Staples Return Policy: 14-⁠Day Tech Window, No-Receipt Rules & Refunds

Staples is unusually generous with everyday office supplies, but much stricter with technology and furniture. The deadline that applies depends on what you bought, so here are the rules by category, based on Staples' own Help Center return policy. For other Staples guides, see the Staples store page.

Return windows by product

Staples Brands products have their own promise: if you aren't completely satisfied with the quality, you can return them within 1 year for an exchange or refund, with a receipt or original packaging ¹.

Your Return Eligibility Expiry Date

Each item has a Return Eligibility Expiry Date, which is the last day it can be returned ¹. You'll find it under the item description on the Order Details page, and once it has passed the item is no longer eligible ¹.

What Staples won't take back

• Opened boxed software and downloadable software ¹
• Gift cards, prepaid cards and phone cards ¹
• Inflated balloons and balloon tanks ¹
• Custom-ordered or custom-assembled furniture, unless it arrived defective ¹
• Halloween costumes, unless they're unopened and returned before October 31 of the year you bought them ¹

Condition requirements

Items must come back in sellable condition, with original packaging that includes the UPC, manuals, all parts and your receipt or packing slip ¹. Furniture must be disassembled and safe for shipping ¹. Staples monitors returns and may limit or decline returns or exchanges, and it can deny any return that doesn't follow the policy ¹.

Where to return

• In-store purchases must go back to a Staples store ¹.
• Online or catalog orders can be returned to any Staples store with your receipt or packing slip ¹.
• Online and phone purchases can also be returned online for free ¹.

Returns without a receipt

In-store purchases returned without a receipt get in-store credit only ¹. The credit is for the lowest selling price in the last 30 days, and you'll need a valid government-issued ID ¹. Staples may refuse no-receipt returns at its discretion ¹.

How you get your money back

Refunds go to the original form of payment when available ¹. In practice:

• Cash, debit or check in store, with a receipt: refunded in cash ¹.
• Debit card with the card and PIN present: credited to the account ¹. Staples' refund list gives both this line and the cash line above for debit purchases without saying which wins, so if you paid by debit, bring the card and ask at the register which way the refund will go.
• Credit card: credited to the original card ¹.
• Cash, check, or debit without the card, on purchases over $500 (pre-tax): refunded as a corporate check ¹.

Once the Staples warehouse receives your return, card refunds take 3–5 business days, gift card refunds are emailed within 3 business days, and checks are mailed within 7–10 business days ¹.

Coupons, free gifts and promotions

Coupons are forfeited once used ¹. If you return part of an order that used a coupon, the coupon value may be prorated across all items, and you get back what you actually paid after the discount ¹. If your item came with a free promotional product, its value is deducted from your refund unless you return it too ¹. Promotional gift cards can't be returned, and their value is also deducted ¹.

AppleCare+

AppleCare+ bought at Staples can be canceled at Staples within 30 days for a full refund ¹. After 30 days, you have to ask Apple directly for a prorated refund ¹.

Quick tips

• Buying a laptop, printer or desk? Test it right away: you have only 14 days ¹.
• Keep ink and toner sealed if you might return it; unopened cartridges are returnable any time ¹.
• Save receipts and packing slips; without one you're limited to in-store credit ¹.
• Need help? Staples customer service is at 1 (800) 333-3330 ¹.
• Compare with other retailers in our return policy guides, or see the Staples price match policy.