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Staples AU Online Free $20 Voucher [Issue Resolved]

43610
GAME20

MOD: Please note that users here have reported:
- system issues
- accounts no longer accessible
- user information may be exposed
- being told that, something went wrong with the database yesterday, a lot of information was lost, Staples are working to recover the information, meanwhile new customers are being assigned id numbers that actually belong to customers created just before the big crash and then the new id numbers are hooked up to the old history -> new customers can see other people's data

update:
- some people are now reporting that they can get back into their accounts though they can see other people's accounts
- some people are also reporting that they've received their orders now

update 20 May 2011:
- people are reporting items received
- people can use the code, though it may be better to play 1 round of the game (you don't have to win) and have them email confirmation of the eligibility to you

Link now changed to the link to the game


Shalom guys, this is my 48th post please be nice/nasty - whatever you want.

Potentially get 1TB HDD for $35, or a lot of Lipton Tea, or 5 reams of paper and some pens for free.

Free $20 Staples.com.au voucher when GAME20 is entered at checkout. Orders over $55 will get free delivery via Star Track Express.

Cudos to Breadie for pointing it out on a previous thread.

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closed Comments

  • My account may also has been deleted. I cannot login or reset password. Its said my email is not existing…..
    They are already charged my credit card.

    I'm worry my credit card information is not safe now.

    I will contact my bank to replace my credit card and I hope it's free…

  • +1

    They really need to stop people from being able to make new accounts. This is how they see peoples personal details

  • Absolute Mod: Foul Language, deleted my account even though I paid and they took money from my account.

    • +2

      Read above, chill out, all is well.

  • OMG I created another account for myself now and straight away I get stuff in my cart and Order History!

    Terrible!

    • +1

      i hope Broden doesn't find out about this…

    • Same here. How come?

      • because their database is screwed and they are reissuing customer id's that have existed before…

        it looks like a database table got deleted, but they didn't do a cascading delete and have stuffed up the referential integrity…

        when a new customer signs up and gets a signed a 'new' id that existed before, it automatically links up to the history of the previous customer with that id…

        this would seriously F$%& up their business today as i doubt their regular customers will be happy when they want to place an order…

        • +1

          it looks like a database table got deleted, but they didn't do a cascading delete and have stuffed up the referential integrity…

          I'm sure I've heard almost that exact line on Star Trek…"a cascading failure of the warp core containment field stuffing up structural integrity!" :p

    • +4

      what do you mean by ""manipulated a loophole" ????

      it was a valid coupon code issued to everyone who entered their competition… it was their own marketing that did it…

      • -4

        unfortunately the coupon could be used by anyone, even if they didnt play the game and register first.
        Just a huge oversite on Staples behalf. should have maybe had a cross check or similar.
        I do find it amusing to think about the look on their staff seeing the servers being oz-bargained though. pretty funny.

        anyway my 1Tb drive arrived yesterday, i havent used my coupon yet so maybe after this i wont get the chance either, although i registered.

        • +2

          It's their own issue: why used 1 coupon only? Then it became generic and everyone could use it, no longer a personal privilege.

    • +3

      er…how have we "manipulated a loophole"? There was a coupon and we used it. That there was no minimum spend condition was something they should have sorted out before launching the deal. There may have been some who placed multiple orders, but I suspect they are in the minority

    • +2

      I'm surprised at the number of self-righteous people saying OzB'ers have "manipulated a loophole"…Staples offered a generic discount coupon code, people accepted it, end of story!

      Now, surely if "these guys are big players, not a mom and pop business in the corner shop" then they've been around long enough to know that of course lots of customers are gonna take up an open offer!

      Don't dream for one instant that the size of a business affects their ethics or practices…just ask a few OzB'ers that got screwed over by Dell…also a fairly big player, wouldn't you agree?

      [edit] Judging by the phone call responses however; unlike Dell, Staples just might have some reasonable business ethics! ;)

    • That's right. Chillax guys! Keep it in perspective and avoid the hysteria that some users are propagating.
      Shane gave me a simple and clear explanation when I called up, to the effect of a "server meltdown and/or systemic database problem". Their IT systems couldn't handle the flood of orders they received yesterday but are working to rectify this ASAP.

      • Hey Wolfy, I hope you said in your best Ashton Kutcher 'punk'd' voice: "Yo Staples, y'all been OzBargained…biatches!" :p

  • +3

    Same situation as agentsmithy - read above.

    Rang through to their customer service number and spoke to a representative named Shane. I quoted my order number and they've still got it in their system. I was also advised that the order will be dispatched today. (I processed my order after 3pm yesterday).

    The rep said there have been technical difficulties with their database. In regards to others making new accounts and being able to view details which don't belong to them, they have had this issue during the testing phase. Issues should be rectified later today.

    • +2

      Glad they are aware they are revealing customers private details but not so sure of the level of their concern re: their security/privacy stuff up if they are letting it continue rather than disabling the relevant service.

      "they have had this issue during the testing phase. Issues should be rectified later today"
      err.. shouldn't they be testing somewhere other than their live production system otherwise who knows what other problems/changes could compromise customers accidentally?

      • +1

        I think the representative meant this has occurred before the site went live and they were testing out the system.

        Totally agree on disabling the system whilst this glitch is still an issue.

  • +2

    Got my order of HDD and box of paper just now.

    • Nice :)

      When did you order and did you use the 2 vouchers?

      • 16th. Didn't know abt the $20 then. Have orderd more stuff yesterday, so will see how that goes. Needed copy paper. My account seems intact.

    • nice. Hoping the best for mine. I ordered at round about 12 pm yesterday. I made up a new account to see wat's going on and i can't see anyone else's details but their order. No addresses nothing. The other thing i could see was their shopping list name "jabeer".

  • Just received my HDD

    • Ordered around 1pm yesterday

      • Nice, hopefully Victorians (ie. me) receive today too. :)

      • did you recieve a disaptched email?
        I ordered around 1:40pm. nothing yet.

        • i ordered around midday, and got a dispatch email…

          not delivered as yet…

  • +2

    I think their system is back to normal. I can log into my account and see my order history.

    • Yeah me too :)

      • +2

        Same here. Credits for their effort.

    • Same here. :)

    • same mine is back to normal!

    • Same. Somebody loaded up my basket with $17 worth of Tea :P

      But apparently I've also used the paper coupon too :( Oh well.

      • It was probably Kranbone, he was offering to give everyone a free 'teabagging' back on page 1! ;)

    • I just tried and login was successful.

  • ALSO THE COUPON IS WORKING AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

    • +4

      their in for another day of ozbargain.

      • +1

        Can anticipate that the site would go down again lol.

  • +9

    See Guys I told you there was no reason for negatives yet.

    • +4

      May it be quite a bit over the top?

    • +1

      So are you using different names but the same address?

    • +4

      Staples did their best to honor the order and some guys like you just try to abuse it more? gosh…

      • Wait does the $20 cover the cost of P&H?

        • no. He would need to pay $5.50 to get $20 worth of post it notes.

          Seems pointless to me.

  • +1

    I called customer service (1-800 STAPLES) half an hour ago … they said a message was about to go up on the site and the site about to go down - with a message on the site to that effect - and they would call me back when its fixed.

    However there is still no message on the site.

    They said that a server had gone down when 'thousands of people were trying to order the same item' and IDs and orders got mixed up and not to worry that the orders were going to be processed!

    • I rang about ten mins ago because I was looking at the personal details of the man who's mother's maiden name is "desouza" waves, say hi to your mum for me. The rep said sales database is separate from customer database so I won't be able to see their credit card details or "probably not" (his words, not mine!) be able to order using their account. They said the tech guys should be shutting it all down in 5 mins holding my breath.

      • mum says hi back

  • Just received my HDD and paper in Victoria, ordered at 12:15 yesterday. :)

  • My order history is still there, looks OK, weird that I have 2 random items in my cart that I never put there. They should explain what has happened once they fix it completely.

    • +1

      How do you know they are random?

    • that is the "other" persons items.

      I still have the "other" persons items in my cart but all my details are back

  • +9

    Haha, someone put 12 sharpies, 1 binder book, and 3 boxes of Nescafe "Carmel" Sticks in my cart.
    Must have been MacGyver.

  • +1

    They have fixed it!

  • Cool - all seems fixed

  • i received the dispatch emails for my orders.

  • +2

    Got this:
    Hi,

    Just a quick note to let you know that your credit card payment for the order placed by XXXX XXXX for the amount of $35.49 has been accepted for

    Your Order No: XXXXXXXX16
    Our Order No: EW*OXXXXXXX
    Transaction Date: 18/05/2011

    Your order has been despatched and should be with you soon.

    Ozbargainers, you are a hasty bunch

    • I received the same just recently.

    • Just got the same message too. Yay, HDD arriving tomorrow hopefully!

    • seriously, did they actually put that last line in the email?

      edit: It's "hasty", I thought they said "nasty", lol

  • Argh, can't get to the payment page, after the 'your information' page I get: "Oops! There seems to be a technical problem on this page, please click www.staples.com.au to return to the home page." :(

  • +2

    Got my HDD and Paper box, I still have no idea why I bought 2500 paper :D
    EDIT: I'm in Sydney.

  • +3

    Just got my confirmation email saying my CC has been charged and my order has been dispatched :)

  • What time did you order yesterday?(to those who got despatch)

    • done myn just a few mins past 3pm

    • 12:15pm and received today at around 12:30pm.

    • ordered just before 3pm :)

  • $20 off = Up to 75% off as you will need pay $5 at least.

  • +7

    Staples rep'd - hope they take over officeworks now. God I hate officeworks - overpriced and every time I try to price match they'd weasel their way out and I'm not bothered to waste my time chasing them.

    I just ordered $110 discounted to $80 free shipping included.

    Finally a decent competitor has arrived. Hail the new king.

  • +2

    Got confirmation of dispatch so all good I hope. Ordered about 2 pm yesterday. Haven't tried to login yet.

  • +1

    yep, i just got confo indicating card charged and ready for dispatch, perhaps they've changed their minds and will be honouring the orders…

    • +4

      They never said they weren't going to honour the orders.

  • +1

    account got back in and order is still there, ordered past 3pm hopefully delivered tomorrow

  • +10

    My account is back too. Definitely good work by Staples, I think many people can revoke their neg's now.

    • +2

      All Good Now!!! I agree with Adamiam.

      Just completed my first order and it was processed with the $20 discount.

      Excellent recovery Staples - and those delivery times look impressive too.

      +1 now.

  • HD just arrived safe and sound. Ordered 11am yesterday.

  • hmm i ordered a HDD at 1ish yesterday and haven't got confirmation about dispatch yet

    • Same, but just think home many orders they had! :-)

    • maybe in the junk mail folder…

  • +2

    Ordered HDD yesterday around 4:20pm. Received email confirming item has been dispatched today at 1:22pm. Should have it by tomorrow. Very happy! Thanks OP

    • i ordered mine at around 4.30 yesterday. Still no email regarding dispatch :(

      Edit: YAY! It's on it's way

  • +1

    Just received my HD… :P

    ordered around midday yesterday… delivered in Melbourne CBD…

  • +4

    Looks like Online companies can go for User Testing of their sites by placing a deal of this nature in OzBargain and rest will be taken care of!

    • +4

      cheap at half the price

      I was musing if ozbargain is an electronic version of a "flash mob"

      • lol

  • I ordered at 2pm yesterday and just got dispatch confirmation.

  • Your order has been despatched and should be with you soon.

    My 2 Milo tins for 5 bux are actually coming. A-mazing.

  • working for me now :)
    got some letratag $7.50 which is cheaper than in stores x

  • Did anybody test the Verabtim drive?
    does it look good?
    is it loud?
    and whats the drive inside?

    • does it look good?

      the box is nice…

      • the box will be nice.
        when it arrives.

      • I can sell you my empty box when it arrives for $4.98 if you really like it.

    • it was quiet when i transferred one initial file and played it on my pvr.
      got a lot lounder when i tried to transfer multiple files.

    • I have one from the 49.99 deal, it's a samsung f2 spinpoint 1TB, it's a 5400RPM desktop drive [eco i think].
      It looks fine.. it's not loud but it's HUGE (well it is a desktop 1TB drive)

  • +1

    ordered yesterday around 1 pm,. got e-mail regarding card been charged despatched update. awesome price for 1TB!! my 1st external HDD yet the cheapest! much cheaper than hour by hour sale from COTD which server keep crashed!! This one is much much much better. thanks OP for the voucher code. +++++++++++++ votes!

  • Is there any chance that credit card information was shown to new customers?

  • Hi,

    Just a quick note to let you know that your credit card payment for the order placed by **** **** for the amount of $2.40 has been accepted for

    Your Order No: ****
    Our Order No: ****
    Transaction Date: 18/05/2011

    Your order has been despatched and should be with you soon.

    Here's the thing… my order wasn't $2.40…

    My order history shows the correct price ($6.35 total inc. GST), they charged $6.35 to my credit card even…

  • +1

    Well, if they are being dodgy, at least enough of us here for a least one person to go do something and take action about it :)

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