What FedEx Office does and who uses it

FedEx Office is a retail chain where you can walk in and print, copy, bind, or ship documents the same day. You do not need an account or membership. You bring a file on a USB drive, email it to the store, or use their in-store computers. A staff member helps you choose paper type, color or black-and-white, single or double-sided, and binding options. You pay by the page or by the job, and most orders are ready within hours.

FedEx Office locations are inside or near FedEx shipping centers, but they operate separately from shipping services. You might use FedEx Office to print a resume before a job interview, copy a contract for multiple people to sign, bind a thesis or business proposal, or print large posters or banners. Some people use it for one-time jobs; others use it regularly for small business printing.

The main alternative is a local print shop, which may offer more custom design work but usually costs more and takes longer. Another option is printing at home if you own a printer, though that requires buying a printer and ink upfront. A third option is using a UPS Store or Staples, which offer similar services in different locations.

Key Takeaways

  • FedEx Office charges by the page for copies and prints, with prices varying by paper type, color, and binding; you can call ahead to ask for a quote on large jobs.
  • You can submit files in person on a USB drive, email them to your local store, or upload them through the FedEx Office website before you visit.
  • Most straightforward print jobs are ready the same day, but large orders or custom binding may take one to three business days.
  • FedEx Office also offers binding, laminating, and poster printing, which cost more than plain copies but are useful for formal documents or presentations.

How to submit a file for printing

You have three ways to get your file to FedEx Office. The fastest is to bring it yourself on a USB drive or external hard drive and hand it to the staff member at the counter. They will open it on their computer, show you a preview, and confirm the settings before printing starts. This takes about five minutes and works for most common file types: PDF, Word, PowerPoint, JPEG, and PNG.

The second way is to email your file to your local FedEx Office store. You can find the store's email address on the FedEx Office website by entering your zip code. Send the file with a note saying what you want printed (number of copies, color or black-and-white, paper size, binding). The store will call or email you back with a quote and a time to pick up. This method works well if you are not near a store or want to avoid a trip.

The third way is to upload your file through the FedEx Office website and choose a store for pickup. You enter the number of copies, paper type, and binding options online, and the system shows you the price before you confirm. You then go to the store at the time they give you and pay at the counter. This method is useful if you want to see the price before committing.

Pricing and what affects the cost

FedEx Office charges per page, and the price depends on four things: paper type, color or black-and-white, whether you want single or double-sided, and binding. Black-and-white copies on standard white paper are the cheapest — typically 10 to 25 cents per page, though this varies by location. Color copies cost more, usually 50 cents to $1.50 per page. Cardstock, glossy paper, or specialty paper costs extra.

Binding adds to the total. A straightforward staple is free or costs a few cents. Spiral binding, comb binding, or thermal binding ranges from $1 to $5 per document depending on the thickness. Laminating a page costs $1 to $3. Poster printing (anything larger than 8.5 by 11 inches) is priced by the square foot and can range from $5 to $20 or more for a large format.

The best way to know the exact price for your job is to call your local FedEx Office store with the details: how many pages, what size paper, color or black-and-white, and what binding. They will give you a quote over the phone. For very large jobs (hundreds of pages or more), ask if they offer a volume discount.

Turnaround time and when to expect your order

straightforward print jobs — a few pages, black-and-white, no binding — are usually ready within one to two hours. If you submit the file in the morning, you can pick it up in the afternoon. If you submit it in the afternoon, it may be ready the next morning. The store will tell you a specific time when you submit the order.

Larger jobs or jobs with binding take longer. A 50-page document with spiral binding might take one business day. A poster or a job with custom laminating might take two to three business days. During busy seasons (back-to-school, before holidays), turnaround times can stretch. If you have a important date, mention it when you place the order so the staff can prioritize or let you know if they cannot meet it.

Rush orders are sometimes possible. Call the store and ask if they can print your job faster for an extra fee. Some locations can do this; others cannot, depending on how busy they are. There is no may provide, so do not count on it for a same-day job if you are submitting it late in the day.

File formats and what to do if your file does not work

FedEx Office can print from PDF, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF files. These are the most common formats, and most files you create on a computer will be one of these. If your file is in a different format — like a video file, audio file, or specialized design software — the store may not be able to open it.

Before you go to the store, check that your file opens correctly on your own computer. If it does not open for you, it will not open for FedEx Office either. If you have a file in an unusual format, ask the store whether they can convert it. Some locations have design software and staff who can help; others do not.

If your file is very large (over 100 megabytes), it may be slow to upload or email. In that case, bring it on a USB drive in person. If you are emailing a large file, ask the store first whether they prefer you to use a file-sharing service like Google Drive or Dropbox instead of attaching it directly.

Binding and finishing options

Beyond plain copying, FedEx Office offers several ways to finish a document. Stapling is the cheapest and fastest — the staff can staple a stack of pages in seconds. Spiral binding uses a plastic coil through holes punched in the left margin; it is common for reports and proposals and costs $1 to $3 per document. Comb binding uses a plastic comb instead of a coil and costs about the same.

Thermal binding uses heat to seal pages into a cover and looks more professional; it costs $2 to $5 per document depending on thickness. Laminating seals a page under a thin plastic layer to protect it from water and wear; it costs $1 to $3 per page. Folding can be done by hand for a small fee if you need brochures or tri-fold flyers.

For a formal document like a thesis, business proposal, or legal contract, ask the staff which binding option looks best and fits your budget. For a casual handout or internal memo, stapling is usually fine. The staff can show you samples of each binding type so you can decide before you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print from my phone or laptop at a FedEx Office store?

Yes. Most FedEx Office locations have computers you can use, and you can email your file to the store in advance. Some locations also support printing from your phone via email or a mobile app, but this varies by store. Call ahead to ask what your local store supports.

What if I need my job printed in color but I am not sure what it will look like?

Ask the staff to print a single-page sample first. You can see how it looks, make changes if needed, and then print the full order. There is usually a small charge for the sample page, but it is worth it to avoid printing 100 pages in the wrong color.

Do I need to bring my own paper, or does FedEx Office provide it?

FedEx Office provides the paper. You choose the type and weight when you place the order. If you have a specific paper you want to use, ask the store whether you can bring your own; some locations allow it for an extra handling fee, but this is not standard.

Can FedEx Office print double-sided automatically?

Yes. When you place your order, tell the staff you want double-sided printing (also called duplex). This cuts the number of pages in half and saves money. The staff will set it up on their computer before printing.

What if I need a large poster or banner printed?

FedEx Office can print posters up to 36 inches wide and as long as you need. Bring or email a high-resolution image (at least 150 dots per inch). Poster printing costs more than regular copying — typically $5 to $20 depending on size — and may take one to two business days.