Staples Review
The original office supply superstore — in-store same-day pickup, print and copy services, and a strong small business program
Last reviewed: 2026-05-26 · By GBBR Editorial Team
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Our Top Pick · Silver Tier
Staples
Free plan available
The Bottom Line
Staples is the #2 US office supply retailer and the most recognizable office supply brand in the US, earning a Silver tier rating for its nationwide store presence (over 1,000 locations), same-day in-store pickup, in-store print and copy services, and a small business program that provides dedicated account support. Founded in 1986 in Newton, MA by Thomas Stemberg. Best for small businesses that value local store access, need in-store printing, or want a dedicated business account with a familiar brand.
What is Staples?
Staples was founded in 1986 by Thomas Stemberg and Leo Kahn in Newton, MA — it pioneered the office supply superstore category. Staples was acquired by Sycamore Partners (private equity) in 2017 and is now privately held. It operates 1,000+ US retail locations and owns Quill.com (a dedicated B2B office supply platform). Staples competes primarily on in-store convenience, print services, and small business account relationships — categories where Amazon Business is weaker. Staples has also aggressively expanded into business services: IT solutions, managed print, facilities supply, and promotional products.
What does Staples offer?
Full office supply catalog: paper, ink/toner, pens/pencils, filing, furniture, breakroom supplies, tech accessories, computers, printers. In-store print and copy center: business cards, flyers, banners, binding, laminating — same-day on most projects. Staples Connect program: free membership, 5% back in rewards, discounts on ink/toner. Staples Business Advantage: dedicated account manager, net-30 terms, consolidated billing, volume pricing, free delivery on orders $50+. Easy tech services: computer repair, printer setup, network installation. Same-day delivery available from most stores.
Staples Connect (free)
$0
/year
Business Advantage
$0
/year
Is Staples worth the price?
Prices are higher than Amazon Business on most commodity items — value comes from in-store services, dedicated account support, and same-day convenience
Amazon Business beats Staples on price for most commodity supplies. Staples wins on in-store availability, print services, and dedicated account management for businesses that value local relationships.
Good valueHow we scored it
Overall score: 78/100
Higher base prices than Amazon Business on most commodity items — value comes from in-store convenience, print services, and account management, not list price
Comprehensive office supply catalog; 1,000+ stores provide same-day in-store availability that online retailers can't match
$50 minimum for free delivery (Business Advantage); standard shipping $6.99 under threshold — higher than Amazon Business Prime but reasonable
Business Advantage: dedicated account manager, net-30 terms, volume pricing, consolidated billing, managed print services
Same-day in-store pickup at 1,000+ locations; same-day delivery from stores in many markets; next-day standard delivery
Easy in-store returns within 30 days; no restocking fees on most items; ink/toner return policy is clear and honored
Why Staples is Silver Tier
Staples earns Silver because while Amazon Business has disrupted its commodity pricing advantage, Staples retains real value for businesses that need local in-store access (same-day pickup, print center), dedicated account management with a single point of contact, and the bundled business services (IT, managed print) that Amazon doesn't offer. For businesses with complex supply needs beyond commodity purchasing, a Staples Business Advantage account provides white-glove service that Amazon's self-service model cannot match.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓1,000+ US stores — same-day in-store pickup when you need supplies immediately
- ✓In-store print center — business cards, flyers, banners, binding, same-day
- ✓Business Advantage: dedicated account manager, net-30, consolidated billing
- ✓Easy in-store returns — no mail-back required
- ✓IT and managed print services bundled with supply account
- ✓Staples Connect earns 5% back in rewards on purchases
Cons
- ✗Prices are higher than Amazon Business on most commodity items
- ✗Online experience is less polished than Amazon's — search and filtering lag
- ✗$50 free shipping threshold is higher than ideal for small orders
- ✗Declining store count vs. peak — some markets have fewer locations than before
Ready to try Staples? Free plan available — no credit card required.
Get Staples →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Staples worth it in 2026?
Prices are higher than Amazon Business on most commodity items — value comes from in-store services, dedicated account support, and same-day convenience Overall verdict: Good value.
What is Staples best for?
Staples is best for: Small businesses that need same-day supply access via local store, Offices that regularly use in-store print services (cards, flyers, binding), Businesses that want a dedicated account manager vs. Amazon's self-service model.
Does Staples have a free plan?
Yes — Staples offers a free tier: Staples Connect free membership earns 5% back in rewards.
Who should NOT use Staples?
Staples is not the right fit for: Pure price-minimizers — Amazon Business beats Staples on commodity item pricing; Remote businesses with no local store who gain nothing from the physical presence.
What are the best Staples alternatives?
Top alternatives to Staples include amazon-business, office-depot, quill.
Staples earns Silver because while Amazon Business has disrupted its commodity pricing advantage, Staples retains real value for businesses that need local in-store access (same-day pickup, print center), dedicated account management with a single point of contact, and the bundled business services (IT, managed print) that Amazon doesn't offer. For businesses with complex supply needs beyond commodity purchasing, a Staples Business Advantage account provides white-glove service that Amazon's self-service model cannot match.
Get Staples →Free tier available — no credit card required
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