1. What is the Lumber Blue Book?
   The Lumber Blue Book is a comprehensive directory and credit information resource covering businesses involved in the lumber & forest products industry. Whether a mill, manufacturer, trader, or retailer, a free* listing in the Lumber Blue Book ensures the industry decision-makers have the necessary facts on your company to authorize business transactions.
   
   Blue Book Members will use the directory to identify supply sources and new customers. And, available credit profiles on individual companies will assist in making safe and profitable trading and credit decisions.
   
   *A basic Blue Book listing is free. For 2011, up to ten lines of “Descriptive Listing” facts will also be free, though a modest per line fee will apply annually beginning in 2012.



2. Why should I become involved in what Blue Book Services is trying to accomplish?
   The lumber industry can benefit in many ways from an accurate, timely service committed to providing resources to enable businesses to succeed. The industry need is never greater – Lumber professionals across North America have told us today’s economic conditions present challenges not seen in more than a generation. Therefore, it is critically important that the lumber industry work “hand-in-glove” with Blue Book Services to develop a database, credit information, and ultimately, industry specific ratings as quickly as possible, to be beneficial now and in the future.
   
   

1. What is a Blue Book Listing?
   A Blue Book listing communicates key facts about your company to current and prospective business connections. A basic listing provides address, phone and fax number, e-mail address, Web site, and company classifications, including additional, “Descriptive Listing” facts. These "Descriptive Listing" facts improve your business listing’s value as it provides contact names, details product specialties, or promotes value-added services.
   
   
2. Who is listed in the Blue Book?
   The Blue Book lists businesses involved in the lumber & forest products industry, such as mills, manufacturers, traders, and retailers that are located primarily in North America.
   
   
3. Why should I get listed in the Blue Book?
   While your business may already be listed in several other industry directories, the fact is the Lumber Blue Book will be the only one to provide industry specific, analyst-based credit ratings. It simply makes good business sense to take advantage of this opportunity to be listed in the Lumber Blue Book. Becoming listed ensures the industry decision-makers authorized to transact are aware of your organization and reaching prudent conclusions based on current facts about your company.
   
   
4. How do I get listed in the Blue Book?
   In order to get your company listed in the Blue Book, simply register on www.lumberbluebook.com or send an e-mail to sales@bluebookservices.com to list your headquarter office. If you already have your headquarter office listed and would like to add a branch listing, please send an e-mail to listing@bluebookservices.com.
   
   
5. Is there a charge to be listed in the Blue Book?
   There is no charge for listing your basic company information in the Lumber Blue Book. That information includes your company name, address, phone and fax number, e-mail address, Web site, and company classifications. For 2011, up to ten lines of “Descriptive Listing” facts are free, though a modest per line fee will apply annually beginning in 2012.
   
   
6. When will my listing appear within the Blue Book Web site?
   Upon receipt of your information, a Blue Book Services associate experienced in listing data, will enter your information into our system. You may be contacted if follow-up is needed to gather additional information. Once listed, your company will appear, in real-time, online within Blue Book Online Services (BBOS).
   
   
7. Who will see my listing?
   Your listing will be seen by all Lumber Blue Book Members.
   
   
8. How do I make a change to my Blue Book information?
   If you have changes affecting your Blue Book listing or personnel, please log in and submit them online by clicking on “Edit My Company Data” in the “My Account” area or e-mail them to listing@bluebookservices.com.
   
   
9. How can I set my listing apart from others? 
   You can make your listing stand out from all the others by adding Descriptive Lines. Each Descriptive Line is chargeable (beginning in 2012) and can include additional contact and personnel information, information about how you serve the industry, what products you handle or services you provide, etc. Please contact a Listing Specialist at 630 668-3500 or listing@bluebookservices.com to find out more about this opportunity.
   
   

1. What is the difference between a Registered User and a Blue Book Member?
   A Registered User is a company that is currently not a Blue Book Member but has an e-mail address and a password for limited access to Lumber Blue Book Online Services (BBOS). A Blue Book Member is a company that has purchased Blue Book membership and takes full advantage of the features and functions offered within their service level.
   
   
2. How do I become a Registered User?
   To become a Registered User, simply click on the “Register here” link on the BBOS home page and submit your registration information.
   
   
3. How do I become a Blue Book Member?
   Becoming a Blue Book Member is easy: If you are a Registered User, simply log in to BBOS and visit the “My Account” area to review the membership options available. You may purchase your membership online or call a Sales Representative. If you are not yet a Registered User, simply click on the “Register here” link on the Lumber Blue Book Online Services (BBOS) home page and submit your registration information. After registration, visit the “My Account” area to review the membership options available.
   
   
4. What benefits do I receive for becoming a Blue Book Member?
   A Blue Book membership is your key to make informed business and credit decisions. You will be able to leverage the services and features included in your membership level. Specifically, perform company searches, download detailed Credit Profiles, and much more. For a more detailed description of membership levels, refer to the “Purchase Membership” section in the “My Account” area.
   
   
5. What membership options does Blue Book Services offer?
   Blue Book Services currently offers web-based memberships at 2 levels: L-200 and L-225. Each of your licensed users will have access to Credit Profiles, Marketing Lists, and Credit Sheet Updates on company and personnel changes. Contact a Sales Representative at 630 668-3500 or sales@bluebookservices.com for more information. For a more detailed description of membership levels, refer to the “Purchase Membership” section in the “My Account” area.
   
   
6. What is an Access License?
   A Blue Book Online Services (BBOS) Access License allows you to log in to the Blue Book Services Web site and use certain features and functions of the site. Each membership level includes a certain number of Access Licenses.
   
   
7. Can I buy additional Access Licenses?
   Additional Access Licenses are available for purchase.
   
   
8. Can I make changes to who in my company has an Access License?
   In order to re-assign user licenses, please contact our Service Representatives at 630 668-3500 or customerservice@bluebookservices.com.
   
   
9. What is the cost of being a Blue Book Member?
   Please register or log in and refer to “Manage Membership” in the “My Account” area to obtain a list of service pricing. You may also contact a Sales Representative at 630 668-3500 or sales@bluebookservices.com.
   
   
10. What types of services do I get charged units for?
    Units are charged for requesting Credit Profiles. Each Membership package includes a certain number of units to be used for Credit Profiles. For a more detailed description of membership levels, refer to the “Purchase Membership” section in the “My Account” area.
    
    
11. Can I buy additional units?
    Additional unit packs are available for purchase.
    
    
    

1. When can we expect Blue Book ratings to be available on lumber companies?
   The assignment of Rating Key Numerals, and Credit Worth Estimates on publically traded companies, began on 1/1/2010. Credit profiles with A/R data and Equifax information, are available to Blue Book Members on many of the Blue Book listed companies in the database. Pay Indicators were released in October 2010 and reflect the overall pay practices of a company. Our ability to assign ratings, depends heavily on industry-wide participation in the listing and rating process. Contact Nicole Gilliland at ngilliland@bluebookservices.com to find out how you can participate in this process.
   
   
2. What is a Blue Book rating?
   A Blue Book rating will consist of a Credit Worth Estimate and Pay Indicator. The rating reflects the overall financial strength of a company, and how vendors and suppliers are paid.
   
   
3. What is a Credit Worth Estimate?
   An estimate of the accumulated amount of credit a company can handle to satisfy obligations undertaken. Key factors considered are: liquidity, profitability, solvency and overall financial performance.
   
   
4. What is a Pay Indicator?
   A Pay Indicator reflects how a company will pay its vendors and suppliers. It is based on aggregate trade feedback submitted by those vendors and suppliers a company buys from.
   
   
5. How do I establish a Blue Book rating?
   Parties interested in providing financial information as the basis for establishing a Credit Worth Estimate in the future should contact Nicole Gilliland at ngilliland@bluebookservices.com
   
   
6. I want my financial statement to be kept confidential. How is this done?
   If you submit a financial statement, it will be held in confidence by default, and your information will only be used to establish a Credit Worth Estimate. Figures will not be released to Blue Book Members.
   
   
7. Can I submit accounts receivable aging reports to Blue Book Services?
   Yes, you can and you are urged to do so. Your monthly accounts receivable aging reports serve as pay feedback on your customers and will be considered when we begin to assign pay ratings. If interested in submitting accounts receivable aging information in our preferred format, a 20% discount on Blue Book Membership is offered to those who do so on a regular basis. To find out more contact:
   
   Nicole Gilliland
   Lumber Service Representative
   Phone/Voice Mail: 630-668-3500. ext: 737
   E-Mail: ngilliland@bluebookservices.com
   
   Julie Brown
   Lumber Service Representative
   Phone/Voice Mail: 630-668-3500. ext: 757
   E-Mail: jbrown@bluebookservices.com
   
   
8. Who do I contact to report my trade experiences with another company?
   You can submit trade feedback online at www.lumberbluebook.com after logging in, under “My Account” area.
   
   
9. Is the trade feedback I submit kept confidential?
   Yes. All trade information submitted is handled confidentially and will not be shared with other companies. You can be assured that the information you provide will be used in the aggregate trade feedback received and at no time will Blue Book Services divulge the source of information received.
   
   
10. Who do I talk to about changes in ownership at my company?
    Your Lumber Service Representative will be able to help you. Please contact us at 630-668-3500.
    
    

1. How do I log in to Lumber Blue Book Online Services (BBOS) for the first time?
   The answer to “how to log in” for the FIRST time depends slightly on your situation.
   
   
Scenario #1
Your firm is a Blue Book Member: Yes

Login Instructions:
First, please enter your e-mail address and click the “Forgot your password” link to have a password e-mailed to you.
Second, after receiving your password and logging in, you can change your password in the “User Profile” area.


Scenario #2
Your firm is a Blue Book Member: No

Login Instructions:
To register for access to limited BBOS functionality or to sign up for membership, please click on the "Register here" link on the home page.


If you have additional questions or need assistance logging in to Lumber Blue Book Online Services (BBOS), contact a Service representative at customerservice@bluebookservices.com or at 630 668-3500.