Return policy comparison · 2026
Carson Dellosa Education vs Staples
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Carson Dellosa Education) and April 17, 2026 (Staples)
Carson Dellosa Education
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
Winner
Staples
B
3.3 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
Staples has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B (3.3/5.0) against Carson Dellosa Education's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Carson Dellosa EducationStaples
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Carson Dellosa Education | Staples | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 30 days (from delivery, unopened items) | 14 days (technology); 30 days (other) |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | ✓ Yes (in-store) |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | Customer pays return shipping unless the item is incorrect or defective (company error) | Free returns |
| Holiday extension | — | ✓ Yes (holiday extension) |
| Non-returnable | — | Opened software, final sale, custom print jobs |
| Watch-out items | — | Technology items only 14 days |
Carson Dellosa Education tip
Return shipping is only free if Carson Dellosa made the error (wrong or defective item) - if you simply change your mind, you pay to ship it back, and full refund processing can take up to 4 weeks due to transit, processing, and bank timelines.
Staples tip
Short 14-day window on technology. Other items 30 days. Office furniture may be 30-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Carson Dellosa Education or Staples?
Staples has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B (3.3/5.0) against Carson Dellosa Education's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is Carson Dellosa Education's return window?
Carson Dellosa Education's return window is 30 days (from delivery, unopened items).
What is Staples's return window?
Staples's return window is 14 days (technology); 30 days (other).
Does Carson Dellosa Education or Staples offer free returns?
Carson Dellosa Education: No - fee deducted. Staples: Yes (in-store).