Staples offers online print jobs - Office Supplies Update

DSN Retailing Today, April 7, 2003

Copying and printing does not get much easier for small business customers at 16 Baltimore-area Staples stores.

The stores are part of a pilot program that allows customers to submit an order for copy or print services via the Internet to one of the 16 stores; if the order is more than $50, it will be delivered free.

"The Baltimore area is the perfect market to introduce the new Staples copy and print center because of the many small businesses in the area that require professional copying and printing services," said John Burke, Staples senior vp for Business Solutions Centers.

The online order submission and free delivery are major advances in convenience for one aspect of the office superstore business model that has not changed substantially since the retail concept emerged roughly 15 years ago. The biggest difference between then and now is the quality of the printing possible.

While the pilot program raises the bar on convenience, it also seeks to personalize service and upgrade the appearance. The department has been rebranded as Staples Copy & Print Center and is carpeted with larger work areas for customers. Staffing levels and training have also been increased. As a personal touch, employees affix their signatures to all orders, which carry a guarantee that customers must be 100% satisfied or their order is free.