How To Ship At Staples In 2026: Services, Rates, And Drop-Off Guide

Shipping a package efficiently requires understanding carrier networks, retail drop-off points, and packaging requirements. Staples serves as a primary retail shipping hub, offering convenient access to domestic and international shipping services. Operating as an authorized shipping outlet, Staples streamlines logistics for remote workers, small business owners, and everyday shippers.

This comprehensive guide details how to utilize shipping services at Staples in 2026. It covers carrier partnerships, packaging regulations, pricing models, return drop-offs, and expert strategies to optimize your shipping workflow.

Navigating the Staples Shipping Center: Partner Carriers and Accepted Packages

Staples does not operate its own delivery fleet; instead, it acts as a third-party retail partner for established global logistics providers. Knowing which carriers are accepted—and which are excluded—will save you an unnecessary trip to the store.

Official Carrier Partnerships in 2026

• United Parcel Service (UPS): Staples is an official UPS Authorized Shipping Outlet (ASO). This is the primary carrier for both domestic and international shipments created at the service counter. Customers can purchase UPS shipping labels, drop off pre-labeled packages, and request express or ground services.
• United States Postal Service (USPS): Select Staples locations offer basic USPS services. You can typically purchase retail postage stamps, send certified mail, or ship using prepaid USPS labels. However, service levels vary by location, and full-service USPS shipping (such as Priority Mail Express international forms) is best handled directly through a post office or pre-printed online.
• FedEx: Not Accepted. Staples does not partner with FedEx. If you have a FedEx Ground or FedEx Express package with a prepaid label, you must drop it off at an official FedEx Office location, a FedEx Ship Center, or an authorized partner like Walgreens.
• DHL Express: Select international-focused Staples locations offer DHL services for global shipping, though UPS remains the default carrier for international shipments at most registers.

Operational Rule: Carrier Pickup Schedules Packages dropped off at Staples do not enter the carrier's transit network until the daily scheduled pickup occurs. This pickup usually happens once per afternoon, Monday through Friday. If you drop off a package after the carrier’s daily cutoff time, it will not depart the store until the following business day, adding 24 hours to your total transit time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping a Package at Staples

Whether you are preparing a package at home or need to complete the entire process in-store, following these steps ensures your shipment complies with carrier standards and arrives safely at its destination.

Step 1: Package and Secure Your Items

You can pack your items at home or use the packaging supplies available for purchase in-store. If packing at home:

• Use a rigid, undamaged cardboard box with all flaps intact.
• Wrap items individually with bubble cushion or packing paper.
• Fill all void spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent movement during transit.
• Seal all seams of the box using heavy-duty plastic packing tape in an "H" pattern. Do not use duct tape, masking tape, or string.

Step 2: Determine Your Labeling Method

You have three primary options for labeling your package at Staples:

1. Prepaid Shipping Label: If you purchased a label online (via UPS, or supported USPS programs), print it out and secure it flat to the top of the box. Ensure the barcode is fully visible and not folded over any edges.
2. In-Store Label Creation: Bring your unpackaged or packaged items to the shipping counter. The store associate will weigh your package, measure its dimensions, enter the destination address into their system, and print a custom UPS shipping label for you to purchase.
3. QR Code Returns: If you are returning an item to a major retailer (such as Amazon or a brand utilizing the Happy Returns network), you can present a digital QR code on your smartphone to the retail associate.

Step 3: Complete the Transaction and Obtain a Receipt

When dropping off any package—prepaid or purchased in-store—always request a physical or digital receipt. For prepaid drop-offs, this receipt serves as your proof of drop-off, containing the carrier's tracking number and confirming that Staples has taken possession of the parcel. This receipt is your primary protection if the package is lost prior to the carrier's first scan.

Comparing Staples Shipping Services: Costs, Speeds, and Capabilities

Understanding the differences in transit times and pricing models helps you choose the correct service for your budget and timeline. The table below details the shipping options available at Staples service counters in 2026.

Packaging Materials and In-Store Packing Assistance

If you do not have shipping supplies at home, Staples operates as a retail supply store, allowing you to purchase everything required to prep your shipment on-site.

In-Store Packaging Supplies

Staples stocks a comprehensive array of shipping materials, including:

• Corrugated Boxes: Available in standard sizes ranging from small utility boxes ($1.50 - $3.00) to extra-large moving boxes ($5.00 - $10.00).
• Cushioning Materials: Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, kraft paper, and foam rolls.
• Mailing Envelopes: Padded bubble mailers, rigid cardboard mailers, and poly mailers for non-fragile goods.
• Adhesives and Labels: Heavy-duty packing tape, fragile stickers, and adhesive shipping label pockets.

Over-the-Counter Packing Services

Many Staples locations offer custom packing services. Store associates can pack your items for you using the appropriate materials to meet carrier transit safety guidelines. While this service guarantees that your item is packed securely, it does incur labor fees plus the retail cost of the packaging materials used.

Utilizing professional in-store packing services can protect your carrier insurance claims. If an item packed by a retail shipping associate is damaged in transit, the carrier is far less likely to deny a insurance claim on the basis of "insufficient packaging."

Managing Return Services and QR Codes at Staples

Retail return logistics have shifted heavily toward QR code systems that bypass the need for printed shipping labels. Staples has integrated these systems into its daily service desk operations.

Amazon Returns

Staples participates in select drop-off networks that handle Amazon returns. When initiating an Amazon return, check your return options within the Amazon app:

• If Staples is listed as an authorized drop-off location for your specific return, select it to generate a QR code.
• Bring the item unpacked to the Staples shipping counter.
• The associate will scan your QR code, place your item into a consolidated shipping bin, and print your return receipt.

Happy Returns and Express Returns

Many major direct-to-consumer online brands utilize the Happy Returns network. Staples stores serve as "Return Bars" for this network:

• No box or label is required.
• Present the Happy Returns QR code to the store associate along with your items.
• The associate verifies the items, processes the return instantly, and initiates your refund immediately.

Pro Tip: Dimensional Weight Optimization When preparing your package, minimize excess space. Carriers calculate shipping rates based on the larger of the actual weight or dimensional weight (length x width x height / 139). Using a box that is too large can double your shipping costs, even if the item inside is lightweight.

Expert Tips for a Hassle-Free Staples Shipping Experience

To ensure your shipping experience is cost-effective, secure, and fast, implement these operational practices:

• Verify Daily Carrier Cutoff Times: Call your local Staples store to ask for their specific "UPS daily pickup time." Dropping your package off at least one hour prior to this time ensures it departs the facility on the same day.
• Join Staples Easy Rewards: If you ship packages frequently, sign up for the free Staples Easy Rewards program. Members often receive exclusive coupons or earn points on shipping services and packaging supplies, which can be redeemed for store credit.
• Declare Accurate Values: When purchasing shipping labels at the counter, accurately declare the financial value of the contents. UPS automatically covers up to $100 of declared value for free. If your item is worth more, purchase additional carrier coverage at the counter to protect against damage or loss.
• Understand HAZMAT Restrictions: You cannot ship hazardous materials, loose lithium batteries, perfume, ammunition, or alcohol through the Staples shipping counter. These items require specialized carrier handling and must be processed at a dedicated carrier customer center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping at Staples

Can I drop off pre-labeled UPS packages at Staples?

Yes, you can drop off pre-labeled UPS packages at any Staples location for free. Simply hand the package to an associate at the shipping desk or customer service counter and request a drop-off receipt to verify the package transfer.

The store associate will scan the prepaid barcode to register it in their local inventory system. Your package will then remain in a secure storage area until the daily UPS driver arrives for pickup.

Does Staples ship via USPS or FedEx?

Staples offers limited USPS services but does not accept or process FedEx packages. For USPS services, you can purchase postage stamps or drop off small, prepaid USPS packages at select locations, but UPS remains the primary carrier partner for all counter-generated shipments.

If you have a FedEx shipment, you must take it to a FedEx Office location, an authorized FedEx drop-off point (such as Walgreens), or a local independent shipping store.

Can I print my shipping label at Staples?

Yes, you can print shipping labels at the Staples self-service document printing kiosks or directly at the shipping counter. If you have a PDF of your shipping label on your phone, you can email it to the store's print address or upload it to the self-service machine to print a physical copy.

Once printed, store associates can provide scissors and packing tape to help you secure the label to your package before completing the drop-off.

How late can I drop off packages for same-day pickup?

Cut-off times vary by location but generally fall between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on weekdays. Any packages dropped off after the carrier’s daily scheduled pickup will be stored securely and sent out on the next business day.

To guarantee same-day transit, it is highly recommended to drop off your shipments before 3:00 PM or contact your local store directly to verify their exact daily carrier pickup schedule.

Does Staples charge a fee for dropping off prepaid returns?

No, dropping off pre-labeled or QR-coded returns at Staples is entirely free of charge. You will not pay any handling or transaction fees to return your items via UPS, Amazon, or Happy Returns.

Any packaging supplies or specialized boxing services you request from the store associate to complete your return will be charged at standard retail rates.

For seamless shipping, visit your local Staples store to access professional packing services, carrier drop-off points, and express delivery options. Prepare your packages ahead of time or work directly with an in-store logistics associate to guarantee your shipments are secure, tracked, and delivered on schedule.