A recent WIRED review positions Staples Print and Marketing Services as a strong choice for business printing, especially for entrepreneurs who need physical materials like business cards, banners, and signs. The author notes that when starting a business, the first step was printing business cards, and praises Staples' online business card maker as "fantastic."
The review emphasizes the value of in-person service. While online ordering is convenient, the ability to visit a local store and consult print specialists is a key advantage. These staff can help prepare files correctly—ideally a high-res, flattened PDF in CMYK—and can produce proofs before the final run. For small orders, same-day pickup is possible, which is useful for urgent needs.
However, the review also notes trade-offs. For photo-heavy products like mounted prints, quality is good for the price but lags behind dedicated services such as Mpix and Printique, which cost more. For higher quality, the author suggests ordering through a local store but having the job sent to a Staples production center, which takes longer—up to two weeks—but yields better results.