About Staples
Staples Inc. is a well-known American office supply retail company founded in 1986, headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts. It is a prominent retailer dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of products and services primarily catering to the needs of businesses, educators, and consumers.
Staples has a multi-channel approach, operating physical retail stores, an extensive e-commerce platform (staples.com), and dedicated business-to-business (B2B) services through Staples Business Advantage.
Their offerings extend beyond traditional office supplies to include technology, furniture, business services (like printing and marketing), and facility management solutions.
Staples Affiliate Program Overview
The Staples Affiliate Program allows website owners, bloggers, and other online publishers (affiliates) to earn a commission by promoting Staples products and services. Affiliates place unique links and creative assets on their platforms, and they earn a commission for every qualifying purchase made by a customer who clicks through their link.
| Information Point | Detail |
| Industry | Retail, Office Supplies, Technology, Furniture, Business Services |
| Product Type | Physical Goods (Office Supplies, Furniture, Electronics) and Services (Print, Tech, Shipping) |
| Affiliate Program Type | Cost Per Sale (CPS) / Pay Per Sale |
Staples Affiliate Program Offers
The program provides affiliates with the tools and tracking necessary to earn commissions. Specific details on acceptable content and precise materials can often vary based on the affiliate network and the program’s terms and conditions.
| Offer Detail | Information |
| Promotional Materials | A wide selection of creative graphics, text links, deep links, and special weekly promotions. |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | Varies, commonly cited as 7 days or 30 days depending on the network or specific program terms. |
| Accepted Traffic Sources | Typically includes websites, blogs, content sites, email marketing (must comply with laws), and potentially social media (subject to approval). |
| Accepted Countries | Primarily focused on the United States (Staples.com program). Separate programs/registrations may exist for other regions (e.g., Canada). |
| Explicit Content | Generally not accepted. Affiliates must adhere to standard terms and conditions, which usually prohibit adult or explicit material. |
| Religious or Political Content | Typically not accepted for association, especially if the content is deemed controversial or offensive. Affiliates must promote the brand in a non-offensive manner. |
Staples Affiliate Commissions & Payments
Staples offers a commission structure that rewards affiliates for driving sales. The exact details can vary based on the affiliate network managing the program and the specific product categories.
| Payment Detail | Information |
| MLM | No. Staples is a corporate retail program, not a multi-level marketing scheme. |
| Commission Rate | Rates are variable, generally ranging up to 8%. Commissions often vary by product category (e.g., lower on electronics, higher on general office supplies). |
| Commission Structure | Percentage of Sale (varying percentage rates based on the product category sold). |
| Payout Frequency | Typically monthly, following a validation and lock period (e.g., Net 30, Net 60), depending on the managing network. |
| Payout Methods | Varies by the affiliate network used (e.g., Direct Deposit, Check, Payoneer, Wire Transfer). |
| Minimum Payout | Varies by the affiliate network used (common minimums are $50 or $100). |
Suitable Affiliates for Staples Affiliate
The Staples affiliate program is suitable for any publisher whose audience is interested in office products, technology, business services, and supplies for home or professional use.
| Affiliate Type | Suitability |
| Bloggers | Highly Suitable (e.g., blogs about small business, remote work, home office setups, tech reviews, budget/coupon sites). |
| TikTokers | Suitable (e.g., content focused on organization hacks, office aesthetics, ‘day in the life’ of a student/remote worker). |
| KOC / KOL / Influencers | Suitable (especially those focusing on business, productivity, tech, home organization, or student life). |
| YouTubers | Highly Suitable (e.g., reviews of office tech, office tours, “what’s in my desk,” printing tutorials). |
| Video Editors | Less Suitable (unless they create content related to the promoted products). |
| Livestreamers | Suitable (can promote during live sessions focused on study, work, or tech setup). |
Staples Affiliate Software
Staples, like many large retailers, often leverages established third-party Affiliate Management Software or a major affiliate network to manage its program, rather than solely relying on in-house software.
It has historically worked with major affiliate networks like CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction) and FlexOffers for program tracking, reporting, and payment. Using a third-party network provides affiliates with reliable tracking, consolidated payments, and a familiar platform.
3 Alternatives for Staples Affiliate Program
Here are three alternative affiliate programs in related categories—typically large retailers or office-centric platforms—that affiliates could consider, along with a comparison.
| Comparison Factor | Staples Affiliate Program | Amazon Associates | HP Affiliate Program | Microsoft Affiliate Program |
| Average Bill | High (for furniture/bulk office supplies) to Medium (standard supplies). | Varies widely (low to very high). | High (for computers/printers). | High (for devices/software subscriptions). |
| Entry Fees | None (Free to join). | None (Free to join). | None (Free to join). | None (Free to join). |
| Withdrawal Threshold | Varies by Network ($50 – $100). | $10 (for direct deposit). | Varies by Network. | Varies by Network. |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly (Net 30/60). | Monthly (approx. 60 days after month end). | Monthly (Net 30/60). | Monthly (Net 30/60). |
| Commission | Up to 8% (varies by product type). | Varies by Category (typically 1% – 10%). | Varies, typically 1% – 5% (higher for accessories). | Varies, often 1% – 10% (higher for software/subscriptions). |
| Conversion | High (strong brand recognition, specific niche). | Very High (highest trust/conversion rate in e-commerce). | Medium to High (strong brand, higher-priced items). | Medium to High (strong brand, specific product focus). |
| Marketing Materials | Banners, text links, weekly deals, deep links. | Site Stripe tool, Banners, Product links (very extensive). | Banners, text links, product feeds. | Banners, text links, product catalogs. |