Staples Shopping Trip - 2/19/12

I shopped at Staples a few weeks ago and took advantage of one of their Free After Rewards items. Well, I was pleasantly surprised when I checked my email this weekend--the rewards were ready to use! I figured it would take much longer to get them since they're only issued quarterly. 

The ad this week had some Free After Easy Rebate items. I asked the cashier to make sure I'd get the full value of the items back if I paid with my rewards. She said I would--I hope she's right! I'll be very disappointed if not. 

Anyway, behold the goodies I bought at Staples today. 

Staedtler Maxum pens 8-pk $5.99
Cost: $5.99, submit for $5.99 Easy Rebate (making this FREE)

Westcott Preferred Scissors $1.00 (regularly $6.49)

Lint Roller $1.00

2 reams Staples copy paper @ $3.79 = $7.58
Cost: $7.58, submit for $7.58 Easy Rebate (making these FREE)

And check out this total!

Total before rewards: $15.57 + tax = $15.78
-$13.40 Rewards from previous purchase
Today’s OOP: $2.17 + tax = $2.38
-$13.57 Easy Rebate
Total OOP: -$11.40 + tax = -$11.19
Savings: $26.97, 171%  

A 171% savings today? Yes, please! I don't usually count rewards as part of my savings at my time of purchase--just when I redeem them. So, I hope I figured that up correctly. Gotta love free stuff!