is The Electrode Store located?

Our physical address, for visits or package shipments, is:

The Electrode Store

159 West Mason Ave

Buckley, WA  98321

360-829-0400

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Question 12:  What are your hours?

Answer:  We are now open from 7:00 am  to  5:00 pm  (Pacific time zone) Monday through Friday, which equates to 10:00 am  to  8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST).

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Question 13:  Do you have a store I can go to purchase from?

Answer:  Technically, no.

Our storefront is our website, our product catalog, and our trade-show booth.  Our customers in the greater Seattle who wish to pick up their products to avoid shipping costs may do so if they let us know in advance.  Similarly, visiting customers or doctors who are in the area and wish to see our facility or meet our team are welcome to visit if they let us know beforehand.

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Question 14:  Are your products manufactured on site?

Answer:  We design and manufacture most of the needle and surface electrodes we sell in our single facility in the Seattle, Washington (USA) area.  We also offer high-quality medical products and accessories made by other trusted suppliers in the electrodiagnostic industry. 

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Question 15:  Is there a minimum order size?

Answer:  Yes, our minimum order size is $25, not counting shipping.  For some of our products that are packaged in pairs or come with a certain quantity per package, the minimum quantity will be the pair or other package quantity specified.  (In, other words, we will not split a pre-configured package quantity.)

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Question 16:  What is your return policy?

Answer:  Authorized returns subject to a 15% or $25 restocking fee, whichever is greater. Items must be returned in original condition, unopened, clean and undamaged, to qualify for credit. To return items, you must first contact us for a Return Authorization Number, then ship them to us prepaid, enclosing a copy of the original invoice and a short note citing the reason for the return along with the Return Authorization Number. Your account will be credited for the purchase price of the merchandise, less any restocking charges. No returns on custom items are allowed.

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Question 17:  Can I use the products after their expiration date?  /  How long does sterilization last before expiring?

Answer:  The Electrode Store does not recommend and cannot approve the usage of products that have gone beyond their stated expiration dates (typically 3 years from the date of sterilization).

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Question 18:  How should we disinfect or clean our re-usable electrodes?

Answer:  All of the needles we manufacture and sell are designated as disposable, single-use only, and therefore should be properly disposed of after use with just one patient.  Do NOT attempt to clean, sterilize, or re-use disposable sterile needle electrodes.

Regarding surface electrodes, you have a choice between single-use (disposable) surface electrodes for EMG/NCS (or disposable EEG Cups) and reusable surface electrodes.  If your practice re-uses surface electrodes, we recommend following a state-of-the art, high-level disinfecting protocol set and/or approved by your hospital, clinic, or practice; or a high-level disinfecting protocol as recommended by a peer-reviewed medical journal.

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Question 19:  What are your credit terms?

Answer:  Net 30 days for established customers with good payment history; otherwise, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and C.O.D.

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Question 20:  What forms of payment do you accept?

Answer:  We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, and C.O.D.  For our customers outside the United States, or under special circumstances, we accept wire transfers.  As stated in the credit terms question above, for established customers who have been approved for credit, payment by check within 30 days is acceptable.

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Question 21:  Do I have to fill out any forms to be a new customer?

Answer:  No, becoming a customer is as simple as placing an order!  At the time of ordering you will be asked for your basic contact information and billing/shipping address along with your preferred payment method.  You will have the option of creating a login name and password to simplify the data entry process on your future orders.

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Question 22:  How do I get answers for questions that are not on the FAQ?

Answer:  We are happy to answer any questions you may have.  Please visit the Contact Us page, email us at info@electrodestore.com, or call 360-829-0400 or 1- 800-537-1093.

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Question 23:  Are you ISO-certified?

Answer:  Yes, we are certified to ISO 13485, and have been for many years.  ISO13485 is a more stringent standard than ISO 9000 for companies who manufacture medical devices.

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Question 24:  Do you manufacture products or equipment for third parties?

Answer:  As an ISO13485-certified manufacturer, The Electrode Store is open to manufacturing medical products and equipment for third parties under your private label.  We have capacity and experience in procurement, assembly (from precision to simple assemblies), testing/quality control, and packaging/labeling of medical products and accessories including electronics, plastic/metal component assemblies, and more.

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Question 25:  Can The Electrode Store supply custom made products?

Answer:  If you make a request to customize one of our products, we may be able to accommodate you, depending on the customization requested, whether it is a product we design and make in-house, and regulatory considerations.

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Question 26:  How do I communicate an idea or concept I have for a new product, or a modification of one of your existing products?

Answer:  We are interested in hearing your ideas for how our products can be improved or modified, as well as your ideas for breakthrough new products or new applications of existing products.  New product ideas will be considered for viability on a case-by-case basis, based on technical, business, regulatory, and marketplace feasibility.  If you would like to discuss such an idea or other business considerations, feel free to contact us.  We will be happy to sign non-disclosure agreements for opportunities of mutual interest. 

See our Innovative Ideas page for more information.

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Question 27:  What type of connectors do your electrodes have?

Answer:  The industry standard for most EEG and EMG needle electrodes, surface electrodes, and alligator clips is the 1.5mm “touch-proof safety socket.”  Such sockets can be plugged into almost any modern EEG, ERG, or EMG machine.  Technically, these 1.5 mm touchproof connectors fall under the DIN 42802-1 standard (under IEC 60601-1; sometimes written as DIN 42 802), which was adopted over 20 years ago to make electrodes safer.  There are no longer any exposed metal pins; all metal components are recessed within plastic housings to minimize the risk of electrical shock.  1.5mm is the diameter of the recessed metal pin inside the EMG or EEG machine’s receptacle.  The actual outer diameters of the plastic electrode plugs (and the corresponding receptacle in your machine) are typically just over 4mm.  The recessed pin on the machine is the “male” half of the connection, and the touch-proof safety socket on the electrode is “female,” although it has the appearance of a plastic pin.  As can be seen in the picture, touch-proof safety sockets come in wide variety of shapes, colors and appearances, but all are designed to fit in the same receptacle on your EEG or EMG machine.

 One big exception is concentric EMG needle electrodes.  Because concentric needles have both active and reference electrodes in one needle, a standard touchproof safety socket is not an option.  Instead, concentric needle electrodes typically utilize a reusable cable (“needle holder,” such as BIOC-NH for BIONEN concentric needles or SFC cable for Technomed concentric needles) which connects to the needle on one end and has a 5-pin DIN connector on the other end.  Each concentric needle manufacturer has their own proprietary cable that typically connects only to their needles, but all are compatible with modern EMG machines which feature a standard 5-pin DIN receptacle for concentric needle electromyography. 

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