Become a Customer
TimberCloud allows you to create a customer account with any business using the platform. As a customer, you can browse products, place orders, track shipments, and manage your order history—all from a single account.
What is a Customer Account?
A customer account is different from a company account:
| Account Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Company Account | For businesses selling products through TimberCloud |
| Customer Account | For individuals or businesses purchasing from TimberCloud sellers |
You can have both! Many users run their own TimberCloud store while also being a customer of other businesses on the platform.
How to Become a Customer
Option 1: Through a Company's Storefront
The most common way to become a customer:
- Visit the company's website — The company using TimberCloud will have an embedded storefront on their site
- Browse products — Explore their catalog and configure products to your specifications
- Add to cart — Build your order with the items you need
- Create an account at checkout — You'll be prompted to create a customer account or log in
- Complete your order — Provide shipping details and payment
After your first order, you'll automatically be a customer of that company.
Option 2: Direct Registration
If a company has shared their TimberCloud store link directly:
- Visit the company's TimberCloud page — Usually formatted as
embed.timbercloud.com/company-name - Click "Sign Up" or "Create Account"
- Enter your details — Name, email, and password
- Verify your email — Check your inbox for verification
- Start shopping — Browse and order from that company
Option 3: Accept an Invitation
Companies can invite customers directly:
- Check your email for a customer invitation
- Click the invitation link
- Create your account or log in if you already have one
- You're connected — The company is now in your customer list
Customer Account Features
Order Management
As a customer, you can:
- View order history — See all past orders with full details
- Track current orders — Real-time status updates from quote to delivery
- Reorder — Quickly duplicate previous orders
- Download invoices — Access PDF invoices for your records
Account Information
Manage your customer profile:
- Contact details — Update your name, email, and phone
- Billing address — Stored for faster checkout
- Shipping addresses — Save multiple delivery locations
- Payment methods — Securely store cards for repeat orders (where available)
Order Tracking
Track your orders through every stage:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Quote | Initial order request, awaiting confirmation |
| Pending | Order confirmed, awaiting production |
| In Production | Order is being manufactured |
| QC | Quality control inspection |
| Ready to Ship | Completed and waiting for shipment |
| Shipped | On its way to you |
| Delivered | Successfully received |
You'll receive email notifications as your order progresses.
Guest Checkout vs. Customer Account
Some companies allow guest checkout, letting you place orders without creating an account.
Guest Checkout
Pros:
- Faster first purchase
- No account required
Cons:
- No order history access
- Can't track orders online
- Must re-enter info for each order
- No reorder functionality
Customer Account
Pros:
- Full order history and tracking
- Saved addresses and preferences
- Easy reordering
- Account-specific pricing (if offered)
- Communication with the seller
Cons:
- Requires email verification
We recommend creating a customer account if you plan to order again.
Managing Multiple Companies
Your TimberCloud customer account can be connected to multiple companies. Each company you've ordered from appears in your customer portal.
Switching Between Companies
If you're a customer of multiple businesses:
- Log in to your customer account
- Use the company selector to switch between stores
- View orders and history specific to each company
Single Sign-On
Use the same login credentials across all TimberCloud storefronts. Create your account once, then log in anywhere on the platform.
Customer Pricing & Discounts
Some companies offer special pricing for customer accounts:
Customer-Specific Pricing
- Discount percentages — Automatic discounts on all orders
- Custom price lists — Special pricing on specific products
- Volume discounts — Better rates for larger orders
- Payment terms — Net 30 or other extended payment options
These are set by each company individually. Contact the company directly to inquire about pricing programs.
Customer Portal
Once you have a customer account, access your portal to manage everything:
Dashboard
View recent orders, pending quotes, and account status at a glance.
Orders
- Filter by status, date, or order number
- View detailed order information
- Download invoices and receipts
- Request changes or ask questions
Profile
- Update contact information
- Manage addresses
- View payment history
- Update notification preferences
Support
- Send messages to the company
- Attach files to support requests
- View conversation history
Password & Security
Resetting Your Password
- Go to the company's storefront login page
- Click "Forgot Password?"
- Enter your email address
- Check your email for reset instructions
- Create a new password
Account Security Tips
- Use a unique password for your TimberCloud account
- Don't share your login credentials
- Log out on shared devices
- Keep your email address up to date
Communication Preferences
Control how companies can contact you:
Email Notifications
Configure which emails you receive:
- Order confirmations
- Shipping notifications
- Delivery updates
- Marketing communications (opt-in only)
Account Updates
Receive important notices about:
- Password changes
- Account activity
- Security alerts
Troubleshooting
Can't Log In
- Wrong password? Use the "Forgot Password" feature
- Email not recognized? You may have used a different email. Try other addresses you use
- Account locked? Contact the company or TimberCloud support
Order Issues
- Wrong items received? Contact the company through your order page
- Damaged shipment? Take photos and report within 48 hours
- Missing tracking? Tracking updates can take 24-48 hours to appear
Account Problems
- Can't update information? Try logging out and back in
- Not seeing orders? Make sure you're viewing the correct company
- Duplicate accounts? Contact support to merge accounts
Getting Help
Company Support
For order-related questions:
- Use the messaging feature in your order
- Contact the company directly via their website
- Reference your order number in all communications
TimberCloud Support
For account or platform issues:
- Email: support@timbercloud.com
- Response Time: Usually within 1 business day
Next Steps
Now that you understand customer accounts:
- Find a TimberCloud business — Visit a company using the platform
- Browse their products — Explore custom product options
- Create your account — Sign up during your first purchase
- Place your order — Complete checkout and track your order
Enjoy shopping with TimberCloud businesses!