This is what happens when you press the Easy Button!
Written: Apr 30 '05 (Updated Jun 27 '06)
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When I shop for office or school supplies I usually just stroll down to my local Staples or OfficeMax retail. There are times, however, when Staple's online store comes in handy, i.e. when a product at my neighborhood Staples is out of stock.
About Staples Online Store:
In case you are not familiar with the Staples company, Staples specializes in selling office and school related equipment; from paper and glue to computers and printers. Although most products featured at Staples Online store are office and school related, Staples.com also features a small selection of miscellaneous electronics, i.e. digital cameras and cell phones.
Shopping:
Sometimes shopping at large online stores can be downright annoying. For example, many larger online retailers bombard their customers with huge amounts of ads, product links, and even links to other sites; this isn't the case with Staples' online store. Even though Staples.com is a relatively large online store, navigating around Staples is kept user friendly.
To purchase a product from Staples Online Store you must first become a member (requires you to fill out a personal information form and acquire a password). After you acquire a password you are ready for checkout. Please note that you must have a credit card or a Staples card to shop at this online store.
My Experience with Staples.com :
I mostly use Staple's online store as lazy way of browsing Staples inventory without having to visit their retail store. Usually, the online store will have everything that my local Staples will have and visa versa. There are times, however, when shopping at the online store becomes most handy, like when product at the online store is featured before it is available at my local staples, or when a product is out of stock at my local staples.
I have been overdue for a new computer for quite some time now. I had been using an HP Pavilion XG834 for almost 3 years, so I decided it was time to upgrade to a computer with a little more memory and a faster processor. I purchased a Compaq Presario SR1420NX from Staples.com, not exactly the biggest leap forward in technology, but it was an inexpensive upgrade nonetheless.
Selection:
The selection at Staples.com is generally good, however some categories are downright skimpy. For example, the selection of PCs at Staples.com is usually limited to five or six pre configured computers. Also, if you find an amazing deal on a PC at Staples.com (most of the time you will find these deals in the clearance section) you may want mkae the purchase as soon as possible; I have seen products enter Staples' clearance department and sell-out within hours. The selection of computers is also constantly changing; one day Staples.com may feature a Sony Vaio and the next day it will be gone and replaced with an HP Desktop.
Prices:
I purchased my Compaq Presario SR1420NX bundle from Staples.com for a grand total of 530 dollars. When I made this purchase, this price was about 200 dollars less than what other online stores were asking for just the computer system (no monitor). In general, however, the prices at Staples.com are just "average." Unless Staples is offering a sale, it can be cheaper just to buy from discount retailers, i.e. WalMart's Online Store. Staples does have a price match guarantee, however it doesn't apply to other online stores. You should also keep in mind that Staples offers totally free ground shipping on most items over 50 dollars (a $7.95 flat fee shipping charge on items under $50), so many products can be purchased at Staples.com for less money in the long run. Also, if you become a Staples Rewards Member you never have to pay shipping charges. Plus, you get 5% cash back on items after you have spent 200 dollars or more per quarter.
Easy Rebates :
These types of rebates are truly the easiest type of rebates to use. You simply enter in your order information after you make your purchase and you will receive a check in the mail within 4-6 weeks. You can also track your rebate at any time at Staples' rebate center.
Shipping/Arrival Time :
As mentioned, Staples.com offers totally free UPS ground shipping on orders above $50, (minus customizable computers). If your order is below $50, you will be charged a set $7.95 fee. I received my Compaq bundle from Staples Online Store in 10 business days after I placed my order. Customer service claimed this shipping should take 5-10 business days (depending on the product), so my Compaq Presario arrived right on time.
Customer Service :
I have had a good experience with Staple's customer service department. Unlike most online stores these days, where it can all day to get a live representative on the phone, I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes using Staples 1-800 number. The customer service representatives were all pleasant and very helpful. There is also a tracking page where you can track your order and your rebates at any time. The only minor gripe I have with Staples' customer service department is the Live Help feature and the long waiting times for e-mail responses. Since most stores don't even offer these features, I'm not complaining too much, but it shouldn't take 20 minutes just to get a live rep on the computer or 3 days just to get an answer to a simple question via e-mail. So, my advice is to just call Staples 1-800 numbers if you have questions.
Return Policy :
Staples has a wonderful return policy on all of their office supplies, however their return policy on electronics and computers is downright lame. For example, office supplies can be returned for a full refund even after a year of ownership (minus shipping). However, if you want a full refund on general electronics/computers they must be returned within just 14 days.
Final Thoughts :
I am very satisfied with my shopping experience at Staples Online Store. This store is easy to use, accurate, and saved me a bunch of cash. I recommend Staples Online Store to anyone who is looking for office products; I especially recommend checking out their clearance section.
Thanks for reading!
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Compaq Presario
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