OVERVIEW
- From mid December 2008, Corporate Express Brand (CEB) products will begin to transition to Staples products. The transition will continue gradually throughout 2009.
- Paper and Lever Arch Files will be one of the first products to transition.
A summary for cut sheet paper replacement:
Corporate Express Premium Paper will be fully replaced by Staples Premium
New products in this range: Staples Premium A3
Staples Premium Swedish Punch (for Sweden only)
Corporate Express Super Paper will be fully replaced by Staples Multiuse
New products in this range: Staples Multiuse A5
Staples Multiuse Quickpack
Staples Multiuse 4-hole punch
Corporate Express Office Paper fully replaced by Staples Copy
New products in this range: Staples Copy A3 size
Staples Copy 4-hole punch
Staples Copy Swedish punch (for Sweden only)
Multiple new Staples Brand cut sheet paper products are: tinted paper, text & graphic paper, inkjet paper, laser paper and ‘all in one’ paper.
- No prices will increase due to the brand transfer.
- In most cases, a Staples product will be offered as a replacement to the discontinued CEB product. In cases where an equivalent Staples product does not exist, you will be presented a similar Staples item or, in a few instances, a similar supplier branded product.
General questions
Why are you discontinuing CEB products?
As Corporate Express and Staples joined forces to become the world’s leader of office products, it makes sense to develop a common offering of own brand products.
What is the timing for this transition?
In December 2008 the first Staples products, lever arch files, will be shipped to our warehouses and customers. In January 2009, this will be followed by the repackaging to Staples cut sheet paper. The majority of the transitions will be completed by the end of 2009. Our goal is to have a common own brand assortment shown in the 2010 catalog. The last phasing in of Staples Brand products is foreseen by Q2 of 2010.
Timing will be different for each country, depending on local inventory status for each product. The general transition is set up per category but will effectively happen by product, not by category.
Which CEB products will be discontinued?
All CEB, CEB Premium and EXP brands will be discontinued. These products will transition to a Staples equivalent where there is an exact match in terms of specifications, packaging, price and country of origin. In cases where there is not an exact match, a similar Staples product with similar features and equivalent quality will be offered. In a few instances, a similar supplier branded product with similar features and equivalent quality will be offered.
How do I recognize which products are exchanged for in the catalogue and on Express Order?
All CEB paper products have been taken out of the 2009 catalogue and only the Staples paper products will be shown. Further more, in the 2009 catalogue only the Staples branded image will be shown for those products which will transfer before 1 July 2009. On Express Order, the images will be posted once the product starts to transition in your country.
Do I need to do anything related to this change?
No.
What is the benefit of this conversion for me?
You will now have access to Staples products - Staples products are tested in independent labs to meet or exceed the branded equivalent and provide reliable performance and great value.
Product specific questions
Who manufactures Staples Brand products?
Reputable suppliers make Staples products. Due to contractual agreements, the list of Staples product suppliers is confidential and cannot be released.
Are the same suppliers making Staples and CEB products?
In some cases, the same manufacturers are supplying Staples and CEB. In other cases, we are comparing product specifications to ensure a matching item transition.
How environmentally friendly are Staples products?
Factories and other suppliers must meet Staples standards of social responsibility for: minimum age requirements, wage and benefits, occupational health and safety, limits on hours worked, environmental issues and hazardous waste.
What type of guarantee does Staples offer?
We will offer the same great 100% guarantee on Staples Brand products as CEB. If you’re not happy with either quality or function of the product you can contact customer service for a replacement or re-fund. Please check your local guarantee arrangements with customer service for furniture and toner and inkjet cartridges.
Has your return policy changed?
No, we continue to offer a 30 day policy on Office Supplies but technology and furniture need to be returned within 14 calendar days. Please check your local return arrangements with customer service for furniture and toner and inkjet cartridges.
How many Staples products are available and what is the product mix by category?
Staples offers an excess of 2,000 products in the European market. Not all of these products may be included in our 2010 assortment, since they might not comply with your demand.
How many brand levels does Staples offer?
The majority of Staples products will be the core Staples tier. These products are designed to meet or exceed the performance and specifications of leading branded products just like our CEB products promised.
Are Staples products in the 2009 catalog?
Yes, we have many Staples products displayed in our 2009 Catalogues in categories such as Paper, Writing pads, Lever Arch Files and Calculators.
Where can we access detailed specification for a Staples product?
Product details will be available on Express Order for all products as they transition. We are building this site with information on contact data and Material Safety Data Sheets, trying to be up-to-date as soon as possible.
Will the Unit of Measure (UOM) be the same between the CEB products and the Staples equivalent products?
In some cases there will be variations in UOM. In these cases recommended substitutes will be put forth to sales and customers.
Paper specific questions
How similar are the Staples paper specifications to the CEB specifications?
The specifications are identical.
What sizes of packaging are available when buying Staples copy paper?
Staples branded paper is available in reams, cartons and pallets. Number of sheets per ream can be 100, 250 or 500. Check your catalogue or Order Express for specifications per type of paper.
Will paper price change as you transition to Staples paper?
Your price will not change due to this transition; you might however have received a previously announced increase at the same time of the transition. General prices remain unchanged until July 2009.
Will you offer 100% recycled copy paper products?
Yes, in a selection of countries. Please bear in mind there is shortage of recycled papers in the market, so we can’t secure 100% delivery.
Does Staples copy paper packaging have recycled content?
Yes. The carton that the paper comes in is made from recycled fibers and is recyclable.
What does Staples packaging look like?
An example of Staples copy paper and Staples multiuse packaging is shown below:
Questions on customer service and ordering
What code number will be printed on my packing slip?
The product codes on the Staples products as they are sold today carry a Staples related code and EAN code. This will change to the 7-digit Corporate Express code, as in use on the Corporate Express packaging today. Over time all Staples branded products will carry the 7-digit Corporate Express codes.
How will Staples products be sorted on Express Order?
The sort will be the same as before with CEB products.
Will the shopping lists in Express Order be updated to show the new Staples packaging?
Yes, as products transition, their image will also be updated to Staples packaging.
Can I keep using preprinted requisition forms and fax them into Customer Service?
Your orders will continue to be processed. Where there is not an exact match for a CEB product, Customer Service will use the same practices it does today, which includes following current, documented, customer-specific rules for offering substitutes.
What if I want to receive a Corporate Express brand product instead of the Staples brand product?
CEB products will be discontinued and thus not be available any more after we run out of stock. We offer you the equivalent Staples product free of charge.
Questions on pricing and contracts
Will prices change?
If we can offer you exact matches price will remain unchanged. This will vary by product and whether or not we have an exact match or a packaging difference etc. For copy paper, the customer’s price will not change unless the customer is due to receive a previously announced increase at the same time they transition.
How will my contract be updated?
The Bids and Contracts team will update contracts as necessary.
What will happen to existing substitution from OEM to CEB products?
Conversions will work as they do today, except you will eventually receive product in Staples packaging instead of product in CEB packaging.
If you have any further questions, please contact your Customer Service or your sales representative. |