When it comes to office supplies, the three major players—Staples, Office Depot, and Amazon—often battle it out for your business. Each has its own strengths depending on what you’re buying, how fast you need it, and whether you’re looking for long-term savings or one-time deals. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide where to shop for maximum value.
Pricing and Everyday Deals
- Amazon is usually the go-to for price-conscious buyers, particularly for basics like pens, printer paper, and notebooks. The convenience of Amazon Prime also means you often get fast shipping for free, though prices can fluctuate based on third-party sellers.
- Staples frequently runs discounts on office furniture, tech accessories, and bulk paper. They also price-match major competitors, including Amazon, in-store and online. You can earn cashback with a Staples gift card by using Fluz before checking out.
- Office Depot often offers local same-day delivery or in-store pickup, which is useful when you’re on a deadline. While prices can be slightly higher on single items, the brand regularly features bundle deals and weekly coupons. You can also get cashback at Office Depot when you pay using a gift card from Fluz.
Product Selection
- Amazon offers the widest variety, including lesser-known and off-brand options. It’s a solid place for specialty items or when you’re restocking a diverse cart all at once.
- Staples has strong inventory across office furniture, tech, and print services. It’s particularly good for setting up work-from-home spaces or outfitting a small team with uniform setups.
- Office Depot leans into business-centric gear like filing cabinets, shipping supplies, and print marketing materials. Their in-store copy centers and tech repair services offer additional utility beyond supply purchases.
Loyalty Programs and Business Perks
- Staples Rewards offers 2% back on purchases, free next-day delivery on orders over $30, and personalized deals. Educators and businesses can access added benefits.
- Office Depot Rewards allows you to earn points on purchases, recycle ink and toner for store credit, and gain early access to sales.
- Amazon Business is useful for teams managing multiple orders or needing consolidated billing. It also provides access to quantity discounts and spending analytics.
Shipping and Convenience
- Amazon wins for delivery speed if you’re a Prime member.
- Staples is excellent for next-day shipping on a wide range of items.
- Office Depot excels in in-store pickup and local same-day delivery.
The Bottom Line
- Choose Amazon for wide variety and low prices—especially if you’re already a Prime member.
- Choose Staples if you want in-store service, tech options, and the ability to stack rewards.
- Choose Office Depot for same-day needs, business-focused supplies, and Fluz gift card savings.
Wherever you shop, platforms like Fluz make it easy to earn cashback by buying gift cards for the exact amount you plan to spend.