Staples - Better than Free Offers after Rewards

I was a little excited when I saw the Staples ad today since there are several freebies. When, even better that when viewing the online ad, I noticed they are offering up 25% back in Rewards (with coupon) on all items storewide(in store purchases only). Since just about all rebate offers do not give you back the tax spent, this 25% rewards back will more than cover that for a pretty decent return on purchase.

Some items I see as a pretty sweet deal:
Scotch Pop up tape dispenser $2.29
-$1 peelie (I have some of these from buying the .50 Precision scissors at Target)
=$1.29
Earn $2.29 Staples Easy Rebate (limit 1)
Profit of $1 plus ~.33 in rewards

Staples Photo Plus 4 x 6 paper 60 pack $9.99
Earn $9.99 Staples Easy Rebate (limit 1)
Free + ~ 2.50 in rewards

Command Med Picture hanging strips $3.99
Earn $3.99 Staples Easy Rebate (limit 1)
Free + ~ $1 in rewards

Trend Titanium IS 2012 $69.99
Earn $69.99 Staples Easy Rebate(limit 1)
Free + ~ 17.50 in rewards

Hammermill Ream of Copy paper $5.99
Earn $3.99 Staples Easy Rebate(limit 2)
=$2 each but earn ~ 1.50 in rewards back for each

Trend Micro Titanium IS 2012 $40.00
Earns $40 Staples Easy Reward (limit 10)
Free + ~10 in Rewards back for each

Brother toner products, Buy 2 get $20 Visa gift card after Easy Rebate
*I use Brother toner for my printer and it normally runs $65.49 each
I can purchase 2 = $130.98 + tax
Get $20 back for easy rebate and an additional 32.75 in rewards back
That is like getting them for ~ $39 each!
Great deal if like me you use this stuff!

Hurry in, as the 25% back coupon only lasts through Wednesday


Now, how are Staples Rewards different from Staples rebates?  Well, rebates are just that, you pay now, submit your information(I love that you can do this online at Staples, so you don't even waste a stamp) and you have a few options for payment back.  You can get a gift card or a check.  I always pick the check because then to me it is 100% free since I will get my money back to use anywhere I choose!

Staples Rewards, you need to sign up for their free card either here or in store.  Once you've signed up you'll earn 10% back in Staples Rewards on all ink and toner, case and ream paper and Copy & Print purchases.  You can also earn rewards back on select items advertised in their weekly ads.  This week that is the storage bins and the Avery 3 ring binders.  With Staples REWARDS, if you use coupons you will receive the reward value LESS the value of the coupon, hence the reason I broke my transaction up.  If I had combined them, I would not have earned the extra $5 from using the coupon.
Also, Staples REWARDS are certificates you will receive in the mail to be used only at Staples on future purchases AND they have an expiration date.  This is why I only do them on the items I really need or want.

Don't understand my lingo? Go here.  
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