Staples Return Policy

14 days (technology); 30 days (other)

Yes (in-store)

Free returns

None

Yes (holiday extension)

Opened software, final sale, custom print jobs

It depends on what you bought. At Staples, technology items — laptops, printers, tablets, and similar electronics — must be returned within 14 days of purchase. That window is short, so don't sit on it. Everything else, like office supplies, furniture, and accessories, gets a more generous 30-day return window. Office furniture may even come with a 30-day trial period. Bottom line: if you bought tech, treat day 14 as a hard deadline. Check your receipt date and act fast.

Staples does not publicly publish a detailed no-receipt return policy, so this varies by store and situation. Your best bet is to bring any proof of purchase you have — a bank statement, order confirmation email, or rewards account history. Staples Rewards members may have an advantage since purchases are tracked to the account. Call your local store before making the trip to find out what they'll accept. Without any documentation, the store has discretion to decline the return.

No. Staples does not charge a restocking fee on returns. That's a straight answer — you won't get hit with a percentage deducted from your refund just for returning something. This applies broadly across their product categories. The main things to watch out for are the short 14-day window on technology and the fact that certain items like opened software, custom print jobs, and final sale merchandise can't be returned at all. But restocking fees? Not a concern here.

Generally yes, but with important exceptions. Staples will not accept returns on opened software under any circumstances — once that seal is broken, it's yours. Custom print jobs and final sale items are also non-returnable regardless of condition. For most other opened products, including electronics returned within the 14-day window, returns are typically accepted. If you opened a printer or laptop and it's not working out, bring it back promptly. The sooner you return it, the better your chances of a smooth refund.

Yes, Staples does offer a holiday return extension. The standard policy is 14 days for technology and 30 days for everything else, but those windows are extended during the holiday season to give gift buyers more flexibility. The exact dates of the extension aren't specified in publicly available policy details, so check Staples's website or ask in-store when shopping for holiday gifts. If you're buying tech as a gift, confirm the extended deadline before purchasing so the recipient has enough time to return or exchange it.

Yes, Staples allows free in-store returns, which covers online orders brought back to a retail location. This is the easiest and cheapest route — no shipping label to print, no waiting for a refund to process after a package arrives at a warehouse. Return shipping is also free if you prefer to mail it back. Either way, you won't pay out of pocket to return your order. Just make sure you're within the return window: 14 days for technology, 30 days for everything else.

Staples does not publicly publish a dedicated military discount program in their standard policy documentation. This policy is not confirmed in available data. It's possible that individual stores or specific promotions may offer something, but there's no verified standing discount for active military or veterans. Your best move is to contact Staples customer service directly or ask at your local store. Some retailers handle these discounts on a case-by-case basis at the register rather than advertising them openly.

Staples does have a price-match policy, but the specific terms — which competitors qualify, how long after purchase you can request it, and whether it applies online versus in-store — are not fully detailed in the core policy data available here. Staples has historically matched prices from major competitors like Amazon and Walmart on identical items. To get a match, bring proof of the lower price (a screenshot or printed ad) to the store or contact customer service. Policies can change, so verify current terms at staples.com before relying on it.

Returning a gift without a receipt at Staples isn't straightforward because the store doesn't publicly detail a specific gift-return process. If the gift-giver used a Staples Rewards account, purchases are tracked and may be lookable. Without any documentation, store managers have discretion over whether to accept the return and in what form — store credit is more likely than a cash refund in that scenario. Your best approach is to call the store ahead of time, explain the situation, and find out what they can do before making the trip.

If your item arrived defective or broke shortly after purchase, bring it back to Staples within the return window — 14 days for technology, 30 days for other products. Defective items are generally handled through the same return process, so bring your receipt or proof of purchase. For tech products that fail after the return window closes, you'll likely need to go through the manufacturer's warranty instead. Staples customer service can help point you in the right direction. In-store returns are free, so there's no cost to bring the item in and make your case.