***ATTENTION: Staples is halting their Pricematch Policy as of 2/23/03. They will NO LONGER PRICEMATCH ITEMS FOUND ON THE INTERNET***
Get in on the pricematchs while they still accept them...
Ok. So you want to take advantage of Staple's Price Matching policy? Here are some tips and past experiences to help you out.
Staples offers a 110% pricematch guarentee. This means that if you find a cheaper price ANYWHERE, whether it be at a B&M (Brick and Mortar) or online, they will match that price and deduct 10% of the DIFFERENCE between their price and the price you found. Many good deals can be had with this policy. Different combinations, such as coupons and rebates, have been used to even make money and get merchandise. In the policy it also states that a $5.00 shipping fee will be added for all orders that are pricematched over the internet, unless one is provided. Only 50% of the time has this fee been added. Many cashiers do not remember, or know, to do this.
Here are some tips:
1. If you find a cheaper price on the internet, make sure that you have the phone number to the online site written down when you go into Staples. No Staples stores have access to the internet, except for their own website, and many will make a phone call to the company you are pricematching. (Edit: I have gotten a few PMs saying that stores DO have internet access, all I say to that is that the stores I have PM'd at, they have never gone to the back and checked. However, I did have a problem one time and was told they would need a number since they are blocked from internet usage.)
2. Always try and use a Staples (or a Office Depot/Office Max) coupon on top of the pricematch. The terms for the pricematch policy do not neccessarily exclude coupons from pricematches, however some stores will not accept coupons on top of the pricematch.
3. Don't try to print out a fake website or attempt to edit a price on a webpage using their html and then pricematch it at Staples. While this might work, it really takes away from Staples revenues. We can assume that this pricematching policy is being closely monitored by Staples headquarters, and the minute that they see the policy is affecting their sales/profit in a negative way, I have no doubt they will pull the plug on their pricematch policy.
4. If you accidently leave your Pricematch printout at home, it's not a big deal. Staples has a 14 day pricematch guarentee. Just bring back the receipt along with the printout you forgot, and you will be refunded the proper amount.
5. Some good websites, just to name a few, to pricematch Staples items from are: www.pricewatch.com & www.pricegrabber.com.
If you find any good pricematches, feel free to list them here.
If you have any questions specifically related to the Staples pricematch policy, just ask. 
Also, if anyone has any other information they think should be added, just PM me. Thanks.
