4OVER4 vs Staples: A Smarter Printing Alternative

Why Businesses Are Switching From Staples to 4OVER4

If you've been ordering print through Staples, you already know the drill. Limited paper options. Generic templates. Pricing that doesn't reward loyalty. There's a better Staples alternative out there, and 150,000+ businesses have already found it.

4OVER4 gives you access to 60+ paper types, professional-grade finishes, and a Loyalty Program that actually puts money back in your pocket. You're not browsing an office supply store anymore. You're working with a dedicated print partner that's been in the game for 25+ years.

Need a head start on your design? Grab one of our free Design Templates and skip the guesswork entirely.

The Quick Take: 4OVER4 vs. Staples Printing

Here's the short version. Staples is an office supply retailer that happens to offer printing. 4OVER4 is a printing company - period. That's the difference.

With 10,000+ reviews and a 4.8/5 star average rating, 4OVER4 delivers the kind of print quality, paper selection, and finishing options that Staples simply can't match. Thicker stocks. Specialty finishes like Spot UV, foil stamping, and soft-touch lamination. Real print expertise backed by 25+ years of production experience. If print quality matters to your brand, this is the Staples alternative you've been looking for.

How 4OVER4 Stacks Up Against Staples - Feature by Feature

Feature
200 Free Business Cards	Yes — first in USA since 2011	No
Price Match Guarantee	Yes — beat any price by 10%	No
10,000+ Design Templates + Free Online Designer	Yes (Canvs tool)	Limited
Free Samples Kit	Yes — physical samples shipped free	No
Loyalty Rewards (Earn Coins)	Yes — earn coins on every order	No
100% Satisfaction + On-Time + Quality Guarantees	Yes — 4 guarantees	Limited
Non-Profit Discount	25% OFF for life + Free UPS Ground	No
Same-Day Shipping	Yes — order by 12pm ET	No
Total Cards Printed	10 billion+	No — office supplies + print services
Businesses Served	150,000+	Millions (Fortune 500 company)
Projects Completed	500,000+	Not publicly shared
On-Time Delivery Rate	99.8%	Not publicly shared
Orders Shipping Early	82%	Not publicly shared
Customer Satisfaction (will reorder)	99%	Not publicly shared
Years in Business	27+ (since 1999)	40 (since 1986)
Google Rating	4.8/5	3.5/5
Facebook Rating	4.7/5	3.0/5
Total Reviews All Platforms	10,000+	Google 3.5/5 (store reviews) | BBB A+
Google Trusted Store	Yes	No
Total Standard Products	1,000+	50+ (print services section)

Choosing a Staples alternative shouldn't be guesswork. You need to see the differences side by side, so here's a direct comparison across the features that matter most to businesses ordering custom print.

Staples works fine for copy paper and ink cartridges. But when it comes to professional printing - business cards, postcards, brochures, banners - the gap between a retail print counter and a dedicated online printer is massive. 4OVER4 offers 60+ paper types compared to Staples' limited selection. You get premium finishes that Staples doesn't carry at all. And with 99.8% on-time delivery, your deadlines are covered.

The comparison above breaks down specific features so you can see exactly where each option stands. From paper stock variety to turnaround speed, finishing options to customer support, every detail is laid out clearly.

Pricing Breakdown: What You Actually Pay at 4OVER4 vs. Staples

Let's talk money. Staples charges retail pricing because, well, they're a retailer. 4OVER4 offers wholesale-level pricing because printing is all we do. That's a structural advantage you feel on every order.

Business cards at 4OVER4 start as low as $0.04 per card on standard stocks. Postcards, flyers, brochures - all priced competitively against Staples without sacrificing paper quality or finish options. And here's what most people miss: 4OVER4 includes free file review, free cutting, and careful packaging in the base price. No surprise fees at checkout.

When you're evaluating a Staples alternative on price alone, 4OVER4 wins on per-unit cost for most products. Factor in the 150,000+ businesses that keep reordering, and the value speaks for itself.

Print Quality That Staples Can't Touch

This is where the gap gets wide. Staples runs digital presses behind a retail counter. 4OVER4 operates dedicated commercial printing facilities with offset and digital capabilities designed for one thing: producing the best print possible.

You feel the difference the moment you pick up a 32pt Ultra Thick Business Card with Spot UV coating. That's roughly 3x the thickness of a standard card. Silky smooth on one side, bold and eye-catching on the other. Staples doesn't offer anything close to this as a Staples alternative comparison point.

With 60+ paper types and specialty finishes like foil stamping, raised Spot UV, and velvet lamination, 4OVER4 gives your brand the tactile presence that makes people hold onto your materials instead of tossing them. And with 10,000+ reviews backing up the quality claims, you don't have to take our word for it.

See what real customers are saying about the print quality below.

Where 4OVER4 Beats Staples - And Every Other Printer

Switching from Staples isn't just about finding a cheaper option. It's about upgrading every part of the experience. Here's where 4OVER4 pulls ahead as a Staples alternative.

Paper Selection That Actually Impresses

60+ paper types. Kraft, linen, pearl metallic, uncoated, glossy, matte, cotton - you name it. Staples gives you maybe a handful. 4OVER4 gives you the full spectrum so your brand can stand out. If you're also comparing other printers, check out our Printing Alternative hub for more side-by-side breakdowns.

Reliability You Can Count On

4OVER4 hits 99.8% on-time delivery, and 82% of orders ship early. That's not a marketing claim. That's operational data from 25+ years of production. When your event is Saturday, you can't afford "maybe next week." Curious how other printers compare? See our 123Print Alternative page for another head-to-head.

A Guarantee That Has Teeth

4OVER4 backs every order with a Price Match guarantee plus quality, on-time, customer service, and satisfaction guarantees. Five guarantees total. Staples has a return policy. There's a difference between "we'll take it back" and "we'll make it right."

Here are some of the most popular products businesses order when they make the switch from Staples.

What Businesses Say After Leaving Staples

Real feedback from real customers who made the switch. With 10,000+ reviews and a 4.8/5 star rating, 4OVER4 has earned trust the old-fashioned way - by delivering.

"I used Staples for years because it was convenient. Then I ordered business cards from 4OVER4 on 32pt stock with Spot UV. Night and day difference. My clients actually comment on them now."

- Marcus L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"We switched our postcard mailings to 4OVER4 as a Staples alternative and saved about 30% per run. The paper quality is noticeably better too. Should've done this sooner."

- Dana K. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Ordered brochures for our nonprofit gala. The velvet lamination finish was gorgeous - something Staples never even offered. And the order arrived two days early."

- Terrence W. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Is 4OVER4 the Right Staples Alternative for You?

Not every business needs to switch. If you're printing a few black-and-white copies for an internal meeting, Staples is fine. But if your printed materials represent your brand to the outside world, you need more than a retail print counter.

You Should Switch If:

• You care about paper quality. 60+ stocks means you'll find the perfect match for your brand - thick, textured, smooth, or bold.
• You order regularly. 4OVER4's loyalty rewards and bulk pricing save you real money over time.
• You need specialty finishes. Foil, Spot UV, die-cutting, soft-touch - none of this is available at Staples.
• You want reliability. 99.8% on-time delivery with 82% shipping early.
• You're comparing multiple printers. Check out our 48Hourprint Alternative and Avery Alternative pages for more comparisons.

If any of those hit home, 4OVER4 is your move. 150,000+ businesses already made the call.

The 4OVER4 Advantage in 60 Seconds

• 60+ paper types - from budget-friendly to ultra-premium
• 25+ years of dedicated printing experience since 1999
• 4.8/5 stars across 10,000+ verified reviews
• 99.8% on-time delivery - your deadlines are safe
• 5 iron-clad guarantees covering quality, price, delivery, service, and satisfaction

Want to feel the difference before you commit? Order Free Samples and compare them to anything Staples has ever printed for you. That's the fastest way to see why 4OVER4 is the Staples alternative businesses keep choosing.

Common Questions About Switching From Staples to 4OVER4

Is 4OVER4 really cheaper than Staples for business printing?

For most products, yes. 4OVER4 offers wholesale-level pricing on business cards, postcards, brochures, and more. Business cards start at $0.04 per card. Free file review and cutting are included in the base price, so you don't get hit with hidden fees at checkout. Compare for yourself - the per-unit savings add up fast on repeat orders.

What paper options does 4OVER4 offer that Staples doesn't?

4OVER4 carries 60+ paper types including kraft, linen, pearl metallic, cotton, uncoated, and ultra-thick 32pt cardstock. Staples typically offers a handful of standard options. If you want your printed materials to have a premium, tactile feel, 4OVER4 gives you the selection to make that happen.

How fast does 4OVER4 ship compared to Staples?

4OVER4 maintains 99.8% on-time delivery, and 82% of orders ship ahead of schedule. Standard turnaround is typically 3-5 business days depending on the product. Rush and same-day options are available for many items. If you're exploring other fast-turnaround printers, our Axiomprint Alternative page covers another comparison.

Can I get specialty finishes like foil or Spot UV through 4OVER4?

Absolutely. 4OVER4 offers foil stamping, raised Spot UV, soft-touch lamination, velvet finish, embossing, and more. These are premium finishes that Staples simply doesn't carry. They're available across business cards, postcards, folders, and other products as a Staples alternative upgrade.

Does 4OVER4 offer any guarantees?

4OVER4 backs every order with five guarantees: quality, price match, on-time delivery, customer service, and satisfaction. If something isn't right, they make it right. That's a level of commitment you won't find at a retail print counter.

What if I'm also comparing other online printers besides Staples?

Smart move. 4OVER4 has dedicated comparison pages for dozens of competitors. Check out our Bannerbuzz Alternative page or browse the full alternatives hub to see how 4OVER4 measures up across the board. With 150,000+ businesses already on board, the track record speaks for itself.