Staples — Attraction in New York

I recently visited Staples and had a frustrating experience that I believe highlights a need for improvement in customer service and in-store communication.

While I was at the checkout, I noticed a pair of AirPods I was interested in purchasing. I asked about them, and at that moment, the cashier redirected their attention to someone who appeared to be a supervisor (wearing an earpiece and walkie-talkie). Both employees then focused on packing up two boxes a task that could have easily been handled by one person. Meanwhile, I was left waiting without any update or acknowledgment.

As someone with a background in customer service, I understand how important it is to manage time efficiently and keep customer flow moving. In this case, there was no effort to prioritize the customer experience. Instead of quickly checking inventory or communicating about the product’s availability, the employees seemed to avoid interaction altogether.

Eventually, I asked how long it would take, and only then did I receive a quiet response: “We don’t have it.” This should have been communicated much earlier. Waiting until I initiated the question gave the impression that they weren’t going to address me at all unless I pushed for it which is not how a customer-focused store should operate.

There was no attempt to offer an apology or show empathy no effort to make the situation easier or acknowledge the inconvenience. Instead, it felt like I was bothering them, rather than simply asking for help. When I decided to proceed with checking out, the cashier quickly rang me up with an attitude that felt dismissive and impatient, rather than calm and professional.

I left the store after exchanging a polite “have a nice day,” but I walked away feeling like this location doesn’t prioritize customer experience at least not consistently. Good service means making every customer feel acknowledged and respected, and knowing how to manage time and responsibilities without sacrificing the experience for the person in front of you.

I’m sharing this feedback as a reflection of my personal experience, in the hope that it contributes to better service for...

First time printing at Staples and I was led to believe that the Pic I sent to email from phone wasn't going to be an issue with color. So Much so that I pre-paid for it. The image was on a white piece of printing paper and the print came out beige along with the rest of the colors being off. I pointed it out to Manager Valerie, whose response was both insulting and condensing.."It's common sense that a Pic from a phone won't print correctly" I told her that I didn't know that and once again with a look Said well it's common sense and everyone knows it., along with a take it or leave it attitude.immediately was upset and told her she just insulted me and if I didn't have common sense to know that then what does that make me. I told her,that as a Manager she should educate and accommodate those who don't know ontop of being first time customers.She then continued to tell me that the white background was the same as the print. Another employee stepped in and was Great asked questions gave answers plus directed me to use their print specialist team to alter the shades. Perfectly handled however had this been presented to me at first I obviously would have spent more knowing that a phone Pic could be altered,. If Valerie is a representation of the Staples brand you should atleast advise tour managers to apologize which I didn't even get. Attention people who are unaware of how Staples printing is or printing images from different sources, you will not be treated with hospitality custom service and Decency from this store and Manager Valerie. Staples do better in your promotion of employees to be ambassadors...

Update: I got a response from Jillian at the store. Again, I do not have a problem with THIS store. Everyone, especially the people in the printing area and the TSA sign up person are STELLAR. I have a problem with the T-shirt service once it left this store. I believe they are in Florida. They are lazy, and just don't care. I initiated the sale in this store. It's the people (Kim Lahey and especially Ronda) that dropped the ball. Took so long, went on vacation so I was without these shirts which were for my trip to Nashville. It took about a month to just get the logos right because they misplaced one of the images that were sent to them. Don't order t-shirts from Staples!

I am only reviewing the t shirt printing service. Don't waste your time. They wasted mine. They messed up my proof because they forgot/lost one item, everything was slow as molasses. Ronda who had my order went on vacation for a week and nobody did anything with my order. It was a very small and simple order. They finally got it right but it's too late to have them for the event I needed them for. They messed me up. Not much pisses me off but incompetence and not caring does. Needless to say, I'll be telling every musician far and wide do not use them to print your merch. Pricey,...