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FAQ
Answers to the questions we hear most.
How ordering works at Alps Controls, and the fastest way to get what you need.
Alps Controls is a drop-ship direct distributor. That model is why the selection is so broad, and it shapes pricing, lead times, and shipping.
- You order on one siteMillions of parts, 200+ manufacturers, one shopping cart.
- The manufacturer ships itCurrent revisions, shipped straight to you.
- You track it in your accountOrders, tracking, lists, and pricing in one place.
How drop-ship pricing and lead times work
Why does the site show the manufacturer's part but no shelf stock?
We drop ship direct from the manufacturer. When you order with us, the manufacturer fulfills it and ships it straight to you. You get one order, fewer invoices, one point of contact, and access to current product revisions rather than whatever someone had on the shelf. Some manufacturers require a U.S. ship-to address; out-of-country requests may need a freight forwarder.
Is your price marked up over the manufacturer's price?
The price you see is live online. Registered account holders see reduced pricing. Guest checkout shows closer to list-level pricing, so if you have an account, log in before you compare. If you have a large project quantity, send it with your request and we can work on the pricing with the manufacturer on your behalf.
What does the lead time on a product page mean?
Any published lead time is the manufacturer's current processing time before the order ships; transit from the manufacturer to you is separate. Faster shipping (next day, second day) shortens the trip, but generally not the manufacturer's production time. If a date matters, tell us before you order and we will confirm availability with the manufacturer first, and have your order delivered the least expensive way that meets your delivery date.
Why do some parts show stock levels and others don't?
We have live, accurate inventory feeds from some manufacturers, so any stock count you see is current. We are actively integrating with additional manufacturers to make that list as comprehensive and reliable as possible.
What will my shipping costs be?
Shipping depends on weight, ship method and zone. Check the product page for "Special Shipping" manufacturers: we have partnered with many to offer flat-rate ground shipping or free ground shipping above a threshold, and some ship ground free regardless of order size. Otherwise, ground shipping has historically averaged 2 to 5% of the order cost, charged per manufacturer, so a multi-manufacturer order (or one with "Partial Shipments Allowed") can carry more than one shipping charge. Freight/LTL (with possible lift-gate, residential or other fees) and expedited methods are priced by weight or dimensions and zone. For an estimate, reach us on live chat or at [email protected].
Getting a quote for a project
Small or standard quantities
Add the parts to your cart. Your account pricing is your quote, and you can save the cart as a List or a Project for later.
Bills of material
Upload your material list to your account instead of adding items one by one. Parts we don't list can be added as non-catalog items and we will do our best to source and quote them.
Project pricing or a formal quote
Email [email protected] or your assigned sales contact with the project name and location, part numbers, quantities and your need-by date. For valves, actuators and flow, email [email protected] and our product specialists will size, select and quote.
Quotes are typically valid for 30 days and are indicative unless confirmed as firm; manufacturer pricing and tariffs can move. If your bid needs locked pricing, say so and we will request it from the manufacturer.
Account tips that save time
Register instead of guest checkout
Account pricing, saved lists, order history and tracking live in the account.
Company accounts
Company accounts let an admin maintain users, and all members can see everyone's orders. Ask us to add new users to your existing account.
Credit terms
Credit terms unlock expedited shipping selection and invoice billing. Request a credit application from your sales rep or CSR.
Valves and actuators
V&A Advantage orders from partner brands ship ground free in the contiguous U.S.
Shipping and tracking
Where's my order?
Tracking appears in the Orders section of your account and by email once the manufacturer ships: find the PO under Orders and click the blue tracking link, which shows tracking or an estimated ship date. If neither is there yet, reach us on live chat or by email and we will update it. Carriers can take 24 to 48 hours to update a new tracking number; if it hasn't moved after two business days, contact us. Multi-line orders may arrive in separate shipments, each with its own tracking. If nothing has shipped by the estimated date (shown at the order level for each manufacturer in your account), email [email protected] with your PO or order number and we will get the manufacturer's current ship date.
Can you expedite?
Often, depending on the manufacturer and the product. Ask before placing the order; our team can estimate expedited methods on request.
Can I change or cancel?
If it hasn't shipped, usually yes. Contact us right away with the order number and the specific change. Once a manufacturer has processed an order, cancellations and returns follow that manufacturer's policy, and a restocking fee may apply. Returns start at [email protected].
How do partial shipments work?
Because products ship directly from manufacturers, large or multi-line orders may arrive in separate packages as items become available. Each shipment gets its own tracking number, and you can view all shipments tied to your order in your account.
Do Red, Blue, and Orange shipping mean my order will be delivered in that time-frame?
Not necessarily. The choice of shipping only affects transit time, not the production time. By selecting these methods, it's not guaranteed to accelerate your order if items are not in stock, or need to be assembled upon receipt of the order.
My tracking number isn't updating - what should I do?
Tracking information can take 24-48 hours to appear after a shipment is created. If your tracking hasn't updated after two business days, email [email protected] and we'll follow up with the manufacturer.
Finding the right part: a cross-reference guide
Search by the exact part number, if you know it
Manufacturer part numbers, model numbers and our SKU all work in the search bar. Use the # option to configure a base part with the options you need.
Comparing against a product you already know?
Use the cross-reference (comparator) tool on alpscontrols.com to see equivalent parts from the brands we carry, side by side. Check variables like footprint, voltage, range and output before you switch.
Part shows as obsolete or won't come up?
Manufacturers retire and renumber parts often. Email [email protected] with the old part number, quantity and what it controls; we will confirm the manufacturer's replacement, if one is offered, or a compatible alternate, and update the catalog listing.
Not sure which option fits the application?
Our specialists are organized by product category (valves and actuators, sensors, flow meters, VFDs, energy meters, gas detection). Ask, and include the spec sheet or the job condition. Application fit matters more than a matching number.
Manufacturer listed but the part isn't?
Our catalog team can add most parts the same business day. Ask.
Tax-exempt setup
Create an account with your company email
Personal email addresses are moved to a company account.
Upload your resale or blanket exemption certificate
Upload it in your account, or email it to [email protected]. Accounting verifies it and marks the account exempt, usually within the business day.
Ordering for an exempt project or owner (a school, a hospital)?
The order must be billed to the exempt entity's account with its certificate on file. We can set that up for you.
Until a certificate is on file, tax is applied at checkout based on the ship-to address, and quotes exclude tax.
Ordering from Canada
We ship to Canada for most, but not all, manufacturers; each brand sets its own cross-border policy. Online checkout does not currently accept Canadian addresses, so email [email protected] with your parts and ship-to address. We will confirm which items can ship, quote estimated freight, and place the order by credit card or on account (credit application available). Duties, brokerage and taxes at the border are the importer's responsibility; your carrier or broker will contact you for clearance. All pricing on alpscontrols.com is in U.S. dollars.
Want to get going without help? Jump in here:
Shop by Category
From valves and actuators to flow, pressure, power supplies, and more, we've got hundreds of HVAC and building automation product categories grouped for quick and easy browsing.
Shop by Manufacturers
Looking for a specific brand? That's good news, because we've got nearly 200 of the HVAC industry's best and brightest to choose from. If you know "who", but not the "what" yet, start browsing here.
Download the Alps Controls Line Card
In one easy reference, you can see all of our manufacturer-partners and a peek at our most popular building automation part categories.
Visit your Account Dashboard
At-a-glance you'll find your orders, quotes, lists, projects, and returns. And your Sales Rep contact info, all on one page.
Getting Started
How do I register and log in?
Creating an Alps Controls account allows you to search, configure, and order products directly from our online marketplace.
What types of accounts are available?
Alps Controls supports standard purchasing accounts and company-based accounts with administrative controls. Additional account permissions can be configured based on your organization's needs.
What are admin controls?
Admin users can manage team members, permissions, and purchasing visibility across their organization.
Finding & Selecting Products
How do I find products on the site?
You can search directly by part number, keyword, or browse by category depending on how you prefer to shop.
How do I browse product categories?
The Alps Controls platform organizes hundreds of product categories to help you quickly navigate and discover what you need.
How do I narrow down product options?
Use product attributes and filters to refine results and find the exact HVAC part for your application.
How do I configure a product and view specifications?
You can configure parts, access spec sheets, and add products to your cart directly from the product page.
How do I find spec sheets?
Each product page in the Alps Controls online marketplace includes links to spec sheets, technical drawings, product videos, and more.
What does using the "#" sign mean when configuring Alps Controls part numbers?
Spectacular question! Our "#" functionality allows you to customize part configurations so that you can find the exact thing you need.
Ordering & Checkout
How do I upload a material list?
In your Alps Controls account, you can upload a list of parts or an entire bill of materials to quickly build your order instead of adding items individually. It's also very easy to move a list to a quote, a project, or to keep it for repeated ordering.
Projects & Lists
You can find your projects in your Alps Controls account dashboard. They allow you to organize purchasing based on the specific needs and timelines of your HVAC and building automation project.
What's the difference between lists and projects? Lists are for quick groupings and repeat orders. Projects manage larger or ongoing jobs.
How do I review my cart and place an order?
Before placing your order, you can review and edit quantities, configurations, and double-check your pricing directly in your cart.
Can I order products not listed on the site?
Sure you can. We call these "non-catalog parts," and you're able to add them directly to your shopping cart - then our team will source and quote them for you.
Returns & Support
It's a fact of online purchasing that sometimes products need to be returned. You can initiate a return by submitting a request with your order details. Our team will review and guide you through the process.Here's a 3-minute look at how we've made RMAs easy!
Wondering if you can change or cancel an order? See Shipping and tracking above.
Who do I contact for help?Our team is available to help you with returns, product selection, order support, and technical questions. Contact your sales representative or reach out to us directly: