Does Staples Sell Stamps? Postal And Shipping Guide

Does Staples Sell Stamps?

Yes, selected Staples locations sell physical postage stamps, usually in standard booklets. You won't find stamps sitting on open display shelves next to the pens and notebooks. Instead, you have to ask for them directly at the cash register or the copy and print center. Pricing matches face value set by postal authorities, meaning you won't pay any markup for the convenience.

Availability varies by region and individual store inventory. While corporate office supply centers often stock standard postal booklets, smaller format outlets or stores undergoing layout updates might not carry them. Calling ahead saves you an unnecessary trip if you're in a rush to mail letters or small packages.

Types of Postage Available at Staples

If your local branch carries mailing supplies, the inventory typically focuses on everyday consumer needs rather than specialized collectibles.

• First-Class Forever Stamps: Sold in standard booklets of 20, these remain the most common item requested at the counter. They stay valid for standard letters even if postal rates increase later.
• Coils and Rolls: Certain larger warehouse-style locations or commercial-focused branches stock larger rolls for small businesses sending high volumes of mail.
• Custom Rubber Stamps: Distinct from official postage, Staples print departments design and manufacture self-inking, pre-inked, and rubber business stamps for address return labels or corporate approvals.

Where to Find Postal Supplies In-Store

Navigating a large retail box store for small items can be frustrating. When you walk into a branch, look toward the front checkout lanes. Cashiers keep secure items like postage behind the counter to prevent retail shrink.

If the cashiers don't have them, head straight to the copy and print counter. Team members working in the print shop handle shipping supplies, packing tape, padded mailers, and box sales. They can check inventory systems or point you to the right register.

Additional Shipping and Mailing Services

Staples functions as a convenient hub for packaging, but services differ significantly from a dedicated post office. Knowing what's available helps you plan your errands efficiently.

Most stores sell corrugated shipping boxes, bubble wrap, bubble mailers, and heavy-duty packing tape. You can assemble your parcels right in the store aisle. However, don't expect a full-service postal counter. Staples locations do not weigh letters for official international metering, issue money orders, or handle passport applications. For certified mail, registered parcels, or customs forms, you still need to visit an official postal outlet or shipping partner like USPS or Canada Post.

Common Mistakes When Buying Stamps at Staples

Shoppers often run into minor hurdles when trying to pick up postage during a routine stationery run. Keep these pitfalls in mind:

• Assuming every store has them: Inventory is decentralized. Just because one branch carries booklets doesn't mean your closest neighborhood store does.
• Looking on the sales floor: Wandering down the stationery aisles looking for stamp displays wastes time. Always ask an associate at the front checkout or print desk.
• Expecting single stamps: Stores generally sell complete booklets rather than tearing off individual units for walk-in buyers.
• Confusing postage with custom stamps: Ordering a personalized self-inking return address stamp for business paperwork takes several days, whereas buying postage happens instantly at the register.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy individual stamps at Staples?

No, stores typically sell stamps in full booklets of 20 rather than loose singles. If you only need one or two, you'll need to source them elsewhere or buy a full booklet.

Do Staples stamps cost more than the post office?

No, retail prices match face value exactly with zero added convenience fees.

Can Staples weigh my heavy packages?

While print centers feature scales for shipping estimates or custom box sizing, they can't calculate exact international postage rates or print specialized tracking barcodes for government mail systems.

Are stamps available on the Staples website?

Online availability fluctuates, and physical postage stamps are primarily stocked as an in-store convenience item rather than an e-commerce shipping product, though business supply catalogs sometimes list commercial coils.