Staples Kinkos: Low-Cost Print & Copy Services

When it comes to print services, two giants stand out in the sphere of retail office services: Staples and FedEx Office (formerly Kinko's). Both have carved a niche for themselves in the market, offering a wide range of services. However, each has its unique characteristics that cater to different customer needs. Today, we delve into the intriguing world of Staples and its services, comparing them against the legacy of Kinko's to help you make an informed decision.

Staples, a name synonymous with office supplies and services, has been a significant player in the market since its inception in 1986. It offers an extensive range of services, from printing and copying to document finishing and marketing services. Meanwhile, FedEx Office, which acquired Kinko's in 2004, maintains the high-quality, bulk, and quick printing services that Kinko's was renowned for. Let's explore Staples' services, their unique selling points, and how they compare to FedEx Office.

Staples' Core Services

The core of Staples' print services revolves around four main categories: Printing, Document Finishing, Marketing Services, and Packaging Services. Let's peek into the details of each:

Printing Services

Staples provides a comprehensive range of printing services, from black and white to full-color printing. They offer various paper sizes, binding options, and innovative finishing techniques. Plus, their online ordering system allows customers to upload documents and track orders. What sets Staples apart, however, is its Studium Print platform, designed specifically for the educational market, offering affordable printing solutions for schools, universities, and students.

Staples also supports eco-friendly practices, offering recycled paper options and green printing services, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This approach resonates with environmentally conscious customers looking for responsible printing solutions.

Document Finishing Services

Beyond plain prints, Staples offers a spectrum of document finishing services. They include binding, laminating, shrink-wrapping, and professional presentation cartridge assembly. Moreover, their guillotine trimming service ensures clean, precise cuts for perfect edges on your prints. These services are ideal for presenting professional reports, business proposals, or marketing materials.

Beyond Basic Services

Staples doesn't stop at standard printing and copying services. They dive into more specialized waters, offering services that your typical Kinko's store might not:

Marketing Services

Staples presents a suite of marketing services, delighting small businesses and entrepreneurs. They offer brand design services, promotional products, and mailing services tailored to reach customers effectively. Their 'Easy System for Marketing' (ESM) program provides both strategy and execution, guiding businesses through the complex landscape of marketing.

Staples also offers marketing analytics and reporting. By integrating with Google Analytics, they provide insights to help businesses make data-driven marketing decisions. This service is particularly beneficial for those seeking to optimize their marketing efforts.

Packaging Services

Moving away from the traditional, Staples presents packaging services for small businesses and startups. They offer bespoke packaging design, custom boxes, tape, and packaging supplies. With a keen eye on sustainability, they also provide biodegradable and recyclable packaging options.

Staples' packaging services extend to on-demand packaging solutions. Customers can order custom packaging as and when needed, ensuring they always have what they require but never more than necessary. This flexibility is particularly attractive to businesses experiencing growth or fluctuating demand.

To summarize, Staples' print services are a compelling offering, combining the convenience and accessibility of a retail office supply store with advanced, specialized services typically found in professional print shops. From eco-friendly printing to marketing analytics, and from print finishing to packaging, Staples caters to an expansive range of customer needs.

While FedEx Office (formerly Kinko's) still offers competitive solutions, particularly in quick, bulk printing, Staples' focus on sustainability, technology integration, and specialized services gives it an edge in the modern, digitally connected business landscape. So, the next time you're looking for office supplies, printing, or packaging services, remember that Staples is more than just a place to buy ink and paper - it's a comprehensive, digital-age service provider.