We're going to do something unusual: tell you when not to buy from CanadaPrint. Because the right answer isn't always "order online" — and we'd rather earn your trust long-term than squeeze every order short-term.
When Staples actually wins
You need it today
If you walked into a meeting and realized you forgot your presentation handouts, Staples will print and bind them in 20 minutes. No Canadian online print shop can beat that.
You have a print-ready PDF already
If you've already designed something (or our free PDF service gave you one), Staples is genuinely cost-competitive on small quantities:
- 20 single-sided 8.5x11 colour: ~$8 at Staples vs $12 online (+shipping)
- 10 poster 18x24: ~$12 at Staples same-day vs $22 online + 3 days
- Bound booklet 20 pages: Staples ~$15 in an hour
You need low-volume specialty items
Single poster mount, laminate a sign, bind a proposal — Staples handles one-offs that aren't worth online minimums.
When online beats Staples (almost always)
You need 50+ of anything
Online print drops to a fraction of Staples' per-unit cost at any meaningful quantity:
- 500 business cards: Staples ~$95, CanadaPrint $29
- 250 flyers: Staples ~$85, CanadaPrint $34
- 100 postcards: Staples ~$60, CanadaPrint $28
You need decoration (promo items)
Staples doesn't do branded pens, drinkware, tote bags, or embroidered hats. Online print + promo shops do.
You need design help
Staples is a print-it-if-you-have-the-file shop. They don't design. Online services like CanadaPrint (AI) or Canva give you free-ish design tools.
You're printing yard signs, banners, or signage
Staples copy centres typically don't do coroplast, vinyl banners, or large-format. Online does.
The CanadaPrint approach
We built our platform with this reality in mind. You can:
- Design with us (free AI) and download a free print-ready PDF — then take it to Staples. We win your trust; you save on the print.
- Order full-service from us when quantity or product type makes it smarter.
- Mix and match. Business cards from us (we're cheaper at scale); 10 emergency flyers from Staples when you need them today.
The honest rule of thumb
- Less than 25 units + need today: Staples.
- More than 25 units + can wait 3 days: Online.
- Anything that needs to be decorated (swag, apparel, signage): Online.
- Need free design help: Online.
Now you know. Shop accordingly.