Brilliance at Staples

Yesterday I returned a $6 binder to Staples. It had been intended for use at my previous job and it no longer fit my needs. My return was processed quickly and a refund issue to my credit card. This is the norm with Staples returns: ease of transaction and nothing to sign.

Then they surprised me: The clerk gave me a coupon for $5 off my next purchase of $25 or more. How brilliant is that?

Since I had thought about a different need for a binder or two, it took less than ten minutes for me to redeem that coupon.

Without the coupon I would have spent less than $25, but the coupon inspired me to pick up two extra items for a total $36 value purchase that cost me $31.

More importantly, it reinforced my already positive feeling about Staples and strengthened my loyalty.