Office Admin's FAQ: Greiner Bio-One, Business Card Symbols, Poster Frames & Super Glue

Everything You Need to Know – Quick Answers for Busy Office Administrators

I manage purchasing for a mid-sized company – about $150k annually across 8 vendors. Over the years I've fielded all sorts of requests, from lab supplies to office signage to first-aid questions. Here are the ones I hear most often, answered from real experience.

1. What is Greiner Bio‑One and how does it relate to the packaging I order?

Greiner Bio‑One is a division of the Greiner Group (the same company that makes our plastic packaging). They specialize in lab consumables – tubes, plates, pipettes, and bio‑storage products. A few years ago I assumed all lab vials were the same. Then I ordered a cheap alternative and got leaking tubes that ruined a week of assays. Now I stick with Greiner Bio‑One for anything critical. Note: Their bio‑one line uses certified virgin plastics and strict molding tolerances – worth it when sample integrity matters. Pricing varies, but expect to pay ~$0.20–$0.50 per tube depending on volume (as of Jan 2025, from our last bulk quote).

2. Is Lori Greiner related to Greiner Bio‑One?

No – this confusion pops up every few months. Lori Greiner is a TV personality (Shark Tank) and inventor. Greiner is a German‑Austrian family‑owned industrial group founded in 1868. The two have no connection. A quick way to avoid mix‑ups: when searching for lab supplies, spell out Greiner Bio‑One fully. Searching just "greiner" can bring up misspelled celebrity results. I learned this the hard way when a new hire ordered the wrong product because they clicked on a blog about Lori's plastic surgery instead of the product catalog.

3. How do I order Greiner Bio‑One products in North America?

Greiner Bio‑One North America has distribution centers in Monroe, NC and Pittston, PA (co‑located with our packaging plant). You can order directly through their website or via major lab distributors like VWR, Fisher Scientific, or Thomas Scientific. For routine orders I use our preferred distributor – it saves on shipping and ensures consistent invoicing. Pro tip: always check the lot number for sterility claims if you're in a regulated environment. They offer custom packaging for clinical trials too (talk to their OEM team). Lead times are usually 3–7 business days for stock items, but custom orders need 4–6 weeks.

4. Can you put an Instagram symbol on business cards?

Absolutely. Most commercial printers (including our usual shop) can handle social media icons. You just need to provide a clean vector file – SVG or EPS – at 300 dpi. I once sent a low‑res PNG and the @ symbol came out blurry. Cost? For 500 business cards with one Instagram icon on the back, expect $35–60 (standard 14pt cardstock, double‑sided, as of Jan 2025). Printers often have templates; ask for a proof before finalizing. If you want the icon in a specific color (e.g., Pantone 299C), that adds ~$25 setup. For our office we keep a ready‑to‑print file folder to avoid last‑minute rush fees.

5. What size poster frame do I need for a 24 × 18 poster?

You need a 24 × 18 inch frame – but check whether the poster is horizontal or vertical. Most frames match the poster orientation. Some cheap frames have flimsy backing; I'd recommend a medium‑duty aluminum frame with acrylic glazing (safer than glass for high‑traffic areas). Price range: $25–60 depending on style and finish. Personal note: I once ordered a 24x20 by mistake – the poster sat crooked – so measure twice. Also confirm the frame's rabbet depth: at least ¼ inch to hold standard poster paper without buckling.

6. How do you remove super glue from skin without acetone?

It happens – someone in the office always tries to fix a broken pen or badge clip. Acetone (nail polish remover) works fastest, but if you can't use it (or it's not around), try these: soapy warm water soak for 10–15 minutes, then gently roll the glue off; coconut oil or butter – rub in, let sit 5 minutes, then peel; pumice stone or fine sandpaper as last resort. I keep a small tube of Goo Gone in my desk anyway. One tip: don't pull the glue off – you'll tear skin. Instead, use an emery board to gently abrade the glue surface. For dried super glue on skin, time heals it (2–3 days of normal shedding).

These answers reflect my own experience as a buyer – always verify specifics with your supplier or manufacturer.