Frequently Asked Questions

Where to find the information you need quickly ?

  • The ordering process is explained here
  • Our prices are detailed here and shipping costs here.
  • Our terms and conditions are here.
  • Our recommendations for culturing are here

Do you provide quotes ("devis" in French) ?

We do not provide price quotes because during the on-line ordering process you can easily download an invoice which details all of the costs.

How can I pay my order ?

In order to minimize administrative load, the RCC ONLY accepts payments by credit card via a secured banking system : PayBox. You can access the PayBox system once you check out your cart.

Please contact us if you have any difficulties with the PayBox system.

How long does it take to prepare and ship strains?

For actively growing (non cryopreserved) strains, in general it takes 1 to 2 weeks to prepare and ship 30ml starter cultures, but for some slow growing strains it can take longer. We will contact you once you have placed your order in order to give you an estimation of the delivery date.

Can I order strains that are only kept as cryopreserved stocks in the RCC?

Yes, BUT it will take the RCC at least 1 month to prepare a liquid culture from a cryopreserved stock to be shipped to you. For most cryopreserved strains we propose an alternate strain (same species from the same or a similar location) that is maintained in active culture and can therefore be shipped usually within 1 to 2 weeks.

How do you ship strains ?

Strains are shipped by FEDEX, usually early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) in order to reach users before the weekend. You can also come in person to pick up the strains at the Station Biologique de Roscoff where the RCC is located (in this case there are no shipment costs).

How should I maintain strains?

How to grow cultures is explained here

What should I do if cultures do not grow?

  • You should always check whether cultures are alive (by light microscopy and/or flow cytometry) as soon as you receive them;
  • We will replace any strain that is dead-upon-arrival free of charge if (and only if) you inform us within 14 days of receiving the strain;
  • If live strains are not growing well, first check that you have followed the culturing advice on this web site;
  • If the problem persists please contact the RCC (rcc@sb-roscoff.fr) as we may be able to provide some additional tips and tricks to get the strain growing well.

How can I contact the RCC?

Drop us a mail at rcc@sb-roscoff.fr or contact us via the contact form.

Can I deposit strains in the RCC?

Yes, we encourage strain deposits in the RCC. The strain deposit process is explained here.