Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer discount prices?
Because many of our customers are schools, universities, churches, and non-profit groups, all of our catalog prices are pre-discounted. We do, however, offer a multitude of services free of charge. These include: advice on what product will work for your particular application; comparative pricing among manufacturers to help you find the best price for what you need; advice on how to use products to your best advantage; swatch books or samples (when available); basic troubleshooting; assistance in finding items we don't carry; and most importantly, friendly, courteous service.
I'm ready to buy! What are my payment options?
If you are purchasing for a public school, university, or state agency, BMI Supply can provide you with a Net 30 day account. Simply forward a copy of your purchase order and we can set up the account. For our other customers, a Net 30 day account may be obtained by filling out our Standard Application for Credit, having it signed by an officer of your company, and returning it to us. On average, it takes 2-3 weeks to process the application. If your schedule demands a more timely purchase, we also offer other payment terms including check/money-order in advance, cash on delivery (not available for all items), MasterCard, Visa, or American Express.
Can I rent supplies from BMI Supply? Can I buy/sell used equipment?
Sorry, but no. BMI Supply deals only in new equipment for sale. If you are interested in renting equipment or buying/selling used equipment, there are several companies that may be able to help. We recommend checking trade magazines (Lighting Dimensions, Stage Directions, USITT Sightlines, etc.) for listings of these companies. Also, you may want to check online auction sites such as ebay.com for used equipment.
How quickly can I get my order?
Our standard shipping method is UPS or FedEx Ground Service. To see how long it takes from our locations to yours, please follow the links below:
UPS Ground times from BMI - NY
UPS Ground times from BMI - SCFedEx Ground times from BMI - NY
FedEx Ground times from BMI - SCPriority shipping is available should your production schedule demand it. The below information should help in planning your shipping needs:
UPS RED Early AM - by 8am, next day
UPS RED - most areas, by 10:30am. Other areas, by noon.
UPS RED Saver - by 4pm, next day
UPS BLUE - 2 day select
UPS ORANGE - 3 day select
UPS GROUND - standard serviceFedEx First Overnight - by 8am, next day
FedEx Priority Overnight - by 10:30am, next day
FedEx Standard Overnight - by 3pm, next day
FedEx 2Day - by 4:30pm, second day
FedEx Express Saver - by 4:30pm, third day
FedEx Ground - standard serviceHow much will shipping cost?
Since shipping companies determine shipping cost by weight, that's how we do it. We don't believe in calculating shipping based on the order dollar amount. Doesn't make sense and it's not fair to you, our customer. Most times, we'll be able to give you an estimate, or give you a call with the shipping total once it has shipped.
Generally, quicker shipping options cost more. Overnight costs more than 2nd day which is more than 3 day, etc.
How can I figure out what kind of lamp I need?
If you have the broken/blown lamp, it's generally easy to figure out what it is. Look for a three letter code on the base of the lamp, or any other code/lettering.
If you don't have the lamp, try to find out the brand and model of the lighting instrument.
Once you have this info, give us a call or drop us an email. We'll take it from there!
Why don't you sell theatrical make - up?
We don't like to sell what we don't know about. Frankly, we don't know much about make-up. So, we don't sell it.