Introduction
Staples is one of the largest office supply retailers in the United States, selling everything from printers and ink cartridges to furniture, tech accessories, and business services. The store associate role is the backbone of Staples’ retail operation — handling customer service, stocking, register work, and product expertise across multiple departments.
This guide is based on a comprehensive review of dozens of real employee experiences shared across job review sites, forums, and social media — not a single person’s opinion, but a balanced summary of what actual workers report.
If you’re considering a part-time position at Staples, here’s what to expect from the job.
What You’ll Actually Do
As a Staples store associate, your daily tasks depend on which area of the store you’re assigned to, but most associates rotate across several responsibilities. On the sales floor, you’ll help customers find products, answer questions about technology and office supplies, and make recommendations. Staples puts a strong emphasis on solution selling — meaning you’re expected to identify customer needs and suggest add-ons like warranties, accessories, or upgraded products.
Register work involves processing purchases, handling returns, and managing the checkout flow. You’ll also be expected to pitch Staples’ rewards program and, depending on the location, promote services like tech support plans, cell phone activations, and business printing services.
Stocking and merchandising are significant parts of the job. You’ll unload truck shipments, organize backroom inventory, set up promotional displays, and ensure shelves are properly stocked and faced. Planogram resets — rearranging sections to match corporate layout plans — happen periodically and require attention to detail.
Some associates specialize in the tech department, where they assist with computer setups, troubleshooting, and explaining product specifications. Others may work in or near the copy and print center, helping customers with basic printing needs when the dedicated print team is busy.
The pace at Staples tends to be moderate — it’s not as hectic as a clothing retailer or grocery store, but back-to-school season (July through September) and year-end business purchasing periods bring noticeable surges in traffic.
Pay & Hours
Staples associates typically earn between $11 and $15 per hour, with the national average around $12 to $14 per hour as of 2025-2026. Pay varies by location, with stores in higher cost-of-living areas paying more. Some tech-focused associates or those with specialized roles may earn slightly above the baseline.
Part-time hours generally range from 12 to 24 hours per week. One of the more common complaints is that part-time associates struggle to get enough hours, especially outside of peak seasons. During back-to-school and holiday periods, hours may increase to 25-30+ per week, but slow periods can see schedules drop to single-digit hours.
At 18 hours per week and $13/hour, a part-time associate would earn approximately $12,168 per year before taxes. Staples offers a 10% employee discount on most store merchandise, and associates are paid weekly in most regions — a benefit that some workers appreciate.
Weekend availability is generally expected, and scheduling is done on a weekly basis.
Pros
Relaxed Work Environment: Compared to high-traffic retailers, Staples stores tend to be calmer and less chaotic. Many associates describe the atmosphere as manageable and relatively low-stress, especially during non-peak periods.
Easy to Learn: The job is straightforward once you’ve been trained. Stocking, cashiering, and basic customer assistance become routine quickly. Associates who enjoy a predictable workflow tend to find Staples comfortable.
Weekly Pay: Many Staples locations pay weekly rather than biweekly, which is a small but appreciated benefit for workers managing tight budgets.
Tech Knowledge Development: Working in the tech department gives associates hands-on exposure to computers, printers, networking equipment, and software. For tech-curious workers or students studying IT, this practical knowledge is a genuine perk.
Supportive Coworkers: Across many reviews, the relationships between fellow associates are highlighted as a positive. Staples stores tend to have smaller teams than big-box retailers, fostering a closer-knit work dynamic.
Cons
Low and Inconsistent Hours: This is the top complaint among part-time Staples associates. Getting enough hours to make the job worthwhile can be a constant struggle, especially outside of back-to-school season. Some employees report receiving as few as 4-8 hours in a slow week.
Sales Pressure: While Staples isn’t a commission-based environment, associates face pressure to sell warranties, tech services, rewards sign-ups, and add-on products. Metrics are tracked, and managers may push associates to improve their attachment rates.
Declining Retail Traffic: As more office supplies are purchased online, foot traffic in many Staples stores has decreased. This has led to reduced staffing, fewer hours for part-timers, and a sense among some employees that the company’s retail future is uncertain.
Corporate Disconnect: Multiple reviews mention a gap between corporate expectations (sales targets, service metrics, planogram compliance) and the reality of working in understaffed stores with limited foot traffic. Associates sometimes feel squeezed between demanding directives and insufficient resources.
Limited Growth Opportunities: Advancement to management roles is possible but competitive, and part-time associates in particular report feeling stuck with few pathways to promotion or full-time status.
Tips for New Employees
Learn the Product Layout Quickly: Staples stores follow specific planograms, and customers will ask you where things are constantly. Walk the store during slow moments and familiarize yourself with each aisle and department. Knowing the layout saves time and builds customer confidence.
Don’t Overthink the Sales Metrics: Yes, you’ll be tracked on warranty and service sales. But the best approach is to be genuine — mention the options, explain the value briefly, and let the customer decide. Pushy selling rarely works and only creates stress for both parties.
Embrace the Tech Side: If you’re in or near the tech department, take advantage of the opportunity to learn about computers, printers, and networking. This knowledge is valuable beyond Staples and can set you apart in future jobs or interviews.
Communicate About Hours: If you need more hours, make it known to your manager. Being available for additional shifts, covering for coworkers, and showing reliability are the best ways to earn more time on the schedule.
Stay Patient with Customers: Staples serves a wide range of customers — from tech-savvy professionals to people who have never set up a printer. Patience and clear communication go a long way, especially when explaining products or troubleshooting issues.
FAQ
Is Staples a good part-time job for college students? Many current and former associates say yes, with the caveat that hours can be unreliable. The work is relatively easy, the environment is calm, and the scheduling can be flexible. However, if you need consistent weekly income, the fluctuating hours may be a problem. It works best as a supplemental job rather than a primary income source.
Does Staples pay commission? No. Staples associates do not earn commission on sales. However, performance metrics like warranty attachment rates and service sales are tracked, and managers may use them in evaluations. There are occasional spiff programs or contests for selling specific products, but they’re not a consistent part of the compensation structure.
What’s the back-to-school season like at Staples? Back-to-school (roughly July through September) is Staples’ busiest retail period. Expect increased hours, heavier foot traffic, and a faster pace — especially around school supply lists and laptop purchases. It’s a good time to earn more, but shifts can be demanding compared to the rest of the year.
Conclusion
Working as a Staples associate is a calm, manageable retail job that offers a relaxed environment and the chance to develop tech product knowledge. The weekly pay, supportive coworker culture, and straightforward tasks make it an appealing option for those who prefer a quieter retail setting. However, the inconsistent hours, sales pressure, and concerns about the company’s brick-and-mortar future are real factors to consider.
This role is best suited for students, tech enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a low-key part-time retail job without the chaos of a big-box store. If you need reliable hours or a clear career path, Staples may fall short — but as a flexible, knowledge-building position, it has its merits.