Staples The Breakthrough Project FAQ

1. What product categories are eligible for this program? 

Staples Connect buyers are looking to source products and services, targeted towards students in grades K-8, in the following categories: 

• Kids Furniture 
• Organizational Solutions 
• Desk Accessories
• Ergonomics
• Tutoring 
• New Learning Tools & Aides
• Technology
• STEM/STEAM
• Virtual Reality 
• Digital Collaboration

2. I have an idea/concept but have not yet developed a prototype. Am I eligible to submit?

• We ask that applicants only submit their product if they have a prototype available. While we do not require that you provide a physical sample with your initial online submission, we will need a sample later if you are selected to attend a virtual event.

3. When and how am I able to submit my application?

• The submission form for The Breakthrough Project will be launched on July 19th, 2021. It will be open through 4:59 pm EST on August 11th, 2021, at which point the submission period will close.

4. Can I change my application after I submit it? 

• Once your application has been submitted, you cannot make any edits.

5. What information is needed for me to submit?

• Please review the following examples of the information/materials you will be required to provide in connection with your submission, ahead of the September virtual event. Most notably, a video submission is encouraged along with your Product, Brand and Ownership information.
• Product Information
• Description of your product/invention
• Will your product or service help improve a customer's ability to learn? Please explain how?
• Is your product or service innovative? Please explain how and what differentiates it compared to other items in the market?
• What is the most unique feature of your product?
• Suggested "Retail" selling price.
• Cost to manufacture.
• When did your product launch?
• Is the product available in other retailers? If so, where?
• What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for this product?
• Where is your product manufactured?
• What is your production lead time?
• Is the product available to ship immediately? Can you ship your product to arrive in our distribution centers by February 1st, 2022? If not, what is the earliest date? 
• Are you capable of Drop Shipping?
• What is the lead time on Drop Shipping?
• Are you EDI compliant?
• Patent/development status of your product.
• Brand Information
• What is your brand story?
• Who is your target customer?
• Have you submitted your brand to Staples previously?
• What are your brand’s total sales for the last twelve (12) months?
• Is there a social media account (i.e., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) connected to this product/brand? If so, please provide account name(s). How many followers do you have on these accounts? 
• Do you currently work with any influencers? If so, please provide account name(s). 
• Ownership information
• Are you a small business? How many employees do you have?  
• Have you worked with Staples previously?
• Type of Business: Manufacturer, Producer, Service Establishment?
• What is your Tax Identification Number (TIN)?
• What is your Data Universal Numbering System Number (DUNS)?
• What is your company ownership type?
• Are you a direct manufacturer or broker?
• Authorized Person(s) to commit your firm contractually
• Video 
• Besides all the information above, you are encouraged to submit a link to a video highlighting your product. The video should follow these guidelines:

• Length should be 2 minutes or less.
• Introduce yourself and how you are related to the product (e.g., inventor, CEO, brand representative, etc.).
• Give us your best product pitch, highlighting the features and benefits of the product, as if you were selling to our world class Staples Merchants.
• Please note that we require a video link (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, etc.), as opposed to an actual file upload.

• In addition, up to 2 product images should be uploaded with your submission.

6. I want to submit an entire line of products. Do I need to fill out a submission form for each item?

• No, if you are submitting an entire line of like products (for example, a full collection of learning furniture or connected devices, etc.), please submit only one application for the collection and provide collection details in the submission form. 

7. How many samples of my product do I need to supply to Staples?

• During the initial product submission evaluation, Staples will not accept or need product samples. If your product is selected as a finalist and you are required to attend one of the virtual pitch events, we ask that you have a sample(s) of your product ready to send to Staples (exact quantity will be determined by product category).

8. Do you have any tips on completing my product submission? 

• Make sure to complete the submission form fully and accurately. 
• We highly recommend uploading photos of your product and providing a video
• We want to hear all about your story! The inspiration behind your product/company is important and well as why your product is innovative and will help Staples Connect customers. 

9. Can I submit my product via email, fax, or US Mail?

• No, all submissions must be completed electronically through The Breakthrough Project submission form online at www.rangeme.com/staplesconnectbreakthrough2021. 

10. Can I save a partially completed application to edit at a later time?

• Yes, there are options available in RangeMe to save your drafted application and come back at a later time/date to edit before submitting. Please note: While you can save a partially completed application, it must be submitted and approved before the December 9th deadline to be considered.

11. How will I know if my application was successfully submitted?

• You will receive an automated email from RangeMe immediately following your submission confirming receipt of your application. If you do not see the email after you’ve submitted, be sure to check your Spam or Junk folder.

12. How can I check the status of my product submission?

• Due to the high volume of submissions, our team or RangeMe are not able to provide status updates via email or telephone. You will receive an email notifying you whether your product has been selected as a finalist of this search no later than August 18th. 

13. If I am selected as a finalist, what happens next?

• If you are selected as a finalist to attend our virtual event in September, you will receive an email notification by August 18th at which point more details and next steps would be shared. 
• Virtual events will be held the week of September 20th. Please note there is a $300 cost to register for this event. 
• You will need a video capability (webcam, phone) in order to participate virtually.

14. If I have questions, who can I contact?

• You may contact us via email at supplier@rangeme.com with any questions about the submission form. Please note that this inbox is only meant for questions about the submission form; we will not reply to questions about the status of your submission once you have submitted it.

If you have any questions related to The Breakthrough Project and what Staples Connect is looking for please contact us via email at TheBreakthroughProject@Staples.com.