Great deals are found at office supply stores like Staples. Knowing the rules of the promotions can result in free paper, labels, pens, and other office supplies.

All the items in the post picture were free. Yes, free using Staples rewards and easy rebates. Last week, I shared the rules for Staples Rewards in Part 1 of this series. Today, I will cover easy rebates and share how to stack these promotions to get free merchandise.

Easy Rebates

The Staples Easy Rebate program does not require the loyalty card. These promotions allow you to buy the item and then send the information, either electronically or via mail, to receive your PayPal deposit or check. Indicated by easy rebate, these offers are in the weekly sales flyer and need a little of your time. But you will get your reward in cash.

Finding Rebate Items. Less frequent than Staples Rewards, the easy rebate items come around holiday events. During holiday seasons, watch for easy rebate offers.

Checking the limit. When you find items you need, check the limit. Some items have a limit of 1 while others allow 2 or more. If you buy more than the limit, you will not receive the rebate on the exceeded items.

Purchasing the items. The sales flyer will show the price of the items, i.e., copy paper for $1 – purchase price $5.99 with a $4.99 easy rebate. When you purchase this copy paper, the item will ring up at $5.99 at the time of sale. After payment, you will receive the rebate receipt.

Submitting your rebate. At the end of your sale, you will receive the rebate submission forms with your rebate receipts. Staples offers an easy rebate system on-line or via the mail. I use the on-line submission form without experiencing any delays, denials, or complications.

Receiving payment. Upon receiving the rebate, Staples sends a confirmation e-mail. After the rebate processes, I get another e-mail before receiving my check via mail. The entire process takes between 4-6 weeks after Staples receives the rebate submission.

Stacking Staples Promotions

When combining savings strategies, you can get deep savings. In this case, I used the Staples Rewards with Easy Rebates to score free copy paper, labels, pens, and markers. For the pictured transaction, I purchased:

2 – Kleenex facial tissues – 2 pack at $2.99 each (limit 2)

2 – Staples copy paper – $5.49 each (limit 2)

1 – Avery 8160 white address labels – $11.99 each (limit 1)

1 – Staedtler ballpoint pens – $5.99 each (limit 1)

1 – dry-erase markers – $1

After scanning the items, I could have used manufacturer’s coupons.

TIP: If you use manufacturer’s coupons, you will lower your out-of-pocket cost. If you then submit an easy rebate, you will receive the full rebate amount. The rebate will not deduct the amount of the coupon. So, use your coupons with your Staples Rewards and easy rebates.

I had no coupons, so my total came to $35.94. With the Staples Rewards I earned last quarter, I paid $36 in Staples Rewards. I handed the cashier my two vouchers, and I still had $.06 remaining on my rewards. After processing the payment, I received at the bottom of my receipt a coupon for $.06 – my remaining Staples Rewards with the same expiration date – March 31, 2012.

Upon returning home, I entered my receipt information into the Staples easy rebates on-line form for the following:

2 – Kleenex facial tissues for $2.99 each

2 – Staples copy paper for $5.49 each

1 – Avery 8160 white address labels for $11.99

1 – Staedtler ballpoint pens for $5.99

In about 4-6 weeks, I will receive checks totaling $34.94 making all the merchandise free after rewards and then better than free after rebates.

Though Staples offers other rewards, like ink cartridges (explained by Jenny Martin), I choose to concentrate on Staples Rewards and Easy Rebates. As you learn the rules to the office supply stores, you, too, will see deep discounts while replenishing your supplies. Using Staples Rewards and Easy Rebates will help in stretching your dollars while using time wisely. Happy savings!

Question: How do you save money on your office supplies?