Steps to Online Price Matching at Staples.

[Mint]

UPDATED: Dec 30, 2004 - Updated the info. Thanks goes to the peeps who replied with their input
Ok, since i've gotten quite a few messages asking how to price match at staples, I thought I'd post up a quick tutorial.

Online PriceMatching
1. Make sure the item you want is sold at one of their listed internet competitor's: Future Shop, Best Buy, Grand & Toy, Office Depot, Corporate Express, Basics, Bureau Plus, London Drugs, Lyreco, and The Brick, <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=24 target=_blank>Canadian Tire</a>, <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=113 target=_blank>Office Max</a>, Denis.

note 1: the best pricematches are usually from futureshop and Bestbuy, since they have free shipping and they carry a similar line of products.
note 2: Stores that have free shipping are: Futureshop, Bestbuy, Grand & Toy, Office Depot (for orders greater than $50)

2. If the competitor is listed, then fill out the price matching form
Price match form (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/CSR/csr_contact_us.asp?CSREmailAddress=bd%2Epricematch %40orders%2Estaples%2Ecom&Subject=Price+Match&OrderRequiredFlag=No)
Fill out the required stuff (has a asteris beside it) and submit the form. In the Comments section indicate:
item number of the staples product, quanity, description, and competitor's name, website, phone number, and price qouted

Example of how to fill out the comments section:
item number: 492309
quantity: 1
description: Siemens Gigaset 4010 - 2.4 GHz DSS
competitor's name: Futureshop
website: www.futureshop.ca
phone number: (416) 971-5377
price qouted: $99.99

note: You can now pricematch a quantity of 3 (Previously it was only 1).

3. After you submit it, it takes between, couple of hours to 1 business days for them to get back to you.
-If the pricematch is valid, they'll give you a breakdown of the cost and pricematch confirmation number.
-If they deny you the pricematch, your out of luck. Reason's for denying include: competitor is OOS, staples is OOS, not the same item, its a special order item at staples, etc

note 1:The most common reason of being denied is usually staples being OOS
note 2:If your pricematching with a store that doesn't have free shipping, they will add $15 shipping into their calculation (most time this kills the deal)

4. Ok, if your PM is approved, you can now order your item. Place your order at www.staples.ca and submit it.
-If you want to apply a dollar off coupons, you can too, but you have to make sure the coupon is valid on the pricematched price.
Example: Lets say you want to use a $10 off $100 coupon and the original cost of the item is $150, but after pricematching its only $75. The coupon will work when you submit it, but they CSR will email you back to tell you its not valid. For that coupon to work, the price matched price has to be $100+.

note 1: Instant rebate coupon works without a problem.
note 2: Coupon stacking seems to work with a max of 2 coupons
note 3: If the original cost of the item is over $50 you get free shipping, regardless of the pricematched price.

5. Once you've submit your order, you will recieve a confirmation email from staples. Reply to this email with the Price Match qoute and confirmation number

6. The original amount of the item will be charged onto your credit card, and then the appropiate amount will be refunded back into your account.
Example: The original cost is $150 and pricematched price is $100. $150 will be charged to your account initially, and then $50 will be refunded back into your account.

7. Thats it and good luck! :D


More FAQ
Can I order the item first and then submit the PM?
Yes you can. As most of us know, stock goes quick and sometimes ordering before you recieve the confirmation is the only way to get the item. I usually only do this if I know the pricematch is 100% legit, since its a hassle to go and return stuff afterwards.

1. I would order the item
2. I would submit the PM request (the usual way, mentioned in the main post)
3. After that I would wait for the confirmation and do it the same way mentioned in main post.

Can I order the item online and bring it to a store to pricematch?
Uncertain. In the past I was able to order online at regular price and then go to PM it in-store. But as of late, they have been telling me I can't and I can only do it online.

[mrken]

Great tutorial! This should be in the FAQ sections!

Another reason I should be a mod. :D

[jerryhussain]

Nice start, appreciate the effort Mint. Thanks.

Now we need to gather tips on PM'ing Instore and over the phone.

[HamsterGirl35]

Thanks a lot, now I know how to price match with Staples.... :-)

[Kevinck]

Hey mint, great faq but you should update it with a few numbers explaining how you miss out on the tax for the 50% difference part when you do an online pricematch as opposed to doing it instore. Doesn't affect the method, but people always complain that staples didn't refund them enough. I'm sure you know this, but people using your faq won't.

Futureshop $100
Staples $150
Theoretical pricematch (or real pricematch if done in store) is 75+tax.

Following your faq.
Buy at staples = 150+tax
Refund breakdown
Price difference refund = 150-100 = 50 +tax
50% of difference refund = 50/2 = 25 (BUT THEY DON'T REFUND TAX)
Refund = (50+tax) + 25

Total difference in prices is that with the online method you pay the tax on $25 more. So if tax is 15% then it costs you $3.75 more.

[Mint]

Hey kevinck,

Thanks for adding that bit of info. Yah, i was trying to keep it semi-straightforward. I'll see if I can incorporate the tax thing later on.

[Neil]

I'm sure it's unintentional but whoever is calculating it that way needs to be told that's illegitimate. Depending on how you look at it it's either charging more tax than Staples is legally entitled to - or else only giving 140-some % price match, not the promised 150%.

It's just a few bucks here and there but if the tax authorities knew they were doing this it would probably be a serious concern.



Hey mint, great faq but you should update it with a few numbers explaining how you miss out on the tax for the 50% difference part when you do an online pricematch as opposed to doing it instore. Doesn't affect the method, but people always complain that staples didn't refund them enough. I'm sure you know this, but people using your faq won't.

Futureshop $100
Staples $150
Theoretical pricematch (or real pricematch if done in store) is 75+tax.

Following your faq.
Buy at staples = 150+tax
Refund breakdown
Price difference refund = 150-100 = 50 +tax
50% of difference refund = 50/2 = 25 (BUT THEY DON'T REFUND TAX)
Refund = (50+tax) + 25

Total difference in prices is that with the online method you pay the tax on $25 more. So if tax is 15% then it costs you $3.75 more.

[Kevinck]

Isn't staples entitled to pricematch however they want? They refund you the tax on the actual price difference. So they truely are 'matching' the other competitor's price. But then as an added bonus they refund you an additional 50% of the difference. Their wording:
"We’ll match it PLUS give you 50% of the difference as a credit toward your purchase."

They don't say they will 'beat the price by 50% of the difference'. They don't say they will 'credit you with 50% of the difference plus any tax you paid on that part'. They just promise to credit you 50% of the difference. Which they do.

I can understand your argument saying that it's 150% in store only a 140-some% pricematch online. But an equal argument could be said that online you get 150% and in store you actually get 150-some% which is BETTER than their promised 150%. :-)

[Hellfire]

In regards to the caclulation of tax, both online and instore, staples is correctly doing it in both cases.

Because Online they charge your card the full price, and later on refund your card the difference between the competiors price and 50% credit, they only have to refund the tax on the amount which is their price - competitors price. The extra 50% is termed a credit, and therefore just subtracted from the after tax price of the competitor.

[scouzi]

What happens to your refunded value? Can you get them to credit your credit card afterwards or you have to buy something else with the refund?

[frogeee]

why this thread isn't stickied in the hot deals section, so that idiotic n00bs stop opening annoying "how do you PM staples?" threads every time a new deal that requires a Price match is posted, is beyond me.

Seriously, thumbs up for perhaps the most informative thread ever created at RFD.

[mark_in_2k]

why this thread isn't stickied in the hot deals section, so that idiotic n00bs stop opening annoying "how do you PM staples?" threads every time a new deal that requires a Price match is posted, is beyond me.

Hey frogeee, maybe you should lay off the n00b comments. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Great guide Mint, this should definately be a sticky. :D

[frogeee]

Perhaps your right mark--the idiot reference was a tad harsh, but my comments were more suited to convincing one of the mods to sticky this thread rather than to flame n00bs. Frankly whenever I see a n00b posting the infamous "PM Staples" question the the hot deals section, I private message them with a link to this thread.

And n00b does not necessarily mean a new user. There are a plethora new RFD'ers that are both intelligent and inderstand that the hot deals section is not for inquiries on Staples PM policy :)

[gman]

3. After you submit it, it takes between 1-2 business days for them to get back to you.


Good info.

I just want to add that it is not necessary to be 1 to 2 business days. My last PM was done within 1 hour.

[NDman]

Sorry for bringing it up from the dead. But it's a very useful FAQ.

Do have a question though. I read that some of you actually made the purchase AND THEN make the price match request? I always made the PM request first, wait for the confirmation e-mail and then make the order. If I can make the purchase first and then PM, how should I go about it? Do I just add the order number to the commet part of teh PM request? TIA

[Homer88]

beware of "Del"... lol

[mtevel]

What happens to your refunded value? Can you get them to credit your credit card afterwards or you have to buy something else with the refund?

The refunded value is applied to the credit card you used to make the purchase...

(It's good for us sometimes that they do it this way since there are situations where a MIR would be applicable if the item was OVER a certain dollar amount.... and the invoice would show the FULL PRICE, but you really paid the PM price since the difference is refunded onto your credit card "behind the scenes")...

This thread SHOULD be in the FAQ !

[Mint]

Hey NDman,
On some occassions I do place the order first, and then submit it afterwards. I usually only do this if I know the pricematch is 100% legit, since its a hassle to go and return stuff afterwards.

1. I would order the item
2. I would submit the PM request (the usual way, mentioned in the main post)
3. After that I would wait for the confirmation and do it the same way mentioned in main post.

Glad people are finding this thread usefull and hoped it help some of the newer peeps get in on some deals :D



Sorry for bringing it up from the dead. But it's a very useful FAQ.

Do have a question though. I read that some of you actually made the purchase AND THEN make the price match request? I always made the PM request first, wait for the confirmation e-mail and then make the order. If I can make the purchase first and then PM, how should I go about it? Do I just add the order number to the commet part of teh PM request? TIA

[NDman]

If/When you refund any item (well, let's sasy the entire online purchase), do they refund you the shipping too (if it's under $50 total amount, that is) or it's a lost cost?

And I think we should keep bumping this trhead to help new RFD'ers out

[RFD-obsessed]

Thanks mint!
I will no longer be scurred of PMing online!
Now I know what I'm doing!

[NDman]

BUMP

And please see the question above. :D

[Mint]

Hm.. i never actually orderd anything where the shipping wasnt free :D
However, I dont think the shipping cost is recoverable, since they already shipped it etc.

[uzer101]

ok so rather than starting a new thread, i thought i ask you guys here. my FIRST time with a ONLINE pm.

i bought the SONY DSC-73 online from staples($399.99), i want to PM with BestBuy($319.99).

i already replied to the STAPLES confirmation email explaining that BB has it for $319.99 so i would like PM. Now, do i need to fill out that 'form' thing mint mentioned or is the reply to confirmation email good enough????

btw i also used the $20 coupon...not sure if they will accept or how?

[uzer101]

holy smokes it only took just little over 1hr for PM to go through!
just got this email from STAPLES:

Thank you for shopping with us,

Thank you for bringing the lower price on item 568981 at Best Buy to
our attention. We have credited the difference in price to your Visa for
the amount of $137.87.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.
Thank you for shopping with us,
Your Online Office Manager

Carol,
Customer Service Representative

well if staples can keep this up, i'm sure lot of us would take our buisness there...or just PMs :lol: !

[Mint]

I think i will updating this thread very shortly. Since there are some minor changes. Specifically: quantity can now be 3, and the taxing on pricematches is now the way it should be :D

[Ojam]

This should be a sticky, it seams like every week somebody that doesn't know how to search is asking how to do this.

[Mint]

Just updated. Thanks to the peeps for their input and updated info.

[orbit]

I thought I'd bring this to the top again as I had been searching for this info for a bit. Thanks again for the great info.

[Alexo]

Good FAQ, thank you!

Some questions though: Does the list of stores that Staples will pricematch against vary between online and instore?

Are there any other stores (except staples) that have good pricematching policies?Best wishes,
Alex.

[CSR]

Another vote for sticky

[Justin]

would it work to buy something that is over $200 and use a $30 off $200 coupon and then request a price match after i get the item, which would bring the price down below $200. Would i still get to keep the $30 off $200 coupon on the order?

Also, what would happen it i buy something for $150 and then throw something in the cart to bring the price over $200 , so i can use a coupon, and then when i get the order return the extra item. will they subtract $30 from the refund?

[DragonZealot]

would it work to buy something that is over $200 and use a $30 off $200 coupon and then request a price match after i get the item, which would bring the price down below $200. Would i still get to keep the $30 off $200 coupon on the order?


Did you read the original post??

4. ...
-If you want to apply a dollar off coupons, you can too, but you have to make sure the coupon is valid on the pricematched price.



Also, what would happen it i buy something for $150 and then throw something in the cart to bring the price over $200 , so i can use a coupon, and then when i get the order return the extra item. will they subtract $30 from the refund?
I hope you would not do this intentionally because it is unethnical.

[Justin]

Did you read the original post??




I hope you would not do this intentionally because it is unethnical.

so, you are saying that it would work?

[jerryhung]

so, you are saying that it would work?

It might, but that's just............. new level of cheapness

some people did mention that they got the coupon deducted

[Gdog]

Someone please make this a STICKY!

[InternalStorm1]

Awesome post ;) I just submitted one... do they do these only on business days or weekends too? Oh ya... and what if the instore price is the same as the price match price, but the online price is a lot higher to do the pricematch with? (example is the X 530 speakers, which are $89 in store same as FS, but $139 online, and I want to pricematch FS's $89)

[Mint]

Awesome post ;) I just submitted one... do they do these only on business days or weekends too? Oh ya... and what if the instore price is the same as the price match price, but the online price is a lot higher to do the pricematch with? (example is the X 530 speakers, which are $89 in store same as FS, but $139 online, and I want to pricematch FS's $89)

From what I know, they only do it Monday - Saturday. For online PM's, as long as the online price is the higher price they will approve it if its legit.

[eyesonme]

good info, thanks.

[rik3k]

IMPORTANT INFO:

Starting Sept. 1st Staples will be changing their PM policy. They will now be offering 110% instead of the 150%.

I work there so I know. ;)

[futureshop.ca_is_the_best]

hey I got a couple of questions, I ordered the item first and then sent in the PM application. (stock was an issue)
This was done at 11:30 PM, how long does it take for Staples CSRs to reply to me on my PM?
And say they grant my PM, do I have to do anything else now or will they do it all for me? and not charge the actual amount but the amount after PM on my CC.
And if they don't grant my PM, am I stuck with the product? or will they give me options to cancel the order?

[minids]

hi i got a question concerning free shipping.

let say the original price of the item im pming is over $50 but is less than $50 after pming, will i still get free shipping?

ps. if this is a noob question, than im sorry, i'm a noob as u call it, heh

[Hellfire]

yes

[Nhiem]

If you have any questions, please do not reply to this message. You can
contact us at 1-877-360-8500 or Fax at 1-800-567-2260 or e-mail us at
bd.support@orders.staples.com. You can also contact us on the web at
http://www.staples.ca/contact. If there is a problem with your order,
you
will receive a follow-up contact.


Uh...so do I still reply to the email anyways with my price match confirmation letter?

[impulsebuy]

yes, you reply to the order confirmation email with ur PM number and quote
or you can call them. I usually like to order first, and quote my order number in the PM request. It makes things faster cuz sometimes I dont need to reply back at all.

[Nhiem]

yes, you reply to the order confirmation email with ur PM number and quote
or you can call them. I usually like to order first, and quote my order number in the PM request. It makes things faster cuz sometimes I dont need to reply back at all.

Awesome, thanks.

[Madcatmk2]

Any idea if its maximum 3 per item or 3 per order?

[Kurtz7834]

I find PMing online at Staples.ca rarely works anymore. BS excuses are constantly given as to why the PM is denied, a day later when the deal is likely dead and you can't PM in store.

Stick with in store PMs, it is much harder for them to weasel out of as you're in their face and can argue and make a scene.

From my experience Staples does not honour their PM policy in good faith online.

[Madcatmk2]

I find PMing online at Staples.ca rarely works anymore. BS excuses are constantly given as to why the PM is denied, a day later when the deal is likely dead and you can't PM in store.

Stick with in store PMs, it is much harder for them to weasel out of as you're in their face and can argue and make a scene.

From my experience Staples does not honour their PM policy in good faith online.

For staples.ca you have to order first and after ask for a pm.
Over here the managers are the worst possible and will deny even if you are right. I have to file a complaint to BBB every time i have to pm in store.

[deeplove]

hi
what is OOS?
thanks

[MrDisco]

hi
what is OOS?
thanks

oos= out of stock. a common occurance at staples when an item is hot for price matching.

[litebrite]

Booo.. I wanted to buy the Canon sd400 digital camera and saw that FS and BB has it on sale for $499. So I head over to staples.ca to see 'bout pricematching online AND using the coupon. And guess what.. OOS. :mad:

And I was playing around with coupons online 2 days ago and added that camera to my cart and it was in stock then!

Ugh.. should i just bite the bullet and buy from FS or BB? But that $30 off $200 coupon is so tempting. I even called their customer service to make sure it was really OOS. :(

[deeplove]

hi
i went to best buy's site. i can't find their price match FORM. can anyone help me. i want to get a laptop wireless mouse, the BenQ one.
let me know please.
thanks!

[paaji]

best buy is full of bs i sent them link for pricematch here is what i get for two e-mails. I told them it is not a attachment..... but still

Dear Valued Customer:

Thank you for your e-mail.

We regret to inform you that due to antivirus and other security filters,
we were unable to open the attachment sent.

May we respectfully request that you resend the above with the attachment
in the body of the e-mail. Accordingly, we will be able to process your
request without further delay.

If you would like to be added to the list of preferred shoppers who we
contact weekly about Best Buy’s upcoming promotions, exclusive offers,
exciting contests and special events please click on the following link:


http://www.bestbuy.ca/marketing/newsletter/en/about_newsletter.asp?
logon=&langid=EN

Please accept our sincere apology for any and all inconvenience this may
have caused you.

Sincerely

[Gujustud]

I'd like to get Staples to PM NCIX for the Logitech Keyboard/Mouse Combo MX5000. Its about $50 cheaper at NCIX. But its also a special order at NCIX. Do you think Staples will do the PM? Because the end price will be just above $150, then I can hopefully use the $20 off, plus I have a $15 divdends coupon as well.

[Gujustud]

Just as I figured, they didn't pricematch the price to NCIX because its a special order. I'm wondering if I ask them to hold my purchase for 2 weeks then ship it, it'll be the same as NCIX then won't it? lol...

[Gujustud]

Well Ncix now stocks the keyboard, and almost all their locations have 10+. I replied to the staples email last week, but no reply, so I put thru another request on their website.

Any idea if they'll let me use the $20 off $150 coupon as well as my $15 Dividends coupon along with them price matching the product?

[mcbain27]

just a helpful thread started by Mint on pm-ing staples.

Happy Holidays!

[sipjd64]

thank man , really help

[zomboo]

Great guide but does anyone know if they do price matching over holidays?

I phoned in and asked if they would be open over the long weekend and processing online price matching. They told me they would be open. When I phone now there's a message that says they're closed for the holidays :confused:

[3weddings]

:arrowu:

actually this one gets asked soooooooooooooooo often it could be a sticky!!

[lucymag]

I wanted to get a laptop from Staples. Staple's price is 860 and futureshop's price is 800, but it is sold out online and only available in the stores now. (ive checked)

I called the 1 877 number and asked them to PM but the person said they only match online prices, not the store prices....:mad: is it true..???

[kenverkjl]

Thanks a lot, now I know how to price match with Staples.... :-)

[suziecute]

Thanks OP for this thread. I want to get the iPod Nano but Staples sells them for $199.83, & FS & BB only sell them for $189.99. Filled out the PM form & waiting for the code. I received the $20 off $150 Staples coupon code by email so I can't hardly wait to order.

[drgopoos]

Thanks OP for this thread. I want to get the iPod Nano but Staples sells them for $199.83, & FS & BB only sell them for $189.99. Filled out the PM form & waiting for the code. I received the $20 off $150 Staples coupon code by email so I can't hardly wait to order.

hi, i was looking at staples website but could not find the PM form that you mentioned here

EDIT : SORRY I FOUND IT NOW
Gopu

[watchdogcatcher]

I wanted to get a laptop from Staples. Staple's price is 860 and futureshop's price is 800, but it is sold out online and only available in the stores now. (ive checked)

I called the 1 877 number and asked them to PM but the person said they only match online prices, not the store prices....:mad: is it true..???

Hey, I work in the Staples US call center. We happen to match to stores but Staples Canada is a little behind. Give them time to catch up.
For now, they probably don't match delivery to a competitor's store because the PM is currently 150%****. That being said if the competitor's delivery price is not included in the match because the match is to a store, that would end up putting Staples Canada in the poorhouse.

****(in US it's just 100% now down from 110% because it was found most people really don't care, they're just matching for convenience of getting all their items together. The few that did care about the additional discount were approximately 3% of our PMing customers who bought tons of PM'd stuff then turned around and sold the product on their own website/eBay store, so you can thank them for ruining it for everybody)

[VanillaPep]

I just tried to PM online purchase of a camera and staples forced to add a 14$ overnight (from FS) shipping charge on top of the PM.. is this a new rule?

[BestOffer]

this is in sane, i entered the following info an Staples is chargeing $33 just for shipping:

Staples Price: $299.96
Competitor Price: $229.99

Competitor Name:Newegg.ca
Shipping: $33.84
10% of the Difference: $3.61

Final Retail Price after 110% Price Match Policy (excluding taxes):$260.22