When money talks, bullshit walks!
Are you looking for bargains and great customer service? And, if you have a problem, does that business actually listen to your concerns and tries very hard to find an amicable resolution? My local Office Depot exceeded my expectations on a number of occasions.
A while ago, my daughter had a high school project that required her to submit a presentation in a "bounded" notebook. Trying to do-it-yourself requires too much effort, so you turn to the professionals. Some of her classmates tried Staples, but that was a big mistake. Since that store made them drop-off their project and then, return for it a few hours later. That's inconvenient and doesn't help if the matter is time-sensitive. Other friends said to go to Office Depot, because they'll do it right away and the cost was about the same. So, I drove my daughter there and we were pleasantly surprised that their recommendation was true. In and out quickly and also in one trip. You can't ask for anything more.
When you're bargain hunting, Office Depot has some great deals. Their loyalty / rewards program is awesome. I've bought AA /AAA Duracell batteries for $13.99 [16 count package] and then, got Back-in-Rewards $13.98, so my net cost was just ONE CENT! [Costco can't beat this.] I typically use my Rewards Certificate to purchase printer ink, but you can use it for something else. [Some businesses hope you forget about your coupons and let them expire. But, Office Depot sends me reminders to use it, before you lose it. I appreciate that.]
A recent promo said if you spend over $75 on HP ink, that you would get a free ream of HP paper, if you presented an In-Store coupon [that I printed from their emails to me]. I spent over a $100 on HP ink [paid completely with my many Rewards Certificates that I earned]. Unfortunately, this deal was apparently quite popular and this location had run out-of-stock. Without me even having to complain or demand an accommodation, their Store Associate [Veronica] instructed another employee to get a comparable product. [It was actually better, because this brand had a "color lock" feature that allegedly prevents your printed material from smearing when you use a highlighter.] Now, that's what I call excellent customer service. She turned a negative into a positive store experience.
I encourage you to complete surveys after a store purchase, to give feedback that helps them improve their operations. If you ever have a concern and wish to share that with Office Depot, they actually listen and care about your opinions. Contact their Member Services dept. online or by phone and they'll try to make it right. As a friend of mine, who was a banker, used to say, "When money talks, bullshit walks!" Office Depot's agents will issue Rewards Certificates, if appropriate, to remedy the situation.
I used to drive past Office Depot and go to a Staples that was several miles further, because I thought they were better. I was wrong. Now, if I had to choose between those two for office supplies and/or related services they offer, Office Depot is my 1st choice. read more