Staples Says Gun Store Can’t Enter Contest

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By Todd Starnes

A small Nebraska gun shop has decided to buy its ink pens and post-it notes somewhere else after they said Staples rejected their entry into a marketing contest because they are in the firearms business.

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Travis Vonseggern and Bill Jackson own Maple Creek Gunsmithing in Fremont, Neb. The store offers gunsmithing, guns, ammo, and firearms training.
They recently entered the Staples PUSH It Forward Contest – hoping to win a $50,000 marketing campaign for their small business. But a few days later, the men received a rejection email:

“We’re sorry, but your small business entry into the Staples PUSH It Forward Contest has been rejected for the following reason(s): Entry contains content that promotes alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, firearms/weapons (or the use of any of the foregoing); promotes any activities that may appear unsafe or dangerous; promotes any particular political agenda or message; is obscene or offensive; or endorses any form of hate or hate group.”

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The email also stated that Staples “reserves the right to reject any entry that they deem is not in accordance with the official rules.”

Jackson said he was shocked that Staples considered their business to be on par with drug dealers and criminals.

“I was blown away,” he told Fox News. “I couldn’t believe what I was reading.”

A Staples spokesperson confirmed to Fox News that they do not allow businesses that deal in firearms from entering the contest.

Jackson said he went from disgusted to angry.

“They lumped us in with criminals,” he said.

Jackson and Vonseggern are Army veterans and Vonseggern was awarded a Purple Heart.

“Everything in our store is patriotic,” Vonseggern said. “For us to be classified as a drug dealer or obscene and offensive is hurtful to our feelings.”

So the store owners decided to post the email they received on Facebook “to let our customers know where (Staples) stands.”

“The company policy clearly states they are not all the way pro-gun,” Vonseggern said. “They’ve got a little lefty in them.”

And the next time they need paper products, the men said they will be shopping at a locally owned store.

Hmm College supplies might have to come from Office Max instead.