Staples — Local services in Ankeny

I stopped into Staples today to take advantage of their Amazon return center, and the experience was smooth from start to finish.

The location is conveniently tucked between two major home improvement stores, with clearly marked parking and easy access to the storefront—no need to battle the congestion of the larger surrounding shopping areas. The only tricky part is navigating in and out of the center itself, but once you’re parked, it’s a breeze.

The exterior is clean and well maintained, and the automatic doors make it easy to walk in and out—especially if you’re carrying merchandise.

Inside, I was pleasantly surprised to find not just an Amazon return hub, but also FedEx and UPS counters, making this a one-stop shop for all your shipping needs. Even better, they offer free electronics recycling for items like old phones, laptops, printers, and more. Huge bonus for anyone looking to declutter responsibly.

The store layout is intuitive, with clear signage guiding you straight to the return counter. Today, I was helped by Sam, who was extremely courteous, helpful, and efficient. My Amazon return was scanned and processed in seconds, and I was even given a receipt with a 20% off coupon toward any in-store purchase—valid for a few days.

This kind of service and convenience is exactly why I’ll keep coming back....

This is my second time coming back to Staples to print things and also get them laminated. Because the impression was so profound, I have to say that John might be the most responsible and capable person I've encountered, managing to handle things perfectly. At the same time, it's also a testament to how well the store is run, thanks to having such an excellent manager to keep the entire team's workflow organized. From professionalism, responsibility, communication skills, to even satisfying customers, everything is impeccable. Today, while I was waiting in line, I overheard a conversation: a woman, quite arrogantly, stated her demands while disdainfully saying, "How easy and simple it must be to do this kind of work." Hearing such rubbish, I could only laugh. Where do you get the courage to think that the hard work of these people is easy and simple? Without understanding the expertise involved, you speak recklessly. Truly, ignorance is fearless. At the same time, I also deeply sympathize with the staff here (how many such people must they deal with every day?). To anyone reading my comment here, my hope is this: that we all can offer each other respect and understanding, rather than the toxic mentality of "I'm the customer,...

The people at the register were nice. But the lady associate, "Jordan" at the print desk was the rudest employee I've encountered. Look, I understand you have a lot of orders. You can't take 2 seconds to help me print a dang calendar? She also sold me paper to use the printer myself. Probably full well knowing there was already paper in it. She seemingly upset, rings up my paper (that i unknowingly didn't need). Doesn't say anything else. No Staples Rewards schtick, no reply as I said "Thanks". You can only do 28pt prints max? Please. I've had more polite people at a McDonald's Drive Through during rush hour. It only takes one time to ruin your experience, and being a graphic design student now, I'll be doing a lot of printing. But not here. Thanks Jordan.

UPDATE: The manager was exceptionally helpful at helping me get the calendars printed the right way. Totally changed...