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When it comes time to buy a printer for your business, you may immediately think of Office Depot or another big-box retailer. But is that always the best option?
If you're comparing a retail giant to a dedicated print vendor like STPT, the answer might not be as straightforward as you'd expect. Whether you’re looking for a simple desktop printer or a multifunction powerhouse, where you buy matters, and not just in price.
With nearly four decades of experience in the printing industry, STPT knows what business buyers need. We’ve helped organizations large and small navigate the printer-buying process, and we know that who you buy from can make all the difference in long-term satisfaction and support.
In this blog, we’ll give an honest, head-to-head comparison of STPT and Office Depot so you can decide which option makes the most sense for your needs.
Who Is STPT?
Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT) is a locally owned print vendor with nearly 40 years of experience. We are Xerox Platinum Solutions Partners with a team that collectively brings over 200 years of industry expertise. Our services include:
- Sales of Xerox printers and copiers
- Printer repair and maintenance
- Managed print services (MPS)
- Print management solutions (e.g., Y Soft, PaperCut)
We serve a diverse range of clients including schools, hospitals, small businesses, and law firms. Learn more about who we are and what we offer.
Who Is Office Depot?
Office Depot, under the ODP Corporation, is a nationwide office supply retailer headquartered in Florida. They offer a wide variety of office products, including printers, furniture, computers, and school supplies. According to ScrapeHero, there are over 800 store locations in the United States. However, they also sell products online.
Check out Office Depot’s “About Us” page to learn more about their company.
While they are a convenient choice for many office items, how do they stack up for a major purchase like a business-class printer?
Quick Comparison Table: STPT vs. Office Depot
Pros of Buying from STPT
Now, let’s shift to the pros and cons section, starting with the pros of buying from us at STPT:
Dedicated Printer Expertise
One of the main advantages of buying a printer from STPT is that we employ professionally trained staff who specialize in the printer industry and Xerox products.
Our staff is trained to match your business with the right printer, based on performance, cost-per-page, and future scalability.
This means we can provide expert advice on which machine to purchase, what additional services or accessories you might require, how to reduce printing costs, and how to ensure your office printing equipment operates as efficiently as possible.
Related: How to Choose a Printer for Your Budget and Business Needs
Personalized Service & Fast Support
Another advantage of working with a local company like ours is that you have direct access to support and customer service. This can be difficult to get when purchasing from a retail office supply store.
When things go wrong (and they will), our team is just a call away. We can troubleshoot or send a technician within 24–48 hours.
Finding reliable printer service can be tough and can cost over $100 per hour without a service agreement. This often leads to frustration and financial strain for consumers.
When you work with us, we ensure your printer is properly installed and provide you with direct support whenever issues arise.
Bonus: Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Print Provider Before Purchasing
Cons of Buying from STPT
Xerox-only Printer Catalog
We only sell Xerox printers. If you’re set on another brand, like Ricoh or Canon, we may not be your best match.
Not an Office Supply Store:
We don’t sell general supplies, such as pens or paper. We focus on what we do best, business-class printers and print management.
5 Signs You Are an Ideal Customer for STPT
Pros of Buying from Office Depot
Brand Variety
One of the main pros of buying from Office Depot is that you can choose from many major printer brands, including HP, Epson, Canon, and more.
The wide selection available is one of the key benefits of purchasing from a retail store like Office Depot.
Nationwide Availability
With over 800 stores across the U.S., you can physically walk into a nearby location and look at the items you’re interested in. You can also choose to order online.
One-Stop Shop for Office Supplies
Office Depot is very versatile in terms of the products it sells. You’ll find traditional office supplies (paper, pens, calendars, folders) alongside printers and computers.
Office Depot also provides a wide range of print and copy services, allowing you to essentially pay for printing done at the store.
You can have almost anything printed at Office Depot, including regular document printing, photo printing, marketing materials and large-format printing, to name a few.
Cons of Buying from Office Depot
To close out this section, let’s go over a couple of cons to purchasing a printer from Office Depot:
Limited Printer Support
Retailers like Office Depot focus on selling hardware, not supporting it.
When buying a printer, especially a larger all-in-one model, you’ll almost certainly need support for troubleshooting. Unfortunately, stores like Office Depot and other office suppliers often can’t help much. You’re likely to be directed to manufacturer hotlines for help.
Generalized Sales Staff
Their employees often aren’t specialists in printers, making it harder to get guidance for long-term printing needs or calculating total cost of ownership.
Finding a printer that offers the best return on investment and long-term savings can be challenging at Office Depot. While they excel in various areas of office supplies, their focus isn't on forming long-term partnerships or providing expert advice on office printing equipment. If you're seeking guidance and expertise, you may want to explore other options.
Related: 5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Printer
Total Cost of Ownership: A Crucial Consideration
When it comes to printer cost, don’t just look at the price tag. You need to factor in:
- Initial cash purchase or lease payments
- Cost per page
- Supplies (like toner)
- Service/maintenance
- Energy use
- Security and software compatibility
Vendors like STPT can guide you through this with clarity. Retailers like Office Depot often cannot.
Download Our Free Buyer’s Guide to learn everything you need to know before purchasing or leasing a printer.
Which Is Right for You?
Buy from STPT if:
- You need reliable support and professional guidance
- You want to lease a printer and not deal with maintenance headaches
- You’re looking for a long-term print partner
Buy from Office Depot if:
- You want a basic printer fast
- You’re okay with a DIY setup and minimal support
- You prefer shopping online or in-store for office essentials
Find the Right Printer
The best printer for your business isn’t just about specs; it’s also about who stands behind it.
At STPT, we specialize in helping businesses navigate printer selection with confidence. Whether you're ready to upgrade or just want advice, we're here to help.
Want help choosing your next printer? Use our Intelligent Product Wizard to filter Xerox devices by your needs, or contact us for a personalized consultation.
