Staples refuses to print my PDFs....

[Nonlethal Force]

I have pretty much the exact opposite feelings, Staples is acting very poorly. If they place paranoia over not getting sued as a higher priority than good customer service, I'll take my business elsewhere.

It isn't staples "job" to make people happy. It helps, and that ensures return customers. It is staples "job" as a business to make sure that laws are upheld - especially if you are in the 'duplication' business as are kinkos and staples. Sure, they are preventing themselves from being sued. But in a way, that is good sound customer service policy. Who do you think is going to pay for legal suits? The future customers, that's who! By being "annoying" and "following the rules" they are ensuring that they are keeping their costs down to a minimum.

Now, it looks clear that purchasing .pdf's to download and have commercially printed isn't what they had in mind with this policy. Companies that sell .pdf downloads need to contact Staples and let them know how their policy is interfering with their sales, and how a form like they are asking for isn't practical to be faxed around for every customer that wants to take their product to be printed (and since that's the whole idea of the product, that means all of their customers are going to need printing, and a lot are going to be looking at commercial printing).

See, I think this is the equivalent to making the left turns to eventually go right. It works, but it is certainly the long way to go around.

Let's face it. The problem is not correctly solved by yelling at staples or kinkos and telling them to change their policy. That may be the easiest solution, but I've long found out that in life "easiest" seldom equates to "best" and especially seldom equates to "most thorough and effective." If we want a thorough and effective solution, I put it to the publishers of pdf files to do as JVisgaitis and CMG have suggested. Simply put on the title page of the document that 'duplication' companies (like Kinkos and Staples) have permission to print one copy for a customer who comes in with proof of purchase for the document.

That's the effective solution. Getting mad at Staples and taking your business elsewhere is simply an understandable gut level response. But the effective solution ultimately lies in telling pdf producing companies about the policies of others and asking them to make permission public and documented. I'm sure that pdf companies who want to make their products continue with good sales will consider this - as demonstrated above by CMG and JVisgaitis.

As annoying as it may be, there is no fault to be held by Staples. Now, they are responsible for telling costomers about their policies in a nice manner, but policy is policy. And I can't blame them for that one.

 

[jdrakeh]

As annoying as it may be, there is no fault to be held by Staples.

Well, you'd be wrong in some cases, as many PDF files include a 'permission slip' as it were. Kinkos routinely refuses to print any and all PDF files, even those with permissions for printing incorporated into the file. It has to do with the aforementioned lawsuit, but the policy is still flawed (especially when you know why that suit actually came about). I'm not certain about Staples, but I suppose that the policy is similar -- no PDF printing, even with permissions incorporated into the text of the file (I've had Staples refuse to print copies of PDFs that I authored, for the record).

 

[bento]

Well, you'd be wrong in some cases, as many PDF files include a 'permission slip' as it were. Kinkos routinely refuses to print any and all PDF files, even those with permissions for printing incorporated into the file. It has to do with the aforementioned lawsuit, but the policy is still flawed (especially when you know why that suit actually came about). I'm not certain about Staples, but I suppose that the policy is similar -- no PDF printing, even with permissions incorporated into the text of the file (I've had Staples refuse to print copies of PDFs that I authored, for the record).

That's why I go to the "self-help" PC that's set up at Kinko's and stick in my credit card to print my pdfs. Usually this is only to print the document covers in color though, as I took last year's tax refund and invested in my own laser printer.

 

[jdrakeh]

That's why I go to the "self-help" PC that's set up at Kinko's and stick in my credit card to print my pdfs. Usually this is only to print the document covers in color though, as I took last year's tax refund and invested in my own laser printer.

Yeah, I knew (and gamed with) a Kinko's manager in Topeka, so that wasn't an issue that I ran into there. Here, I know the manager of a locally owned chain that beats Kinko's and Staples for prices. I can typically submit a file for printing via their web interface and have it ready for pick up on the same day.

 

[JVisgaitis]

It isn't staples "job" to make people happy.

Well, if a company likes to be in business it should be their job. Whatever happened to good ole customer service and the customer is always right?

By being "annoying" and "following the rules" they are ensuring that they are keeping their costs down to a minimum.

I see where you're going with this, but who's interests do you think they are looking out for? If you say its their customers, you have a lot to learn about life and how big corporations work.

The problem is not correctly solved by yelling at staples or kinkos and telling them to change their policy.

No customer service representative should ever be yelled at. They don't make the policy and I hate seeing people like that get abused. Its a huge peeve of mine.

If we want a thorough and effective solution, I put it to the publishers of pdf files to do as JVisgaitis and CMG have suggested. Simply put on the title page of the document that 'duplication' companies (like Kinkos and Staples) have permission to print one copy for a customer who comes in with proof of purchase for the document.

Personally, I wonder what would happen if I would take a PDF into Staples that was my own copyright or that did have a notice that said one copy can be made for personal use. I think they'd say the same thing. We'll see, cuz I'm really curious. I'll let you all know what happens.

 

[Graybeard]

I work at Staples and feel compelled to put in my 2 cents. As for the copywrite policy, it applies to newspaper articles, school photos, etc. Anything really old (say 75+ yrs old) we don't worry too much about the copywrite. Newspaper articles we have no problems getting permission to copy those. It's a simple phone call. PDFs I have never encountered anyone wishing us to print them. However, if there was indeed a premission line in the file such as the one used on character sheets in RPGs, we would be happy to print a copy for the customer. I don't know if the PDFs to be printed had that or not. If they did and the staff simply didn't look, then they are at fault. Otherwise, they are doing their job and could face serious disciplinary action if they ignored the copywrite policy. You could always hope you run into a gamer at your local Staples or other copy shop who understands about downloaded PDF files.

 

[Karlson_the_red]

I too work at a Staples, and I have to say, it is the policy. Basically, if there is a question about it, we don't print it, simply because other chains/organizations have gotten their pants sued off for reproducing pirated materials.

Most customer PDF's I have encountered are easily told from the more professional. Some PDf's have the line "Can be reproduced for personal use..." as well.

If you brought in a reciept for the digital download, I would have run it with no issues.

As it stands, the copyright laws are still way behind the digital age...

I am sorry you had such an issue, but as it stands, its the law and Staples is just protecting itself.

Karlson

 

[nedleeds]

Get a PDF editor and slap a graphic with "CAN BE REPRODUCED AS OFTEN AS NEEDED FOR PERSONAL GAIN" on the front cover.

 

[Psion]

Besides, it isn't like getting a receipt and printing it out is all that hard. As Bento said, it isn't that hard. If they still refuse, perhaps you should contact the publisher rather than getting mad at Staples who are just doing their job?

The cashier is doing their job.

The company is being needlessly paranoid.

It's their right to protect themselves. But in the end, their job is to provide the customer with a fair service. And customers who don't see that service rendered should take their money elsewhere.

 

[Korgoth]

It seems my paranoia about paying for PDF products is justified after all.

I don't want to pay for nothing... or pay for something that requires intermediaries to access. If I buy a printed item, it's mine and I can always know where it is and access it as I please.