Set up an online account

To leverage what Staples offers, open an online account that lets you easily manage your purchases, find items and re-order quickly, review your order history, create shopping lists and redeem rewards gifts. Staples is generous with discount cards and coupons it sends out regularly to small business account holders.

I recommend: Create a Staples.com account for your small business in minutes.

Get a credit account

Staples offers two types of credit accounts: revolving and net pay. A revolving account lets you carry a balance; net pay requires full payment monthly.

I recommend: Compare the two business credit accounts available to find the features you need, or take a short survey to find out which card best suits your needs.

Join the Rewards program

Frequent shoppers should take advantage of the Rewards program, which offers a percentage back on all purchases, free delivery for phone or online orders, special coupons and more. If you sign up for a business credit account, you can automatically be enrolled as a Rewards Gold member, which offers more benefits.

I recommend: Check out benefits and apply for membership online.

Take advantage of 365 Savings

Staples guarantees the lowest prices and will give you 110 percent of the difference if you find a lower price elsewhere.

I recommend: Discover cost-cutting ideas with 365 Savings.

Join Staples Business Advantage

If you have a regional business with more than 20 employees, and you spend more than $6,000 per year on office and technology supplies, Staples Business Advantage offers even more savings and services.

I recommend: Sign up and see benefits at Staples Business Advantage.

Use Favorites Lists

Ordering online is easier when you create Favorites Lists for the items you regularly purchase. Instead of looking up items individually, you can go directly to your Favorites Lists to find them.

I recommend: Under "My Account", click "Favorites Lists" to get started.

Use Easy Reorder

Easy Reorder lets you view past purchases, click on an item and select reorder.

I recommend: Click "Easy Reorder" on the Staples.com home page to learn how to use this feature. Download an Easy button for your desktop to take you directly to Staples.com whenever you need to reorder items.

Never let your printer run dry

Running out of printer ink can bring your business to a halt. Sidestep this common problem by signing up for InkDrop. When your printer runs out of ink, insert a new cartridge in the printer and place the used cartridge in a prepaid Staples envelope and pop it in a mailbox. A new ink cartridge will be delivered before the ink cartridge in your printer runs out.

I recommend: Sign up for InkDrop to avoid running out of ink.

Use the Copy & Print Center

Inside every Staples store, you'll find a full-service Copy & Print Center, where you can print business cards, banners, letterhead and more.

I recommend: For some print or copy jobs, you can order online and pick up your finished materials in the store.