Thurman Industries, which operates retail home centers in Washington, Oregon and Montana under either the Pay'NPak or Thurman name, has introduced an online home center at www.paynpack.com.

The Web store offers designer kitchen products and bathroom accessories, such as gold faucets, claw-foot tubs and stainless-steel sinks. Its inventory exceeds 5,000 items, but the company plans to have at least 80,000 items available online by year's end.

In addition to its product inventory, paynpak.com offers shoppers product images in three sizes for easier viewing. The company also plans to offer consumers access to product-specific installation instructions and architectural/building specification information. A "how-to" department on the site is targeted at the do-it-yourself customer.

The online retailer said it is able to fill custom requests for those working directly with architects and builders. Because the company runs its own warehousing and distribution operations, most orders can be shipped the same day they are received. Shipping fees charged are UPS published rates with no markup, fee or handling charges, according to the company. Freight charges on larger shipments are discussed with customers before the final purchase.

All major credit cards are accepted. Purchases are protected by the CyberCash transaction system. The Web site also features a shopping cart and a shipping calculator. "We're just like your favorite home center," Bret Thurman, chief operating officer of paynpak.com, said in a statement. "Only we're better because we're open 24 hours a day and not limited by space or geography."