Printing documents is still a big part of our daily lives, even in this digital age. Whether you’re a student printing out an assignment, a business owner creating flyers, or just someone who needs a hard copy of an important email, knowing where to print and how much it costs is really helpful.
UPS, the company known for delivering packages, also offers printing services at many of its stores. In this guide, we’ll talk about how much UPS charges for printing, what affects the price, and how to save some money when you need to print something.
Why is it important to know about UPS printing costs? Well, printing can add up quickly if you’re not careful. By understanding the costs and options, you can make smart choices that save you money and get you the quality you need.
Plus, knowing what UPS offers helps you decide if it’s the right choice for your printing needs compared to other options out there.
UPS Printing Prices 2024
Basic Printing Costs at UPS
Let’s start with the basics. UPS has two main types of printing: black and white, and color. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Print Type | Cost per Page |
|---|---|
| Black and White | $0.13 |
| Color | $0.59 |
Black and White Printing
This is your go-to for most everyday printing needs. At $0.13 per page, it’s good for:
- Text documents
- Simple graphics
- Worksheets
- Basic reports
Color Printing
When you need to make things pop with color, you’ll pay $0.59 per page. This is great for:
- Presentations
- Photos
- Colorful flyers
- Charts and graphs
Important to know: UPS has a minimum charge of $0.50 for any printing job. So even if you’re just printing one black and white page, you’ll still pay $0.50.
These prices are for standard paper (8.5″ x 11″). If you need something different, the price might change a bit.
Factors Affecting UPS Printing Costs
The basic prices are just the start. Several things can change how much you’ll end up paying:
Paper Size and Quality
- Standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper is included in the basic price
- Bigger sizes like 11″ x 17″ usually cost more
- Fancy paper (like thick cardstock or glossy paper) will add to the price
Single-sided vs. Double-sided Printing
- Single-sided is the regular price
- Double-sided might be a little cheaper per page, but it depends on the store
Document Complexity
- Simple text documents are the basic price
- If your document has lots of images or complicated layouts, it might cost more
Bulk Printing Discounts
- Some UPS stores give discounts for big print jobs
- Usually, this kicks in when you’re printing more than 100 pages
- Discounts can be anywhere from 5% to 20% off the regular price
Special Handling
- If your document needs extra work (like resizing or fixing colors), you might pay more
- Converting file types can also add to the cost
Pro Tip: Always ask your local UPS store for a quote before printing. They can give you the most accurate price based on exactly what you need.
Additional Services and Their Costs
UPS doesn’t just do basic printing. They offer some extra services that can be useful:
Binding Options
- Comb binding: Great for reports or presentations
- Spiral binding: Good for notebooks or calendars that need to lay flat
- Stapling: Simple and cheap for multi-page documents
Lamination
- Protects documents from water and wear
- Good for signs, menus, or important papers you use often
Specialty Paper
- Cardstock: For business cards or sturdy flyers
- Glossy paper: Makes photos and color prints look sharp
With the example of UPS, other printing shops can also follow its operating model. In terms of additional services, printing shops can innovate by including Custom Pens as one of their services.
Printing shops can order customized pens with logos in bulk as promotional gifts for high-quality customers. In addition, customers who come to print shops are likely to need pens, and a small service may win favor and reputation.
Here’s a rough idea of what these extras might cost:
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Comb Binding | $3 – $5 per document |
| Spiral Binding | $4 – $6 per document |
| Lamination | $1 – $3 per page |
| Cardstock Printing | $0.25 – $0.50 per page (extra) |
Remember, these prices can vary by store, so it’s always good to check with your local UPS.
Comparing UPS Printing Costs to Other Options
UPS isn’t the only place to print. Let’s see how it stacks up against some other options:
Online Printing Services
- Often cheaper for big jobs
- You have to wait for shipping
- Examples: VistaPrint, Staples Online
Local Print Shops
- Might be cheaper or more expensive than UPS
- Often offer more personalized service
- Good for special projects or rush jobs
Home Printing
- Convenient, but can be expensive for ink
- Good for small, frequent print jobs
- The initial cost of the printer can be high
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Service | B&W Cost/Page | Color Cost/Page | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | $0.13 | $0.59 | Convenient locations, various services | Can be pricey for large jobs |
| Online Services | $0.05 – $0.10 | $0.20 – $0.40 | Cheap for bulk, many options | Shipping time, can’t see product immediately |
| Local Print Shops | Varies | Varies | Personalized service, may offer unique options | Prices and quality can vary a lot |
| Home Printing | $0.05 – $0.10 | $0.15 – $0.25 | Very convenient | High upfront cost, ink can be expensive |
Which is best? It really depends on what you’re printing, how much, and how fast you need it. UPS is great for convenience and when you need things quickly.
Tips for Saving Money on UPS Printing
Nobody likes to spend more than they have to. Here are some ways to keep your printing costs down at UPS:
Prepare Your Documents Properly
- Use black and white when color isn’t necessary
- Check for errors before printing to avoid reprints
- Use smaller fonts or narrower margins to fit more on a page
Choose the Right Paper and Print Options
- Stick with standard paper unless you need something fancy
- Use double-sided printing when possible
- Ask if they have any recycled paper options (sometimes cheaper)
Use Bulk Printing Discounts
- If you have a big job, ask about bulk discounts
- Consider combining several small jobs into one big one
Look for Membership Programs
- Some UPS stores have loyalty programs
- These can give you discounts or earn you points for future purchases
Pro Tip: Always ask if there are any current promotions or discounts. You never know what deals might be available!
UPS Print Locations and Accessibility
UPS makes it pretty easy to print stuff. Here’s how you can use their services:
Finding UPS Stores with Printing Services
- Not all UPS stores do printing, but many do
- Use the UPS store locator on their website to find one near you
- Call ahead to make sure they offer the services you need
Self-Service Printing Kiosks
- Some stores have kiosks where you can print yourself
- Good for simple jobs and can sometimes be cheaper
- You can often print from USB drives or your phone
Online Ordering and In-Store Pickup
- Some UPS stores let you upload documents online
- You can then pick up your prints when they’re ready
- This saves time and ensures your document is ready when you arrive
Accessibility Tip: If you have special printing needs (like large print), call the store ahead of time. They can often accommodate different requirements if they know in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s tackle some common questions about printing at UPS:
- Q: Is there a minimum charge for printing at UPS?
A: Yes, there’s usually a minimum charge of $0.50 per transaction.
- Q: Can I bring my paper to print on?
A: Generally, no. UPS uses their paper to ensure quality and compatibility with their printers.
- Q: What file formats can I print from?
A: Most UPS stores can print from common formats like PDF, DOC, DOCX, JPG, and PNG. If you have a special format, call ahead to check.
- Q: How long does it take to get my prints?
A: For small jobs (under 50 pages), it’s often while you wait. Larger jobs might take a few hours or up to a day, depending on how busy the store is.
- Q: Can I print from my phone or email?
A: Many UPS stores offer this service. You can usually email your document to the store or use their app to send files for printing.
UPS Printing for Businesses
If you run a business, UPS has some special offerings that might interest you:
Business Account Benefits
- Often get slightly lower prices on printing
- Can set up billing accounts for easier payment
- Might get priority on rush jobs
Volume Discounts
- If your business prints a lot, ask about volume discounts
- These can save you a good chunk of change over time
Corporate Printing Solutions
- For bigger businesses, UPS offers custom printing solutions
- This can include things like branded materials, mass mailings, and more
Business Tip: If you’re a regular business customer, build a relationship with your local UPS store. They might be more willing to work with you on pricing or rush jobs.
Also Check: How Much Does Claire’s Charge For Ear Piercing Cost
Source: https://www.ups.com/us/en/the-ups-store/print.page
Conclusion:
Printing at UPS can be a convenient and quality option for many people. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve learned:
- Basic printing costs are $0.13 for black and white and $0.59 for color per page
- Factors like paper type, document complexity, and extra services can affect the price
- UPS offers additional services like binding and lamination
- Compared to other options, UPS is often more expensive but offers convenience and quality
- You can save money by preparing documents well, using discounts, and choosing the right options
- UPS has many locations and offers both in-store and online services
- For businesses, UPS provides special accounts and volume discounts
Final Thoughts: While UPS might not always be the cheapest option, its wide availability and range of services make it a solid choice for many printing needs. Always compare prices and services for big jobs, but for quick, quality prints, UPS is hard to beat.
Remember, the key to getting the best deal is to know what you need, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to shop around. Happy printing!
