Digital receipts are fine. Paper receipts are better. But the best strategy is to take a photo of the receipt and email it to yourself with the subject line “IMPORTANT: DO NOT LOSE.” Then forget that email exists until the day your printer says “Error 19” on week 3.
Also, check your order history online. If you bought through Staples.com, they have a record. But if you paid cash in-store, you might as well be returning a unicorn to a horse farm.
A Little Story to Make You Feel Better
My friend once tried to return a wireless mouse because it “gave him bad vibes.” The Staples employee sighed, asked for the receipt, then pointed to a tiny scratch. “This means you used it,” he said. “We can’t take used mouse carcasses.” The mouse sits in my friend’s drawer to this day, radiating bad vibes at him. Don’t be like my friend.
Final truth: Staples’ return policy isn’t evil, but it’s not a hug either. It’s a business that really, really wants you to keep that ergonomic keyboard. So be honest, bring the box, and never open ink before you’re sure. Your future self—sitting on that half-built desk chair—will thank you.
