When it comes to office supplies, two of the most popular retailers in the United States are Staples and OfficeMax. Both stores offer a wide range of products, from paper and pens to furniture and technology. However, one of the most important factors for many consumers is price. In this article, we’ll compare the prices of various office supplies at Staples and OfficeMax to determine which store is cheaper.
History of Staples and OfficeMax
Before we dive into the price comparison, let’s take a brief look at the history of both stores. Staples was founded in 1986 by Thomas G. Stemberg and Leo Kahn in Brighton, Massachusetts. The first store opened on May 1, 1986, and the company quickly expanded across the United States. Today, Staples is one of the largest office supply retailers in the world, with over 1,500 stores globally.
OfficeMax, on the other hand, was founded in 1988 by Michael Feuer and Michael Dupey in Cleveland, Ohio. The first store opened on July 5, 1988, and the company quickly grew to become one of the largest office supply retailers in the United States. In 2013, Office Depot acquired OfficeMax in a deal worth $976 million.
Price Comparison
To compare the prices of office supplies at Staples and OfficeMax, we’ll look at several popular products. We’ll use the prices listed on the stores’ websites, as prices may vary depending on location.
Paper and Printing Supplies
One of the most essential office supplies is paper. We’ll compare the prices of several types of paper at Staples and OfficeMax.
| Product | Staples Price | OfficeMax Price |
| — | — | — |
| Hammermill Laser Print Paper (500 sheets) | $4.99 | $5.99 |
| Staples Copy Paper (500 sheets) | $3.99 | $4.99 |
| OfficeMax Premium Laser Paper (500 sheets) | $6.99 | $5.99 |
As you can see, Staples is cheaper for two out of the three paper products. However, OfficeMax is cheaper for its premium laser paper.
Writing and Drawing Supplies
Writing and drawing supplies are also essential for any office. We’ll compare the prices of several popular products.
| Product | Staples Price | OfficeMax Price |
| — | — | — |
| Pilot G2 Pens (4-pack) | $10.99 | $12.99 |
| Staples Ballpoint Pens (12-pack) | $5.99 | $7.99 |
| OfficeMax Gel Pens (6-pack) | $9.99 | $8.99 |
Again, Staples is cheaper for two out of the three products. However, OfficeMax is cheaper for its gel pens.
Office Furniture
Office furniture is a significant investment for any business. We’ll compare the prices of several popular products.
| Product | Staples Price | OfficeMax Price |
| — | — | — |
| Staples Carder Mesh Office Chair | $129.99 | $149.99 |
| OfficeMax Essentials by OFM Office Chair | $99.99 | $89.99 |
| Staples DuraPro 5-Shelf Bookcase | $69.99 | $79.99 |
As you can see, Staples is cheaper for two out of the three office furniture products. However, OfficeMax is cheaper for its Essentials by OFM office chair.
Other Factors to Consider
While price is an essential factor in choosing an office supply retailer, it’s not the only factor. Here are a few other things to consider:
Selection
Both Staples and OfficeMax offer a wide range of office supplies. However, Staples has a slightly larger selection, with over 30,000 products available online. OfficeMax, on the other hand, has around 20,000 products available online.
Quality
The quality of office supplies can vary significantly depending on the brand and type of product. Both Staples and OfficeMax offer high-quality products from well-known brands. However, Staples has a slightly higher rating on Consumer Reports, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. OfficeMax has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Customer Service
Customer service is essential for any retailer. Both Staples and OfficeMax offer excellent customer service, with friendly and knowledgeable staff available to answer questions and resolve issues. However, Staples has a slightly higher rating on the American Customer Satisfaction Index, with a score of 78 out of 100. OfficeMax has a score of 75 out of 100.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both Staples and OfficeMax offer competitive prices on office supplies, Staples is generally cheaper. However, OfficeMax is cheaper for some products, such as its premium laser paper and Essentials by OFM office chair. When choosing an office supply retailer, it’s essential to consider other factors, such as selection, quality, and customer service. Ultimately, the best retailer for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Recommendation
Based on our research, we recommend Staples for most office supply needs. However, if you’re looking for a specific product that’s cheaper at OfficeMax, it may be worth shopping there instead. Additionally, if you’re looking for a high-quality office chair, OfficeMax’s Essentials by OFM office chair is a great option.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the choice between Staples and OfficeMax will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both retailers offer excellent products and services, and it’s essential to do your research before making a decision. By considering factors such as price, selection, quality, and customer service, you can make an informed decision and find the best office supply retailer for your business.
What are the key differences between Staples and OfficeMax?
Staples and OfficeMax are two of the largest office supply retailers in the United States. While both stores offer a wide range of office supplies, they have distinct differences in terms of product selection, pricing, and services. Staples is known for its wide selection of office furniture and technology products, while OfficeMax focuses more on office supplies and paper products.
In terms of pricing, both stores offer competitive prices, but Staples is often considered to be more expensive than OfficeMax. However, Staples offers a rewards program that can help customers save money on their purchases. OfficeMax, on the other hand, offers a price match guarantee, which can be beneficial for customers who want to ensure they are getting the best price.
Which store has a wider selection of office supplies?
Both Staples and OfficeMax offer a wide selection of office supplies, but Staples has a slightly wider selection. Staples carries a broader range of office furniture, technology products, and business services, making it a one-stop shop for many businesses. OfficeMax, on the other hand, focuses more on office supplies and paper products, but still carries a wide selection of these items.
That being said, OfficeMax has a stronger selection of paper products, including printing paper, notebooks, and binders. OfficeMax also carries a wider selection of school supplies, making it a popular destination for students and teachers. Ultimately, the store with the wider selection of office supplies will depend on the specific needs of the customer.
How do the prices of Staples and OfficeMax compare?
The prices of Staples and OfficeMax are generally competitive, but Staples is often considered to be more expensive. However, Staples offers a rewards program that can help customers save money on their purchases. OfficeMax, on the other hand, offers a price match guarantee, which can be beneficial for customers who want to ensure they are getting the best price.
In terms of specific prices, it’s difficult to make a general statement about which store is cheaper. Prices can vary depending on the specific product and location. However, OfficeMax is often considered to be the more budget-friendly option, especially for customers who are looking for basic office supplies.
Do Staples and OfficeMax offer any discounts or promotions?
Yes, both Staples and OfficeMax offer discounts and promotions to help customers save money. Staples offers a rewards program that allows customers to earn points for every dollar they spend, which can be redeemed for discounts and free products. OfficeMax, on the other hand, offers a price match guarantee, which ensures that customers get the best price on their purchases.
Both stores also offer weekly sales and promotions, both in-store and online. Customers can sign up for email newsletters or follow the stores on social media to stay informed about upcoming sales and promotions. Additionally, both stores offer discounts for students, teachers, and businesses, which can be a great way to save money on office supplies.
Can I buy office supplies online from Staples and OfficeMax?
Yes, both Staples and OfficeMax offer online shopping options, allowing customers to buy office supplies from the comfort of their own homes. Both stores offer a wide selection of products online, including office supplies, office furniture, and technology products.
Customers can also take advantage of online-only promotions and discounts, which can be a great way to save money. Additionally, both stores offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, making it easy to get the supplies you need without having to leave your home.
Do Staples and OfficeMax offer any business services?
Yes, both Staples and OfficeMax offer business services to help businesses manage their office supply needs. Staples offers a range of business services, including printing and copying, faxing, and document shredding. OfficeMax also offers business services, including printing and copying, as well as a range of business solutions, such as payroll services and human resources support.
Both stores also offer business accounts, which can help businesses manage their office supply expenses and earn rewards. Additionally, both stores offer discounts for businesses, which can be a great way to save money on office supplies.
Which store is more convenient to shop at?
The convenience of shopping at Staples versus OfficeMax will depend on the individual customer’s needs and preferences. Both stores have a wide range of locations, making it easy to find a store near you. However, Staples is often considered to be more convenient, as it offers a wider range of services, including printing and copying, and a more extensive selection of products.
OfficeMax, on the other hand, is often considered to be more convenient for customers who are looking for a quick and easy shopping experience. OfficeMax stores are often smaller and more streamlined, making it easy to find what you need and get in and out quickly. Ultimately, the most convenient store will depend on the individual customer’s needs and preferences.