I think pretty much everyone who works in theater knows that stage managers could single handedly fund Staples. Turns out there’s actually a fantastic blog run by Rebecca called Stapler Confessions that focuses on personal finance AND getting the best deals at Staples. She is seriously into this store, and if there’s one person out there that knows how to score office supplies for free (or next to free), it’s Rebecca. So check out this guest post from her and then head on over and scope out all the deals on her blog too. 

What household items do you hate to buy? You know — those items that you perpetually need, and are reluctant to buy because they always seem to cost too much for what you’re getting?

For me, the answer used to be printer paper and ink. But now, it’s kind of a thrill to pick them up because I never pay for paper anymore, and I always get the best deal on ink. It’s quite possible that my love for Staples deals is a direct result of that loathing feeling I used to get when my printer dinged for more paper or ink.

I’m happy to spill all the secrets to the big scores. Here’s how I do it …

Never Pay For Printer Paper

Staples regularly gives away reams of paper, sometimes even cases. The only “catch” is that you have to submit a rebate and wait for them to pay you back.

Most people hate to submit rebates, and I completely understand why. The traditional rebates require you to fill out a tiny form, cut out a UPC, save your receipt, and photocopy it all before sending it into the unknown world of “wait 6-12 weeks for your rebate.” But that’s not how most Staples rebates work. At the register, you’ll receive a rebate receipt that gives you the option of submitting your rebate online. Do it. Fill out your information online, and if you save it for next time, the next rebate you submit will take about 3 clicks to complete.

After you submit your rebate online – no scanning, photocopying, or cutting-out-of-UPCs required – Staples will immediately send you a confirmation email. You can check the status of your rebate whenever you want, and they will even email you when the check is in the mail. If you want more details about how Staples rebates work, check out my Staples 101: Rebates page.

Get the Best Price on Printer Ink (and every other item Staples sells)

Staples will combine its price-matching policy with store coupons. When I’m close to being out of ink, I expect to see a Staples coupon for 10% to 25% off ink or office supplies every few weeks, so I keep my eyes peeled for a coupon that will work (they are published on the Staples site or in the circular). When Staples issues one, I shop online for the best price I can find on my ink cartridge and Staples will match that price. Then they will let me use the store coupon for an additional discount. It feels amazing to get a great deal on something you think is already overpriced!

I have used the price-matching for other items, and have been happy with the results each time. The best score was matching the price of our printer and using a coupon, which saved us $100. Even better – we paid for it with our Staples Rewards, the Staples loyalty program that gives you Staples cash back on your purchases (that’s a whole other blog post).

My blog is dedicated to telling people about the best Staples deals each week. The deals range from office supplies to K-Cups, from tablets to SodaStreams, and even ways to make a few bucks (aka “moneymakers”).

Rebates and price-matching plus coupons are the two most rewarding ways to get freebies and awesome prices at Staples, but there are a few other ways to use Staples’ programs to your advantage. If you’re interested in the whole range of possibilities, or just want to see my weekly picks for the best Staples deals, please check out Stapler Confessions.

*Part of Financially Savvy Saturdays on Femme Frugality and The Million Dollar Diva*