Pardon Me, Sir? May I Have Your Printer Cartridge?

An abnormal amount of people I know get a buyer's high going into Staples including me.  There's just something about obtaining more quirky paper clips and high quality notebook paper that makes us get giddy.  It's sort of sad that now I have to limit my number of padded envelopes and can't trust myself to be alone in the digital camera section because I may try to talk ourselves into "needing" one.  The endorphins block out the logic that until there isn't a paycheck to back it up, that credit card money is based on fantasy.  But it is not unjustified to go into Staples.  Sooner or later our ink cartridges will run out.  Resumes can't be printed on the back of phone bills.  And when these expenses pop up....particularly the black printer cartridge one that can run you into the price of a small electric bill...where do you get the money if you ain't got none?

Well, Staples has this nifty program.  You return a printer cartridge at your local Staples and they give $2 store credit for each.  A certificate of your monthly accrued credit arrives in the mail and you get to smile.  Because it is good mail giving you something, not the evil mail asking for more money. All that is required is enrollment in their rewards program and, well, a printer cartridge.  There is a ten per month limit.  That's twenty bucks.

"Ten?" you say.  It can be done.  I have a friend who works on  a college campus.  The department was being moved from one building to the next.  Someone was ditching a copy machine and were going to throw out the catridges.  Sure, they are really supposed to recycle them, but some folks are just plain lazy.  So he opened up his mouth and asked.  And then he put the word out to his friends and relatives.  He let everyone on campus know that he can tell.  So far he has purchased two sets of toners for himself and school supplies for his kid.

The lesson in this, my friend, is two fold.  Don't be a pussy about asking for help when it really isn't inconveniencing anyone.  And rewards programs are your friend.  Always.  They bring you coupons.  They give you opportunities.  They treat you special-ish.  Because when you are no longer having to think of them in this desperate manner, you will hold a fond place in your heart for them and be the wonderful customers that you used to be.

July 15, 2015 Update: Yup. Still holds water.  Pricing on this blog has been brought up to speed.

http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/products/3dollar_inkrecycle/