What Staples Is and How to Shop There
Staples is a retail chain that sells office supplies, furniture, technology, and services both in physical stores and online. You can walk into a Staples location, browse items on their website at staples.com, or order by phone. Most Staples stores are open seven days a week, though hours vary by location — you can find your nearest store and its hours on their website.
You do not need a membership to shop at Staples. You can pay with cash, debit card, credit card, or digital payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you shop online, you can have items shipped to your home, pick them up at a store, or use their same-day delivery option in some areas.
Staples also offers a rewards program called Staples Rewards that you can join for free. When you sign up with your email address, you earn points on purchases that you can redeem for discounts on future orders. You do not have to join to shop, but members typically save money over time if they buy regularly.
Key Takeaways
- Staples sells office supplies, furniture, computers, printers, and business services without requiring a membership.
- You can shop in stores, online at staples.com, or by phone, and choose between home delivery, store pickup, or same-day delivery where available.
- The free Staples Rewards program lets you earn points on purchases that turn into discounts on future orders.
- Staples offers services like printing, copying, shredding, and mailbox rental at many locations beyond just selling products.
- Prices and product availability vary between stores and online, so checking their website before you go can save time.
Types of Products Staples Carries
Staples stocks the basics: paper, pens, folders, binders, envelopes, and desk organizers. They carry printer ink and toner cartridges for most major brands, along with printer paper in different sizes and weights. If you need labels, tape, scissors, staplers, or filing supplies, you will find those in every store.
Beyond supplies, Staples sells office furniture including desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and shelving units. They carry computers, laptops, tablets, and monitors from brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Apple. You can also buy keyboards, mice, headphones, webcams, and other computer accessories.
They stock technology items like routers, external hard drives, USB cables, and phone chargers. Many locations carry a selection of books, notepads, and planners. Some Staples stores also have a small selection of snacks and beverages for purchase.
In-Store Services Beyond Selling Products
Many Staples locations offer printing and copying services. You can bring documents to print, or upload files online and pick them up at the store. They can print in color or black and white, on different paper sizes, and bind documents if you need them stapled or spiral-bound.
Staples offers shredding services at most locations. You can bring boxes of old documents to be destroyed securely. Some stores charge by the pound; others offer a certain amount free with a purchase. This is useful if you have old financial records, medical paperwork, or other sensitive documents you need to dispose of safely.
Some Staples locations rent mailboxes through their Staples Mail Services. This gives you a physical mailing address you can use for business or personal mail. The store receives your mail and holds it for you to pick up. Pricing and availability vary by location.
How to Find Products and Check Availability
The easiest way to see if Staples has what you need is to visit staples.com and search by product name. The website shows you the price, a description, customer reviews, and whether the item is in stock at stores near you. You can filter results by price, brand, or rating.
If you prefer to shop in person, you can call your local Staples store directly and ask whether they have a specific item in stock. Store phone numbers are listed on the Staples website when you search for your location. Staff can tell you if an item is available and hold it for you for a short time if you ask.
Prices sometimes differ between the website and stores, and online-only deals are common. Checking the website before you go can help you know whether you are getting the best price and whether the store has the item you want.
Staples Rewards and How to Save Money
Joining Staples Rewards is free and takes less than a minute. You provide your email address and zip code, and you get a rewards account when ready. Every time you make a purchase in store or online, you earn points — typically one point per dollar spent, though some items earn bonus points.
Points add up and convert into rewards you can use on future purchases. The exact value depends on how many points you have, but generally you can redeem points for discounts ranging from a few dollars to $20 or more. Staples also sends rewards members exclusive coupons and early notice of sales.
If you run a business and buy from Staples regularly, ask about their business rewards program, which may offer higher earning rates or different benefits than the standard Staples Rewards.
Returning Items and Understanding Their Return Policy
Staples lets you return most items within 30 days of purchase if they are unused and in original condition. You need your receipt or the order number if you bought online. Returns can be made at any Staples store, even if you bought the item at a different location or online.
Some items have different return windows — technology items like computers and tablets may have a shorter return period. Clearance items and final-sale merchandise cannot be returned. If you are unsure whether something can be returned, ask a staff member before you buy or check the product page online.
If you bought something online and want to return it, you can start the return process on staples.com, print a shipping label, and mail it back. Alternatively, you can take it to a store for an in-person return, which is usually faster.
Shopping Online vs. In Store
Shopping online at staples.com works well if you know exactly what you want and do not need it when ready. You can compare prices, read reviews, and order from home. Shipping is free on orders over a certain amount (this threshold changes periodically), and you can track your package.
Shopping in a Staples store is better if you want to see items in person, need something today, or want help from staff. Store associates can answer questions about product compatibility, recommend alternatives, and help you find items in the store. You avoid shipping costs and can leave with your purchase the same day.
Many people use a combination: they research online to see what is available and compare prices, then either order for delivery or go to the store to buy. This approach lets you get the information you need while choosing the shopping method that works best for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a member to shop at Staples?
No. Staples Rewards is free to join but not required to make a purchase. You can walk in and buy items without any membership or account. Joining Rewards just lets you earn points toward future discounts.
Can I return something I bought online to a Staples store?
Yes. Most items bought on staples.com can be returned to any Staples store within 30 days with your order number or receipt. Some items like opened technology products have shorter return windows, so check the product page or ask in store.
Does Staples offer same-day delivery?
Staples offers same-day delivery in some areas for orders placed early enough in the day. Availability depends on your location and what you are ordering. Check staples.com during checkout to see if same-day delivery is an option for your address.
What should I do if my local Staples does not have an item in stock?
You can order it online for delivery to your home or for pickup at that store. You can also ask a staff member if they can order it for you. Call ahead to confirm availability and estimated delivery time before making a trip.
How do Staples Rewards points work?
You earn one point per dollar spent on most purchases. Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for discounts on future orders. The exact discount value depends on how many points you have. Members also receive exclusive coupons and sale notifications.