Staples Consumer Reviews - Page 5

SALEM, NEW HAMPSHIRE -- I designed a brochure online and downloaded it to review. The brochure did not download but a virus did. I used Webroot to clear it but I'm still leery that it may be the one and only virus on my computer. This store is lousy.

BLOOMSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA -- When purchasing a new Kindle, Tom ** went far above and beyond in providing excellent service. The store was between shifts and staff was at a minimum. In addition to me, he solved two or three other problems, including a VERY DIFFICULT person. Kept his cool, assisted other clerks and still provided me with excellent care.

MATAMORAS, PENNSYLVANIA -- OK 1st off a couple weeks ago they had a office chair on sale for 89.99 online ad. It was Saturday night and almost closing time so I called the store. They had 1 left in stock and I asked they hold it till the morning for me. They took my name and held it. Everything good so far. I go to the store at opening time, go to pay for the chair and it comes up as 160+. I said "wait this is 89.99" and was informed the sale was over and it is full price now. I said I reserved it last night but they said I should have reserved it online to get sale price. When I told them that it said it was a clearance and low stock and would not let me do it online.

I called the 1 800 number when I got home from store and the person I spoke with said they should honor the sale price because I called them while the sale was on. I went back to store, explained what the person said and they stated they would call corporate and get back to me. Never heard a word from them. I stopped into the store a week later and spoke with the manager and was told "we called you" which I showed her my phone log and there was nothing on it. Oh well I leave.

They have the chair on sale again for 99.00 so I said heck with it I'll go get it. When I arrive they have no more in stock but the floor display one. OK then they tell me it will be another 10 bucks because of assembly charge. I looked at the girl like she was nuts, I said "um every other store I have ever bought from sells the display model less than the currant price, not more." She said it's a assembly charge. I said "well I have to take it apart to get it in my car so I don't need it assembled." She says "sorry if you want the last one the display, it's an extra 10 buck." So I said "you know what, I will never buy from Staples again." And walked out. This is just sad.

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA -- I am small business consultant and used to shop at Staples to pick up laptop, desktop, printers & accessories etc for my clients. I used to shop there so often (1 to 2 times a week) that most of the staff personally knew me. Then a "new" manager was assigned to the store and that's when the problems begin. I was at the Staples store at Potomac Yard, Alexandria VA and they had a system on Clearance on the floor and I picked it up at proceeded to pay for it. As usual I was harassed for Extended warranty of $200 for $400 system. Common sense would dictate that it would absolutely make no sense to buy an extended warranty for the system at 50% of the cost.

I just played along as I was used to the game and in the end refused to buy the warranty. I gave my rewards card number and the Asst Manager pulled out my company name and noticed that I had the word "Computer" in the company name. At that point she informed me that since I was a reseller she would not sell me the computer. I though she was joking as I had bought from her 100 times before. But she called the "new" manager and he agreed with her and gave me the number of the President Office at Staples (which is also the same BS customer service to placate irritated customer, no action is ever taken) to file a complaint but refused to sell me the system.

I informed him that the store was in Crystal City, Virginia where more than 80% businesses are computer consultants selling to Federal Government. If he had these policies he would have no sales but the "new" manager would NOT budge. I walked out of the store empty handed and my purchases of $25K to 30K per year with Staples are now zero and I constantly encourage all my clients NOT to shop at Staples and buy their toners and supplies online from Amazon at much cheaper prices and better customer service.

After reading the New York Times article dated Sep 9, 2012 about these same Staples practices, I felt vindicated and hopefully the Staples management will soon realize that it makes NO sense to walk a "paying" customer in order to sell an overpriced warranty BUT who can understand the logic of the "SMART" marketing heads at corporate office.

OHIO -- I submitted my rebate information on January 21, 2007. I received an acknowledgment of receipt email from the Staples rebate people. The advertised time frame of the rebate is supposed to be 4-6 weeks. On January 22, 2007 I received an email stating my rebate is being processed. I waited until March 8th, that's 6 1/2 weeks after they told me it was being processed, to send an email inquiry about my rebate.

I got a canned response from a customer service drone that said: "Thank you for your rebate inquiry. We are pleased to inform you that your submission has been received and validated, and it is in the final stages of processing. Your rebate check should be mailed in the next 15 days.

"Please note that the check will be printed on a postcard and will not arrive in an envelope. We appreciate your participation in this promotion. If there is anything else we can do to assist you, please contact us at Staples.rebates@parago.com. We are always happy to help. You can also track the status of your rebate, using the Tracking Number above, at http://www.StaplesEasyRebates.com."

I sent a reply that went ignored. Then I sent another inquiry on March 16th and got the same old crappy canned response. I finally talked to a customer service person who gave me more of the same dreck. I requested to speak with a supervisor and he said he would put an expedite on my rebate, but it would still be at least 2 weeks before I see it.

This is the second time that I have had trouble with Staples Easy Rebates. They advertise 4-6 weeks for fulfillment and so far it has been 8 weeks and they are telling me it will be at least 2 more weeks. How long will the retail public put up with this nonsense?

WYOMISSING, PENNSYLVANIA -- I have been in the market for a new printer for our small business for about a year and a half. I have compared printers online and still was not sure which I should buy. I have always bought HP products so I was inclined to stick with them. I did not seek help when I went to Staples because my past experiences when I've needed help have not been good at all. They seemed to be cashiers roaming the store hoping no one asks them any questions, and when they do, they were not knowledgeable about any of the products. So this morning when I went in to buy cartridges for the printer that needs replacing, I browsed the new printers yet again.

A sales clerk saw me looking a particular printer and came over and told me that they have had returns on almost all of that particular printer sold and asked what exactly I needed in a printer. I told him and he directed me to an Epson printer. It was one of the cheaper printers so I inquired what made the next one ($100 more) worth the extra money. He explained the differences between the two and instead of steering me towards the one that was $100 more, he told me that for what I would be using it for, the cheaper one was actually a better fit for me.

That salesman's name was **, Tech Sales Supervisor at the Wyomissing, PA store. He was the most courteous, helpful, informative salesperson I have ever encountered. They were out of stock of that particular printer in the store and he offered to order it online for me and ship it to us. I however, came home and ordered it myself. I felt relieved to finally have made an informative decision about which printer to buy after trying for so long to figure it out myself.

Thank you **! I hope the right people at the Staples Home Offices read these reviews and reward employees for their superior service. I hope you move up in this company. You certainly have the knowledge and the people skills to go far in life!

CUPPERTINO, CALIFORNIA -- Very bad experience! I came here because we had a gather with my friends in this area. I went to buy 3 gift cards to give to my friends. After I paid and signed, they started to activate them. But they could not activate the 3rd one. Without asking my permission, the cashier canceled my 3rd gift card, and then his manager came out and void the cancellation. At last, they charged me all 3 gift cards' price, but only 2 are activated. Then they told me that they could not do anything.

They could not active another gift card to me, so I was angry and said that I wanted my money back. (I don't want to buy the gift cards here.) They said that I could not return the gift cards unless I came another time when their manager and their banker was at work. I lived very far, so I refused to come another time. I wanted it settle down this time. To me, you either give my money back or give me a 3rd gift card. The cashier and his supervisor said that their operation manager had more power than them, and they called the operations manager (named Carrie **) many times. The operations manager refused to come out to meet me to settle this down.

I am pissed off by their behaviors. They even let me call my credit card company to cancel the transaction, but the bank didn't have the right, but Staples should do that; or after the transaction posted, I disputed. I understand the banker's explanation. But Staples people said that their system could not void my transaction, so I could not even dispute the transaction later they have my signature. I must come back once and that's the operational manager's decision. Till here, it's already one hour passed.

Finally, their operations manager told them that they could void my 3rd gift card's charge. They wasted my time, and they could not give me an satisfying solution. Later I called Staples Customer Service to complain this and they told me that they could not do anything. In other retail stores or online store, they could easily solve this kind of problem. Why does Staples use this suck system, stupid policy, irresponsible salesman and operations manager? I am sorry for this tedious and not logical review, because I way too angry. I will never ever come back to any Staples!

RIVERDALE, NEW JERSEY -- Visited Riverdale NJ Staples: Found a camera (Samsung ST150s) in store. Found the same color/model on Best Buy website for $20 less, so the clerk asked manager if they could price match. Manager said no, because this was an in store item, there was no way to verify if Best Buy had it in the store. So I hit the check out button on my phone, and amazingly, the Best Buy website stated the store at the next traffic light indeed had it in stock, and I could pick it up "now" for the lower price.

We showed the manager, who said (in the rudest, most condescending tone of voice) that I would need to go to Best Buy, get a circular, and bring it back. Only then could they match an in store items price. I asked what if item was not listed in circular? Manager shrugged, "that's our policy, can't be helped". I said, "it would be easier to purchase from Best Buy", and I walked out. (Bought camera in the color I wanted at Best Buy 5 minutes later.)

After reviewing the Staples posted policy, it does not clearly state what you would need to price match in store price, circular or otherwise. But I know that competing stores accept each others coupons on my smartphone and Best Buy's own site lets you save the URL or print out from competitor. Why did the manager say "no way to verify in store at that price", and then when confronted with evidence of in store/in stock lower price, demand a circular? For a camera Staples wasn't supposed to have!

Why is it my job to bring a competitor circular to management! A price listed on website for an item VERIFIED to be in stock, in store, should be more than enough!

This is not about a specific Staples store, but about their online service. I purchased a bookcase from them to be delivered Thursday, 5/24/13. Staples at one time had daily delivery, but now apparently that's limited only to businesses while us peasants must make do with weekly deliveries. Even so, had they delivered it as promised and as I instructed them to do there would have been no problem. However, I had asked them to ring my neighbor's bell since I would not be home at the time of delivery. Instead, they rang my bell, said "oh well, see you next Thursday" and left.

I am 74 and unable to put together a bookcase. My son-in-law was visiting that week and he likes putting things together. Had they delivered as promised there would have been no problem. When I called Staples that night I was told it would be delivered the next day, but when I called on Friday, was told, "oh no, you need to wait until next Thursday". I explained the situation and was met with indifference so requested they cancel the order. It had been their screw-up in the first place, they could have corrected it in the second place, but the same indifference I saw in the incompetent delivery I also experienced on the phone.

So instead of at least paying attention when I requested cancellation, they delivered it - to my neighbor - the following Thursday. At this point, I would have to pay someone to put it together for me. I had to wait on the phone 20 minutes to speak to another indifferent voice so that I could, for a 2nd time, cancel this order. Now I have to ask my neighbor to let them in to pick up their stupid bookcase. I will purchase one the next time my son-in-law is in town, but it won't be from Staples.