The return policy at Staples seems fairly straight-forward at first glance, but in actuality it has a bunch of nuisances based on the item you’re buying and what form of payment you use. In this article, I break it all down so you’ll never have a problem returning something to Staples in the future. I also came up with a bunch of insider “pro tips” that will help many of you, tips that you can’t find anywhere on the Staples website.

Staples Allows 30 Days to Make a Return

The majority of products sold by Staples come with a 30-day return policy.

Exceptions to the 30 Days

Several products have a shorter return window…

• Computers & Laptops – 14 days. Make sure all personal information is removed before returning to the store.
• Printers – 14 days
• Digital Cameras – 14 days
• Business Machines – 14 days
• Tablets & eReaders – 14 days
• Smart/Cell phones – 14 days
• Unopened Drones – 14 days
• Items Bought with a Check – 14 days and you can only return item for store credit.

The 14-day return window is pretty short on the above items so make sure the product is a “keeper” fairly quickly.

PRO TIP: STAPLES BRANDED ITEMS DON’T HAVE A TIME LIMIT

I was a bit surprised by this when a former Staples employee said it on this Reddit forum.

Apparently they really want Staples branded products to have a “perceived” lifetime guarantee. So feel free to return that 3-year old stapler that keeps getting jammed.

See Also: Best Buy Return Policy: 8 Things You Need To Know

Some Stuff Can’t Be Returned

Here they are…

• Downloadable Software, Movies and Music – Non-returnable.
• Opened Software – Can only be exchanged for the same software title.
• Custom-ordered and Custom-assembled Furniture – Can only be returned if it’s defective when you receive it.
• Gift Cards and Phone Cards – Non-returnable.

Does anyone ever buy phone cards these days?

PRO TIP: HOLIDAY RETURN POLICY

All electronics and furniture bought between November 17th – December 24th get an extended return policy.

Specifically, you have until January 11th to return all electronics and furniture which is a nice perk for gift givers.

Returning Stuff Without a Receipt

You can’t always get a straight refund if you don’t have your receipt.

If you’re receipt-less and used a credit card, Staples can easily look up your order and issue a full refund. Make sure you go back to the same store you originally made the purchase.

If you don’t have a receipt, and Staples can’t verify the purchase, you’ll get either store credit or an exchange.

The price they’ll give you is the lowest selling price within the last 30 days. Staples will also need a valid photo ID so they can track your return history.

Warning: If you try and return too many items without a receipt you might raise a red flag and they can deny your return.

If you lost your online receipt, simply go to your online account and click on My Orders and you can print out a copy of it.

PRO TIP: RETURNING PROMOTIONAL ITEMS

Be careful returning purchases that include promotional items.

Specifically, if you were given a free gift or gift card as part of a Staples promotion, you’ll have the value of the gift deducted from the amount refunded.

Stuff Can Be Opened…But

Yes, it can be opened, BUT the item must be in “salable” condition.

This means it must be in original packaging/box with all manuals, cords, and parts.

See Also: Temu Return Policy: Very Cheap Office Supplies with a Solid Return Policy

PRO TIP: PAYING WITH A PREPAID CASH CARD?

If so, be sure to hold on to that sucker because your refund needs to go back on the card.

If you throw the prepaid card away it will be a BIG pain to try and get your refund. Just keep that in mind.

You Have 3 Options For Online Orders

You have several options when it comes to returning online orders to Staples.

You can take it back to your local Staples, you can create a return online, or you can call Staples at 1-(888) 515-8880 and set up a return that way.

Also, it’s worth noting that if you used an online coupon on a purchase from Staples.com, you can’t use the coupon again after you return the item.

PRO TIP: STILL PAYING WITH A PAPER CHECK?

If you still pay with a check when you shop at Staples, I have some good news for you.

The same return policy applies and they will actually give you CASH BACK when making a return, with your receipt, within the allotted time.

This is very rare in today’s retail space as most stores only give store-credit when paying with a check.

Ask the Reader: Have you had any issues with the Staples return policy? Let me know, thanks.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)