Staples vs Office Depot Return Policy

Staples

• Item must be in original, resaleable condition with all accessories and packaging
• Return must include a receipt or packing slip
• Return must be initiated within the applicable return window (30 days for most items, 14 days for technology and furniture)

Office Depot

• Items returned with an original register receipt, eReceipt, packing slip, or order confirmation.
• For office supplies and ink & toner, items must be unopened and in original packaging.
• For furniture, items must be unassembled, in original packaging, and include all parts and manuals.
• For software, CDs, DVDs, and video games, items must be unopened and in original packaging for a refund.
• Valid government identification is required for returns without an Original Receipt.

Staples

• Opened software or digital downloads
• Custom‑printed or personalized items
• Gift cards and prepaid cards
• Items with missing or unreadable receipt barcode
• AppleCare+ purchases are non‑returnable

Office Depot

• Technology products without an Original Receipt are not eligible for return.
• Software, CDs, DVDs, Video Games, and Custom Print items without an Original Receipt are eligible for an exact-item exchange only.
• Gift Cards, prepaid cards, phone cards, and services are not returnable.
• Special order merchandise and custom imprint items may not be returned unless the merchandise arrives damaged or printed incorrectly.
• Opened software, CDs, DVDs, or video games with an original receipt may only be exchanged for the identical item.

Staples

• Refund to the original payment method
• In‑store credit for returns made with a gift receipt
• Merchandise credit if a refund cannot be processed

Office Depot

• Cash refund for cash or check payments (check written more than 10 days ago).
• Office Depot OfficeMax Return Card for check payments (check written less than 10 days ago) or Office Depot OfficeMax Gift Card payments.
• Refund to debit card based on bank's processing time.
• Refund to credit card based on card company's processing time.
• Refund by check for Office Depot OfficeMax rewards certificate payments.

Staples

• Initiate a return online via My Orders, print a prepaid label, and drop off with the carrier

Office Depot

• Log into your online account, go to order history, select the order/item to return, and print a FREE return label.
• Drop off the item at any carrier location.
• An online account is required to process returns by mail.
• Returns can also be initiated via the mobile app.

Staples

• Bring the item and receipt to any Staples store customer service desk

Office Depot

• Bring item(s) with your Original Receipt to a checkout counter in any Office Depot or OfficeMax store.
• For returns without an Original Receipt, many items can still be returned or exchanged with a valid ID.
• Returns without an Original Receipt for items active in their system will be refunded in the form of an Office Depot® or OfficeMax® Return Card in an amount equal to the lowest retail price during the preceding 90 days.

Staples

• Gift receipt returns are limited to in‑store credit only

Office Depot

• For items received from a Classroom Wish List, present the delivery confirmation email to the cashier for a Return Card equal to the amount paid by the buyer.
• Items paid with an Office Depot OfficeMax Gift Card will be refunded with an Office Depot OfficeMax Return Card.

Staples

• Business and teacher program members receive double the standard return period for electronics and furniture

Office Depot

Not available

Staples

• Select “damaged or defective” as the return reason to receive a replacement at no cost

Office Depot

• Special order merchandise and custom imprint items may be returned if they arrive damaged or printed incorrectly.
• Return/exchange requests that do not qualify under Office Depot’s return policy might qualify for service or repair under the appropriate manufacturer’s warranty.

Staples

Not available

Office Depot

• Items can be exchanged within the required time frame with an Original Receipt.
• Opened software, CDs, DVDs, or video games with an original receipt may only be exchanged for the identical item.
• Software, CDs, DVDs, Video Games, and Custom Print items without an Original Receipt are eligible for an exact-item exchange only.

Staples

• Free prepaid return labels are provided for online orders
• Returns may be denied if the item is not in resaleable condition

Office Depot

• The return policy varies by product category and type of receipt.
• Office Depot and OfficeMax reserve the right to request identification or deny any exchange or return.
• An Original Receipt includes a register receipt, eReceipt, packing slip, or order confirmation.