Staples employees receive a merchandise discount as a benefit of their employment, offered through the Staples Associate Rewards program. This program is designed to provide savings on both in-store and online purchases. The employee discount is structured to offer a tiered rate of savings that varies depending on the product being purchased. Specific rules govern its application, use by family members, and which products are eligible for the savings.
The Core Employee Discount Rate
The standard rate for the employee discount is a flat 10% off the purchase price of most regular and reduced-priced items bought either in-store or through the Staples website. This base discount is applied automatically when an associate’s rewards number is linked to the transaction. The 10% rate is consistent across a wide range of inventory, including general office supplies, furniture, and third-party electronics.
The discount structure is not entirely flat, however, as a higher rate is offered for the company’s own-brand products. Associates receive a 25% discount on select Staples Brand items, such as TRU RED, NXT Technologies, and Perk products. This elevated discount encourages staff to choose the company’s private-label options when making personal purchases. The benefit is capped by an annual limit of $5,000 in discounted purchases per calendar year.
Standard Exclusions and Limitations
While the discount is applied broadly, several categories of items are explicitly excluded from the standard associate savings. These limitations are in place to manage margins or to comply with vendor agreements. Items ineligible for the discount include gift cards, postage, prepaid phone cards, and donations.
Certain high-value or specific technology items, such as select gaming consoles, are also excluded from the associate discount. Staples reserves the right to exclude some items already on promotion from being eligible for the additional associate savings. This ensures employees do not combine the discount with every existing sale price, although the policy states the discount applies to reduced-price items.
Rules for Using the Discount
The employee discount is intended for personal use by the associate and their immediate household. Associates can generally receive a second rewards card linked to their name and intended for use by family members. Any misuse of the discount by family members, such as selling discounted merchandise, can lead to accountability for the employee whose number is linked to the transaction.
Operational guidelines regarding stacking the discount with other promotions are strict, as the policy prohibits combining the discount with most coupons or price-matching. While associates can use the discount for both in-store and online purchases, only one coupon can be used per order. The company’s Rewards vouchers, which function somewhat like a gift card, are often one of the few exceptions that may be used alongside the discount.
Related Employee Pricing and Purchase Perks
Beyond the standard merchandise discount, Staples associates have access to other specialized pricing and purchase benefits. These perks provide savings on products and services outside the standard inventory. Employees receive specific purchasing limits on high-value items, such as a limit of two computers, laptops, or tablets per calendar year.
Associates also receive 30% off on select services, including Print & Marketing services, shredding, and passport photos. Additional purchase perks are available through employee discount programs, offering special pricing on a wide range of consumer goods and services like travel, insurance, and mobile phone plans.