Does Staples Price Match Amazon? Unlocking Savings Secrets

The short answer is generally no, Staples does not directly price match Amazon. While Staples does have a price matching policy, it explicitly excludes matching prices from online retailers, including the behemoth that is Amazon. However, astute shoppers know there’s always a deeper dive, a bit of fine print to decipher, and strategies to employ. Let’s unlock those secrets.

Understanding Staples’ Price Match Guarantee

Staples operates under a Price Match Guarantee (sometimes called a Price Match Policy). It’s crucial to understand the nuances of this policy to maximize your savings potential. Think of it as a carefully crafted puzzle, and we’re here to assemble the pieces.

What Does Staples Price Match?

Staples does price match certain competitors. The key here is understanding who they consider a competitor. Generally, Staples will match prices from brick-and-mortar retailers, meaning physical stores that you can walk into. This often includes stores like Office Depot, Best Buy (for certain tech products), and sometimes even Walmart (depending on the product and location).

The product in question must be identical – same brand, model number, size, color, and quantity. The item must also be in stock both at Staples and at the competitor. And naturally, the price being matched must be verifiable (think published ads, websites of eligible competitors – though the website needs to belong to a brick-and-mortar store, as already noted).

Exclusions to Staples’ Price Match Policy

This is where things get interesting. Staples’ Price Match Guarantee comes with several crucial exclusions:

• Online Retailers: As we stated upfront, Amazon is a no-go. So are most other primarily online retailers.
• Marketplace Sellers: Even if an item is sold on Staples.com or by an eligible competitor, Staples typically won’t match prices from third-party marketplace sellers. The item has to be sold directly by the retailer.
• Promotional Offers: Clearance items, closeout sales, special hourly deals, “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday” pricing, rebates, coupons (although there are rare exceptions where they may apply a percentage off on top of a price match to an eligible competitor, it’s generally not the case), and “buy one, get one” offers are typically excluded.
• Membership or Subscription Prices: Prices requiring a paid membership or subscription (e.g., Costco, Amazon Prime) are not matched.
• Typographical Errors: Obviously, if a competitor’s price is clearly a mistake (e.g., a $1,000 laptop listed for $10), Staples won’t honor it.

How to Request a Price Match at Staples

Okay, so Amazon is out. But you can price match eligible competitors. Here’s how:

1. Gather Your Evidence: Find the competitor’s ad or website page showing the lower price. Take a screenshot or print it out – having physical proof helps.
2. Head to Your Local Staples Store: The Price Match Guarantee is primarily intended for in-store purchases. Online customer service is generally less flexible.
3. Speak to a Sales Associate or Manager: Explain that you’d like to request a price match and present your evidence.
4. Be Polite and Patient: Sometimes, approval is immediate. Other times, the associate may need to verify the price and check stock levels. A little kindness goes a long way.
5. Confirm the Final Price: Once approved, double-check that the price match has been applied correctly before completing your purchase.

Alternative Strategies for Saving at Staples

Even without directly price matching Amazon, you can still find ways to save money at Staples:

• Staples Rewards Program: Sign up for the Staples Rewards program to earn points on your purchases, which can be redeemed for future discounts.
• Staples Coupons and Promo Codes: Regularly check for Staples coupons and promo codes online. Websites like RetailMeNot and CouponCabin often list active deals.
• Staples Easy Rebates: Take advantage of Staples’ Easy Rebates program to get money back on qualifying purchases.
• Compare Prices Independently: Don’t solely rely on price matching. Always compare prices between Staples, Amazon, and other retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal overall.
• Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Items: Staples sometimes offers discounts on refurbished or open-box products. These can be a great way to save money if you’re willing to accept slightly less-than-perfect condition.
• Monitor Staples’ Website for Sales: Staples frequently runs sales and promotions on various products. Keep an eye on their website or sign up for their email list to stay informed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Staples’ price matching policy and how it relates to Amazon and other retailers:

1. What if the Staples item is on sale and a competitor has a lower price?

Staples will generally match the competitor’s price, even if the item is already on sale at Staples. However, the Price Match Guarantee doesn’t usually stack with other Staples coupons or offers (unless specifically stated otherwise).

2. Can I price match after I’ve already made a purchase?

Yes, Staples typically offers a 14-day price match guarantee on items you’ve already purchased. If you find a lower price from an eligible competitor within 14 days of your purchase, you can bring your receipt to Staples and request a price adjustment.

3. Does Staples price match Amazon Prime Day deals?

No. Staples explicitly excludes “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” deals, which would usually cover Amazon Prime Day deals as well. These are considered promotional events with limited-time offers.

4. What proof do I need for a price match?

You need to provide clear and verifiable proof of the competitor’s lower price. This can be in the form of a printed ad, a screenshot of the competitor’s website, or even a sales associate calling the competitor to confirm the price.

5. Are there any limits on the number of items I can price match?

Staples may have limits on the quantity of items that can be price matched, especially for bulk purchases. It’s best to check with the store manager about any specific limitations.

6. If an item is out of stock at the competitor, will Staples still price match?

No. The item must be in stock at both Staples and the competitor for a price match to be approved.

7. Can I price match online via Staples.com?

While Staples.com technically has a price match guarantee, it is significantly more difficult to successfully get a price match through their online channels. The best strategy is always to head to a physical store for price matching.

8. What about Staples Plus membership prices?

No. Staples does not price match prices that require a paid membership or subscription, such as Amazon Prime.

9. Does Staples price match local competitors that aren’t national chains?

This depends on the store and the local competition. Staples typically focuses on matching prices from major national retailers. However, it’s worth asking the store manager if they’re willing to match a local competitor’s price.

10. Will Staples price match “damaged box” or “open box” items from competitors?

No, Staples generally will not price match “damaged box” or “open box” items from competitors. Their price match policy is usually limited to matching prices on new, unopened items.

11. What if the competitor’s price includes shipping costs?

Staples may consider the shipping costs when evaluating a price match. Generally, they’ll only match the final price, including shipping.

12. Can I use a Staples coupon on top of a price match?

In most cases, no. Staples typically does not allow you to combine coupons with a price match. The goal of the price match is to meet the competitor’s price, not to offer an even lower price. However, it never hurts to politely ask if there are any exceptions.

By understanding the intricacies of Staples’ Price Match Guarantee and employing alternative saving strategies, you can maximize your purchasing power and conquer your office supply needs without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!