Staples Redefines "Everything" and "Free" with New Rewards Card Program

Staples is at it again with another new scam and lie. Their latest claim is in regards to their “new” Rewards card program. Ripping off the idea of giving 5% back on purchases similar to what Target does with their Red Card is the latest idea that Staples misrepresents. While OfficeMax also has a 5% back program, they make it clear that it is on “QUALIFYING PURCHASES”, whereas Staples claims to be on “EVERYTHING”. However, under inspection of their fine print things like phone cards, postage stamps, and gift cards are NOT included in the program.

Why is Staples emphasizing everything when this is truly not the case? I call it desperation. After all, with the impending OfficeMax/Office Depot merger on the horizon, Staples has to do desperate measures to try to survive, even if it means lying about their program.

Even more confusing is the idea of “Free Shipping”. Under the Teacher’s Rewards card, a teacher must have purchased at least $500 of merchandise to get the free shipping (must get to Plus level of program to qualify). If you need proof of these lies, check out these links: http://www.staplesrewardscenter.com/SORC/UserManagement/Benefits/benefits_base.aspx and http://www.staplesrewardscenter.com/SORC/UserManagement/Benefits/benefits_base_teacher.aspx .

It should be apparent that Staples doesn’t know the definition of “EVERYTHING” or “FREE” as there are catches to both of their definitions in regards to the new rewards card. What makes this worse is that there is no hidden asterisk pointing to any restrictions anywhere in their claims. It is only when you scroll through all the details and then get to the gritty details, which should be upfront, that this latest scam comes to light.

My recommendation to anyone who makes a purchase with a rewards card and is purchasing one of the unqualified purchases, DEMAND 5% in cash from the register otherwise you will sue them for fraud of misrepresenting the definition of “everything”. As far as anyone with a Teacher’s Rewards card, DEMAND that FREE SHIPPING that Staples is also promoting as well. Its time customers get what Staples says not what they hide in the fine print as they have always been known for.

It’s time to put Staples out of business once and for all. This is just the latest scam in a long list of scams that they have created.