Staples Price Match Policy: Competitors Matched, 14-⁠Day Rule & Exclusions

Staples is one of the few big retailers that still matches competitors' prices, not just its own. But it runs three versions of the guarantee: one in stores, one on Staples.com and one for custom print. Here's how each works, based on Staples' own Help Center policy. For returns, see the Staples return policy.

Which competitors Staples matches

In both the store and online programs, Staples won't match marketplace products sold or shipped by third parties on a competitor's website ¹.

What qualifies

The product has to be identical, new, in stock and available at the lower price from the competitor ¹. Identical means the same brand name, size, weight, color, quantity, model number and warranty ¹. For products sold with a service plan, such as laptops and printers, the plan, provider and terms must also be identical ¹.

Staples can verify the competitor, the advertised price, the product specs and availability, and may decline the request if it can't verify them to its satisfaction ¹.

Price drops after you buy (14 days)

• Bought in a Staples store: tell Staples within 14 days that you found the item for less in its stores or on Staples.com, and it will refund the difference ¹. Bring a sales receipt dated within 14 days ¹.
• Bought on Staples.com: within 14 days, Staples.com refunds the difference if the item is cheaper on Staples.com ¹.
• Buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS): within 14 days, Staples.com refunds the difference if the item is cheaper in Staples stores ¹. Otherwise, Staples.com doesn't match Staples in-store prices ¹.

How to request a match in a Staples store

Bring proof of the lower price ¹. Staples accepts the competitor's printed ad, printed in-store signage, a picture of in-store signage, or an online offer on your phone showing the price, model number and features ¹.

Screenshots and pictures are accepted if they show the complete offer, including the product specs, advertised price and offer start and end dates, and are legible and verifiable ¹.

How to request a match on Staples.com

Call Staples Customer Services at 1-800-333-3330 with your proof ¹. You'll need the competitor's name and website (or the Staples store price and location for BOPIS orders) plus the product details, and your Staples.com order number dated within 14 days if you've already ordered ¹. Screenshots or pictures will not be accepted for Staples.com matches ¹.

Limits

• One qualifying competitor price match per product, per customer, per day ¹.
• Staples matches the pre-tax price and won't override sales tax to match a competitor ¹.
• If a competitor's lower price requires buying a certain quantity, you have to buy the same quantity at Staples ¹.

What Staples won't price match

These are excluded from all three Staples guarantees ¹:

• Warranties, gift cards, phone cards, postage and promotional products
• Direct mail, design, digital marketing, shredding, scanning and faxing services, computer workstation rentals and self-service purchases
• Tech Services such as data backups, device setup, software installation and computer tune-ups
• Passport renewal services, TSA PreCheck enrollment and shipping services
• Ad, price and typographical errors
• Closeout, clearance or liquidation products and out-of-stock products
• Competitors' mail-in rebates (Staples also won't deduct the value of a gift with purchase)
• Holiday sale offers, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday
• Products offered to Staples Business customers

Custom print price match

For custom print jobs, bring a quote, invoice or sales receipt dated within thirty (30) days of your request showing the specs and price, or show the competitor's online offer on your phone ¹. Every spec has to match, including size, paper weight, color, printing method, finishes, accessories and quantity ¹. For Staples.com print orders, email [email protected] with your proof ¹.

Quick tips

• Shopping online? Your phone call needs live details, not a screenshot ¹.
• Check that the competitor sells the item itself; marketplace sellers on Amazon or Walmart don't count ¹.
• Don't expect a match during Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales ¹.
• Staples can change these policies at any time, so confirm before a big purchase ¹.
• Compare with other retailers in our price matching guides.