When it comes to buying office supplies, three major retailers dominate the space: Amazon, Staples, and Walmart. Each offers its own strengths, weaknesses, and pricing models—making them suitable for different kinds of buyers. Whether you’re a remote worker looking for a quick desk setup or a school administrator ordering in bulk, choosing the right retailer can lead to significant savings.

Here’s how these three stack up across key categories like price, shipping, selection, and rewards.

1. Price and Product Selection

• Amazon: With thousands of listings for every product imaginable, Amazon offers unmatched variety. You can find name-brand pens, off-brand office chairs, and everything in between. Third-party sellers often create price competition, but quality can vary.
  
• Staples: Known for business-grade supplies, Staples carries reliable name brands and professional-grade equipment. Prices are generally higher than Amazon’s, but sales and bulk discounts (especially for Staples Business Advantage members) help narrow the gap.
  
• Walmart: Offers a solid mix of personal and professional supplies at affordable prices. Walmart’s focus leans more toward home office and school supplies rather than enterprise-grade goods.
  

2. Shipping and Fulfillment

• Amazon: Prime members get free two-day (and sometimes same-day) shipping on eligible items. Fast and consistent delivery is a major selling point.
  
• Staples: Free next-day delivery is available on qualifying orders over $35 in most areas. They also offer in-store pickup and same-day delivery via Instacart in select regions.
  
• Walmart: Offers two-day shipping with Walmart+ or minimum order thresholds. Pickup and delivery are available depending on your local store’s capabilities.
  

3. Returns and Customer Service

• Amazon: Generally offers a hassle-free return policy, but it depends on the seller. For office chairs and tech accessories, always check seller ratings and return terms.
  
• Staples: Very business-friendly return process. Unopened items can be returned for up to 30 days, and technology returns are accepted within 14 days.
  
• Walmart: Offers a 90-day return policy for most items, with easy online and in-store returns.
  

4. Rewards and Cashback Potential

• Amazon: Has a robust Amazon Business program for small-to-mid-sized businesses. Prime Business members can get exclusive pricing, multi-user accounts, and purchase approvals.
  
• Walmart: No standalone office supply loyalty program, but Walmart+ members receive free shipping and fuel discounts, which can be helpful for commuting employees.
  

You can also stack savings by using cashback platforms:

• Earn cashback with a Staples gift card when you shop through Fluz.
  
• Get rewards with a Walmart gift card and use it online or in-store.
  
• For Amazon, cashback rates vary by product category and are generally not available through Fluz, so use a rewards credit card or browser extension like Rakuten when available.
  

5. Bulk and Business Purchases

• Amazon Business: Lets you manage procurement across teams, get quantity discounts, and centralize order histories.
  
• Staples: Their business accounts offer negotiated pricing, centralized billing, and dedicated account managers—ideal for schools and offices with recurring needs.
  
• Walmart: Limited in bulk procurement tools, but strong in affordable multi-packs for common items like paper, pens, and cleaning supplies.
  

Final Verdict

• Best for selection and speed: Amazon
  
• Best for enterprise-level services and loyalty perks: Staples
  
• Best for basic supply affordability: Walmart
  

Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize fast delivery, business-level perks, or low-cost basics. For optimal savings, pair your purchase with a Fluz gift card or use a trusted cashback app to ensure every dollar spent gets something back in return.