What’s the Cost of Color Copies at FedEx? Pricing Breakdown & Money-Saving Tips

Are you trying to figure out how much color copies will cost you at FedEx? Whether you’re printing business materials, school projects, or personal documents, understanding FedEx’s pricing structure can help you budget properly and find ways to save money. This comprehensive guide breaks down the cost of color copies at FedEx and provides practical tips to help you get the most value for your money.

Cost of Color Copies at FedEx

FedEx Office (formerly known as FedEx Kinko’s) offers a range of printing services, including color copies. Based on current pricing information, color copies at FedEx start at approximately $0.49 per page for standard letter-size (8.5″ x 11″) single-sided prints on basic paper. The FedEx website states their printing services start at $0.24 each, though this likely refers to black and white copies rather than color.

Several factors affect the final cost of your color copies at FedEx:

• Paper size: Standard letter size (8.5″ x 11″) is the most affordable, while larger sizes like 11″ x 17″ cost more.
• Paper quality: Basic 20 lb. white paper is the standard option, but premium papers like cardstock or glossy paper increase the price.
• Single vs. double-sided: Double-sided (duplex) printing typically costs less than printing two separate single-sided pages.
• Quantity: FedEx offers volume discounts for large orders, which can significantly reduce the per-page cost for bulk printing jobs.

It’s worth noting that prices can vary slightly between different FedEx Office locations, so calling your local store for the most accurate pricing is recommended.

Color Printing Services

FedEx Office provides comprehensive color printing services beyond basic copies. Their website emphasizes that “Color brings your ideas to life and makes your message memorable,” highlighting their commitment to quality color printing.

Their color printing services include:

1. Document printing: Perfect for reports, presentations, and multi-page documents
2. Marketing materials: Brochures, flyers, and promotional materials
3. Large format printing: Posters, banners, and signage
4. Photo printing: High-quality photo reproduction on premium paper

Each service uses modern digital printing technology to ensure vibrant, accurate colors. FedEx’s professional-grade printers produce sharper images and more consistent colors than most home or office printers, making them ideal for important presentations or client-facing materials.

For complex or specialized printing needs, FedEx Office staff can provide personalized assistance. The company has “team members who are dedicated to helping you” with your printing projects. Their expertise can be particularly valuable if you’re unsure about paper types, finishing options, or file preparation.

Online Printing Services

FedEx offers convenient online printing services that allow you to submit your print jobs without visiting a store. With FedEx Office Print Online, “you can print 24 hours a day. Upload files, select materials, sizes, binding and finishing options, pay online and schedule pick ups.”

The online printing process is straightforward:

1. Visit the FedEx Office website or use their mobile app
2. Upload your document files
3. Select your specifications (paper size, color/black and white, paper type, etc.)
4. Choose delivery or in-store pickup
5. Complete payment

Using the online service offers several advantages:

• Convenience of submitting print jobs anytime, anywhere
• More time to review options without feeling rushed
• Access to the same paper and finishing options available in-store
• The ability to track your order status

While the online service is convenient, be aware that the pricing structure on the website can be “intentionally left vague” with “no pricing indicated throughout,” making it difficult to gauge costs before placing an order. You’ll see the final price only after selecting all your specifications.

Color Copies FedEx

When you need color copies specifically, FedEx Office offers various options to customize your order. At FedEx Office, “you have the choice to create personalized copies of your documents either in black or white and in color.”

Standard color copies are printed on 20 lb. white paper, but you can upgrade to:

• Heavier paper weights (24 lb., 32 lb., etc.) for a more substantial feel
• Colored paper to add visual interest
• Cardstock for sturdier documents
• Glossy or matte finishes for a more professional look

The quality of FedEx color copies is generally excellent, making them suitable for professional business documents, marketing materials, presentation handouts, and educational materials. Their commercial-grade printers produce consistent, vibrant colors that accurately reproduce your digital files.

For those concerned about environmental impact, FedEx Office also offers recycled paper options, though these may come at a slightly higher price point than standard paper.

Fast Color Printing

When you need color prints quickly, FedEx Office is equipped to meet tight deadlines. They understand “that your time is valuable” and offer “in-store copying and printing services and ordering online with in-store pickup.”

Their fast color printing services include:

• Self-service printing stations for immediate needs
• Counter service for assisted printing
• The convenient “Print and Go” service for customers who are “short on time and need a fast service”

For self-service printing, simply bring your files on a USB drive or access them from cloud storage. You can use FedEx’s self-service machines to print immediately. This option is typically faster if you’re printing a small number of pages and don’t need special finishes or binding.

For larger jobs that you still need quickly, counter service is usually more efficient. The staff can help optimize your files and use their high-speed commercial printers to complete your job faster than the self-service options.

Affordable Color Copies

While FedEx’s color copying services are convenient and high-quality, they can be more expensive than some alternatives. However, there are several ways to make FedEx color copies more affordable:

1. Take advantage of volume discounts: FedEx “gives special discounts for large orders” which can help you “spend less on your total color copy needs.”
2. Consider membership programs: FedEx offers rewards programs that can provide savings for regular customers.
3. Compare paper options: Basic paper is significantly less expensive than premium options, so choose higher-quality paper only when necessary.
4. Use double-sided printing: This reduces paper costs and is more environmentally friendly.
5. Prepare your files correctly: Properly formatted files require less intervention from staff, potentially reducing service charges.
6. Time your orders strategically: Some FedEx locations may offer off-peak discounts or promotions during slower business periods.
7. Ask about educational or nonprofit discounts: These may be available but aren’t always advertised.

For those with very large jobs or special requirements, FedEx recommends consulting “with the FedEx Office National Bid Center’s printing experts for a competitive price custom quote.” This service can potentially provide better rates for high-volume or specialized printing needs.

Digital Color Printing

FedEx Office uses advanced digital color printing technology that offers several advantages over traditional offset printing for small to medium print runs. They have “state-of-the-art equipment for large-format color copying, scanning and digital printing.”

Digital color printing benefits include:

• No minimum order requirements: Print exactly the quantity you need
• Quick turnaround times: No plate setup means faster printing
• Consistent quality: Modern digital printers maintain color accuracy throughout the run
• Variable data capability: Personalize each copy with different names, addresses, or other information
• Print-on-demand: Order only what you need now and print more later as needed

Digital printing is particularly cost-effective for smaller quantities (generally fewer than 500 copies), while traditional offset printing becomes more economical for very large runs. For most personal and small business needs, FedEx’s digital printing services offer the best balance of quality, speed, and cost.

The technology also allows for impressive color reproduction, important for branded materials where color accuracy is essential. FedEx’s professional-grade printers can match specific Pantone colors and maintain consistent output across multiple print runs.

Same Day Printing Service

When deadlines are tight and you need your color copies immediately, FedEx Office offers same-day printing services at most locations. According to their website, “depending on quantity, most orders are ready the same day for pick up if ordered before noon CST.”

To use FedEx’s same-day service effectively:

1. Call ahead: Verify that your local store can accommodate your job within your timeframe.
2. Submit files early: For the best chance of same-day completion, submit your files before noon.
3. Prepare files properly: Correctly formatted files in PDF format are less likely to cause delays.
4. Keep it simple: Complex finishing options like custom binding may not be available for same-day service.
5. Consider self-service: For very urgent, simple jobs, using the self-service machines may be faster than waiting for staff to process your order.

Be aware that very large jobs or those requiring special materials may not qualify for same-day service, even if submitted early. Always check with your local FedEx Office to confirm turnaround times for your specific project.

Making Smart Choices for Your Color Copying Needs

Now that you understand FedEx’s color copy pricing and services, here are some final tips to help you make the most cost-effective decisions:

1. Assess your quality needs: For internal documents or drafts, lower-cost options may be sufficient. Save premium paper and finishes for client-facing materials or important presentations.
2. Compare with alternatives: For very large jobs, get quotes from local print shops as well as FedEx to ensure you’re getting the best value.
3. Consider the total cost: Factor in convenience, quality, and time saved when evaluating pricing. Sometimes paying slightly more at FedEx makes sense if it saves you significant time or stress.
4. Develop a relationship: Regular customers often receive better service and may get informal discounts or perks not offered to one-time customers.
5. Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask FedEx staff about ways to reduce costs while achieving your desired results. They may suggest alternatives you haven’t considered.

By understanding FedEx’s pricing structure and services, you can make informed decisions about your color copying needs. Whether you’re printing a few pages for personal use or thousands for your business, knowing your options helps you get the best value while achieving the professional results you need.