Kinko’s Printing (Now FedEx Office)

If you’re looking for the reliable, quick-turnaround printing and copying services you remember from Kinko’s, you’ve come to the right place. While the familiar Kinko’s name is a part of history, its spirit and comprehensive service offerings live on under the name FedEx Office.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to leverage their wide array of printing, document, and business services.

1. The Legacy of Kinko’s: Understanding the Brand Change

The first and most important piece of information for any returning customer is the brand transformation.

Kinko’s is Now FedEx Office: Clarifying the Current Name and Services

Kinko’s was founded in 1970 and became synonymous with late-night copying, binding, and professional document production. In 2004, the company was fully acquired by FedEx, and in 2008, it was completely rebranded as FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers.

What Stayed the Same (The Core Print Services) and What Changed

Aspect	Status Under FedEx Office
Core Printing & Copying	Unchanged. The primary services (B&W, color, self-service copying) are still the backbone of every location.
24/7 Availability	Modified. While many locations are not 24/7, FedEx Office maintains late hours and provides access to printing equipment outside of typical business hours in many major city locations.
Document Finishing	Enhanced. Professional services like binding, laminating, and mounting are still fully available and often more streamlined.
Shipping & Logistics	Added. The biggest change is the integration of FedEx shipping, packing, and logistics services into every center.

2. Comprehensive Printing and Document Services

FedEx Office offers solutions for almost every printing need, from a single handout to a large-scale marketing campaign.

Standard Printing and Copying (Digital & Hard Copy)

This category covers everyday business and academic needs:

Black and White vs. Color Prints: Available for both self-service and full-service jobs. Self-service is typically cheaper but limited to basic paper stock.
Paper Stock Options (Weight, Finish, Size):
- Weight: Standard 20 lb, 24 lb, or thicker cardstock (up to 120 lb cover).
- Finish: Matte, glossy, semi-gloss, and various specialty papers.
- Size: Standard Letter (8.5×11), Legal (8.5×14), Tabloid (11×17).

Large Format and Specialty Printing

For presentations, events, or architectural needs:

Banners, Posters, and Signage: Ideal for trade shows, retail window displays, and outdoor advertising. Options include vinyl, foam board mounting, and weather-resistant materials.
Blueprints and Architectural Prints: Rapid printing of detailed CAD files and construction plans, often available in large, non-standard sizes.

Marketing and Business Materials

Business Cards, Flyers, Brochures, and Postcards: High-quality printing with professional cutting and scoring. Design templates are often available online to simplify the process.

3. How to Place Your Print Order (3 Easy Methods)

FedEx Office is designed to accommodate various levels of expertise and time constraints.

Method 1: Online Ordering and Pickup/Delivery

This method is best for larger jobs, specialty prints, and guaranteed turnaround times.

Access the Portal: Go to the FedEx Office website and navigate to the “Print” section.
Upload Files: Upload your PDF or other supported file type.
Specify Options: Select paper type, size, binding, and quantity. The system will calculate the cost.
Select Fulfillment: Choose to pick up the order at any FedEx Office location nationwide or have it delivered to your home or office via FedEx shipping.

Method 2: In-Store Self-Service Stations

Perfect for quick, small, and simple jobs like making copies or printing a few pages.

Self-Serve Checklist:

Bring your files: Save them to a USB drive or a cloud service (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.).
Scan your card: Use the dedicated machine to scan your credit card, which will activate the station (charges occur upon printing).
Print and Go: The screen will guide you through selecting paper and quantity. Print your job and receive an itemized receipt.

Method 3: Full-Service Counter Assistance

Use this when your job is complex, requires custom materials, or needs professional finishing (e.g., binding, laminating). A team member will consult with you on design, provide proofs, and manage the entire production process.

4. Professional Finishing and Binding Services

The finishing services are what truly elevate a basic document to a professional report, manual, or presentation.

Binding Options:
- Coil/Spiral Binding: Durable plastic coils, allowing pages to lay completely flat. Ideal for manuals and notebooks.
- Comb Binding: Plastic spines that can be reopened to add or remove pages.
- Perfect Binding: A clean, professional look where pages are glued to a spine, similar to a paperback book.
- Velo Binding: Thin plastic strips secured with heat, offering a tamper-resistant binding for legal or financial reports.
Lamination and Mounting: Clear plastic coating for durability and protection, available in various thicknesses. Mounting services secure prints to rigid foam core or presentation board for displays.
Cutting, Folding, and Drilling Services: Precision cutting for custom sizing, folding for brochures, and three-hole drilling for binders.
Creating Custom Tabs and Dividers for Reports: Essential for organizing large reports or training manuals, with customizable text and color options.

5. Pricing, Turnaround Time, and Getting the Best Value

Understanding the fee structure can help you manage your budget effectively.

Understanding the Cost Difference: Self-Serve vs. Full-Service

Print Method	Typical Cost	Notes
Self-Service	Lowest	Priced per page. Best for basic B&W/Color prints on standard paper.
Online/Full-Service	Higher	Includes labor, professional quality control, access to specialty papers and custom sizes. Mandatory for binding/finishing.

Tips for Reducing Your Print Costs

Use B&W for Drafts: Only print necessary final pages in color.
Choose Standard Paper: Specialty paper and cardstock significantly increase the price.
Volume Discounts: Always inquire about volume discounts for large orders. The cost per unit drops significantly once you pass certain thresholds (e.g., 500 or 1,000 copies).
Prepare Files: Submit high-quality, print-ready PDFs to avoid counter charges for file conversion or formatting edits.

How to Get a Quote for Large or Custom Orders

For any job involving binding, custom size, or high volume, always get a formal quote. You can request a quote directly through the FedEx Office website or by emailing a team member at a local center. This locks in your price and confirms the turnaround time.

6. Beyond Printing: Other FedEx Office Services

Leveraging the full range of services can make FedEx Office your single hub for all business logistics.

Packing and Shipping Services (The FedEx Advantage): Since Kinko’s merged with FedEx, every location is a full-service shipping center. You can drop off pre-labeled packages or use their staff to professionally pack fragile or high-value items.
Mailbox and Virtual Address Services: Rent a physical mailbox (providing a professional street address rather than a P.O. Box) or a virtual mailbox service for digital mail management.
Office Supplies and Technology Rental: Locations typically carry a small selection of essential office supplies (pens, tape, envelopes). You can also rent time on their in-store computers for internet access, design work, and software use.

7. Conclusion: Your Go-To Resource for Business and Personal Printing Needs

FedEx Office successfully carries on the legacy of Kinko’s by providing accessible, comprehensive printing and business services with the added benefit of global shipping logistics. Whether you are a student needing a few copies, a small business printing marketing materials, or an architect needing large-format plans, FedEx Office remains a reliable, high-quality resource for quick and professional results.

Takeaway:

Kinko’s is FedEx Office. Always look for the FedEx Office Print & Ship Center sign.
For small, simple jobs, use the Self-Service stations with a USB drive for the lowest cost.
For professional reports, use the Online Portal and select Finishing Services (like Coil or Perfect Binding) to elevate your documents.
Always inquire about volume discounts for large orders to maximize savings.

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