Is Staples Business Advantage Worth It for Colleges and Universities?

Is Staples Business Advantage worth it?

Here’s the quick answer: yes.

With Staples Advantage program, you get an extensive higher education focused core list at competitive pricing. This typically results in about a 10% reduction compared to other suppliers.

However, there’s also a way to lower your costs even further. When you choose a cooperative contract through E&I Cooperative Services, you get exclusive pricing discounts that produce additional savings and volume-based rebates and incentives to make your educational budgets go further.

E&I leverages the aggregated demand of 6,000+ member institutions to competitively solicit contracts from top-tier suppliers like Staples, typically achieving greater volume discounts than colleges or universities could achieve on their own.

With E&I’s Staples Advantage program, you also get a dedicated account rep who understands the unique needs of higher education to help you find the products you need and tailor procurement to your situation.

Why Colleges and Universities Use Staples Business Advantage

Staples Business Advantage is built to serve large, complex organizations like colleges and universities. Whether your institution has a single location or multiple campuses, this program offers the tools and infrastructure to streamline purchasing and reduce administrative workload.

Some of the reasons colleges and universities prefer Staples Advantage program include:

• Wide selection of products: From office supplies and janitorial items to classroom furniture and technology accessories, Staples provides access to the essential products needed across campus departments.
• Nationwide reach: Staples offers next-day delivery for more than 98% of the US with 38 warehouses and 220 delivery hubs.
• eProcurement integration: Staples integrates with most major eProcurement systems, enabling punch-out catalogs, approved item lists, and real-time order tracking.
• Real-time spend analytics: Institutions can monitor spending across departments, improve budget control, and make better-informed purchasing decisions.
• Unlimited user access: Campuses can configure unlimited users under a single account, with appropriate permissions to control spend and access.
• Customized catalogs: Catalogs are tailored to reflect approved products and pricing for specific departments or users, keeping purchasing compliant and centralized.
• Sustainability focus: Staples maintains a strong commitment to environmentally responsible products and packaging, supporting campus sustainability goals.

E&I’s Staples Business Advantage Contract

E&I’s Staples contract was specifically designed for the education sector to address the operational priorities of modern campuses. So, what’s the advantage of partnering with E&I vs. going direct to Staples? Here’s what you get:

• Access to Staples full catalog: Shop from the complete product portfolio, including the Staples family of brands.
• Financial incentives and rebates: E&I members are eligible for exclusive rebates and incentive programs based on aggregated volume.
• Robust eCommerce experience: Streamlined buying experience with fast order placement and fulfillment.
• Live customer service: Highly trained representatives provide real support when you need it.
• Sustainable logistics: Staples uses an efficient, eco-friendly delivery fleet and smart-size packaging to reduce waste and emissions.
• Supply chain technology: Investments in automation and tracking technology help improve order accuracy and reduce delays.
• Environmentally preferred products: Access to approximately 20,000 sustainable items, complete with tracking and reporting for institutional accountability.

This contract allows you to source everything from toner cartridges and printer paper to classroom chairs and promotional items, all while taking advantage of strategic pricing and dedicated support.

How to Get Started with the Staples Contract Through E&I

Getting started with E&I’s Staples contract is a straightforward process. Here’s how it works in five steps:

1. Review the contract: Explore the Staples contract on the E&I website to make sure it fits your institution’s procurement goals.
2. Submit a Statement of Intent: This form notifies E&I and Staples of your desire to participate in the cooperative agreement.
3. Connect with your Staples rep: Once your Statement of Intent is submitted, a Staples representative will reach out to guide you through the setup process.
4. Complete participation agreement: You’ll need to sign a participation agreement with Staples before the contract takes effect.
5. Set up your account: From there, you’ll receive credentials and assistance setting up your account for immediate access to preferred pricing.

Once onboarded, you’ll receive ongoing support from both E&I and Staples to ensure your account is optimized, your reporting needs are met, and your users are trained.

Is Staples Business Advantage Worth It for Colleges and Universities?

When purchasing through E&I Cooperative Services, the Staples contract gives institutions more than just discounted office supplies. It’s a complete business solution tailored to the needs of higher education, offering strategic pricing, personalized support, robust eCommerce tools, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Get started today. Lower your procurement costs and streamline your procurement process. View the Staples contract and cooperative agreements from hundreds of other suppliers through E&I Cooperative Services.