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Return Policy
We want you to be happy with your Staples® purchase. If you’re not completely satisfied with the quality of any Staples® Brands product, you can return it within 1 year for an exchange or refund, with a receipt or original packaging.
For more details about Staples® Brands products, click here.
Where You Can Make a Return
- Online or catalog orders: You may return items to any Staples® retail store along with your receipt or packing slip.
- In‑store purchases: Must be returned to a Staples® retail store.
- Online and phone purchases: Free online returns are available.
Learn about our return and refund policies below.
Return Condition Requirements
Your item must be returned in sellable condition, with original packaging that includes:
- Universal Product Code (UPC)
- Manuals
- All parts
- Receipt or packing slip
We carefully monitor returns. In some cases, returns or exchanges may be limited or declined. Staples reserves the right to deny any return that does not follow this policy.
Click here to start a return or review our step by step walkthrough here.
Return Eligibility Date
Each item has a Return Eligibility Expiry Date, which is the last day the item can be returned.
- You’ll find this date under the item description on the Order Details page.
- If the date has passed, the item is no longer eligible for return.
Free Returns Policy by Product
Office Supplies
- May be returned at any time for both staples.com and in‑store purchases.
Software
- Unopened boxed software we currently sell: Return within 30 days for a full refund.
- Opened boxed software and downloadable software: Not returnable or refundable.
Technology, Business Machines, and Small Appliances
- Technology and business machines (computers, laptops, printers, tablets, digital cameras): Return within 14 days of receipt.
- Small appliances (coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, air conditioners, fans): Return within 14 days of receipt.
AppleCare+
- AppleCare+ purchased at Staples may be canceled at Staples within 30 days for a full refund.
- Requests after 30 days must be made directly through Apple for a prorated refund.
- Staples cannot cancel AppleCare+ purchased elsewhere.
Furniture
- May be returned within 14 days of receipt.
- Furniture must be disassembled and safe for shipping.
- Custom‑ordered or custom‑assembled furniture is only returnable if defective upon arrival.
Ink and Toner Cartridges
- Unopened and unexpired ink or toner cartridges may be returned at any time for both staples.com and in‑store purchases.
Gift and Prepaid Cards
- Gift cards, prepaid cards, and phone cards are nonrefundable and nonreturnable.
- Prepaid cards cannot be redeemed for cash.
- Terms and conditions are included with each card.
Balloons and party supplies
Non-seasonal/holiday party supplies may be returned at any time with the exception of Halloween costumes, which must be unopened and returned prior to October 31 in the year the item(s) are purchased. Inflated balloons and balloon tanks are not eligible for return.
Gift Returns (No Receipt)
- In‑store purchases returned without a receipt are eligible for in‑store credit only.
- Credit will be issued for the lowest selling price in the last 30 days.
- A valid government‑issued ID is required.
- Returns may be refused at Staples’ discretion.
All refunds are issued to the original form of payment when available.
Coupons
Coupons are forfeited once used.
If you return an item from an order that used a coupon:
- The coupon value may be prorated across all items.
- You’ll be refunded what you paid after the coupon discount.
- The coupon cannot be reused.
Staples Easy Rewards™: Click here to view our Returns on a Qualifying Purchase article.
Staples’ Trusted Suppliers: If your item came from a trusted suppliers, you can simply send it back or bring it to your nearest Staples store.
Refund Methods
Refunds are issued to the original payment method whenever possible.
If you paid:
Online or by phone with multiple payment methods, refunds are processed in this order:
- Staples Credit Card
- Major credit card
- Prepaid credit card
- Check
- Staples Gift Card
In‑store with cash, debit, or check (with receipt): Refund issued in cash.
Debit card (with card and PIN present): Refund credited to the account.
Credit card: Refund credited to the original card.
Cash, check, or debit without card and purchase over $500 (pre‑tax): Refund issued as a corporate check.
Promotional Items
- If a returned item included a free promotional product, the value of that item will be deducted from the refund if not returned.
- Promotional gift cards are nonreturnable, and their value will be deducted from the refund.
Refund Timelines
Once your return is received at the Staples warehouse, refunds are processed as follows:
- Major & prepaid credit cards: 3–5 business days
- Gift cards: Email within 7–10 business hours
- Checks: Mailed within 7–10 business days
- Staples Easy Rewards points: Within 72 business hours
- Refund coupons: Email within 72 business hours
Click here to start a return or review our step by step walkthrough here.
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