Another retailer pilots same-day delivery service

Staples is hopping on board the same-day delivery train.



The chain is testing “Staples Rush,” a same-day delivery service to its online customers in major metropolitan areas across the United States. It’s offering the service initially for a fee of $14.99 per delivery, which may change while the project is in beta.



Customers placing orders by 3 p.m. local time Monday – Friday on Staples’ website for delivery in specific areas of select markets will be able to choose during the checkout process to have their orders delivered by 7 p.m. The service is now live in parts of Boston, Dallas, and Manhattan with other cities including Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle to follow shortly.



Additional products and services (such as Copy & Print) will also be added in the upcoming months. Staples Rush will eventually roll out to contract customers of Staples Business Advantage, Staples’ business-to-business division.



“Businesses want their online orders fulfilled faster than ever,” said Faisal Masud, executive VP, global e-commerce, Staples, Inc. “Thanks to Staples’ unmatched omnichannel capabilities, which already include the ability to buy online and pickup in store, we will deliver the products customers need when they need them, so they can make more happen without having to wait on shipped orders.”



Staples will leverage its own supply chain organization, including its network of retail locations, to fulfill same-day delivery orders. In most markets, the chain will be utilizing its own delivery fleet. All items must be marked especially for same-day-delivery in order to be eligible.