FedEx Office (Formerly Kinko's): Your Ultimate Guide To Printing And Shipping Services

For decades, the name "Kinko's" was synonymous with late-night photocopy runs, last-minute school projects, and emergency business presentations. Founded in 1970 near the University of California, Santa Barbara, Kinko's grew from a single college-town copy shop into a nationwide cultural touchstone. In 2004, FedEx acquired the company, eventually rebranding it as FedEx Office.

Despite the formal name change, millions of consumers and business professionals still refer to these locations as "Kinko's." Today, FedEx Office operates as a massive retail network that bridges the gap between digital document management, professional printing, and global logistics. Whether you need to print high-quality marketing materials, ship an urgent package, or access self-service computer workstations, understanding how to navigate the modern FedEx Office ecosystem can save you both time and money.

The Evolution of Kinko's to FedEx Office

The story of Kinko's began with Paul Orfalea, affectionately nicknamed "Kinko" due to his curly hair. Orfalea saw a need for affordable, accessible copying services for college students and local businesses. The business model succeeded because it offered self-service copiers, custom binding, and a community-oriented workspace that was often open 24 hours a day. By the late 1990s, Kinko's had expanded globally, offering internet access, graphic design workstations, and corporate printing accounts.

In 2004, logistics giant FedEx purchased Kinko's for $2.4 billion. This strategic acquisition allowed FedEx to counter its primary rival, UPS, which had recently purchased Mail Boxes Etc. (rebranded as The UPS Store). Initially renamed "FedEx Kinko's," the brand underwent a final transition in 2008 to "FedEx Office." This move fully integrated the printing centers with the courier's world-class shipping network, creating a one-stop shop for business administration and logistics.

Today, the spirit of the original Kinko's lives on inside modern FedEx Office locations. While the physical storefronts have been modernized to feature state-of-the-art digital printing press machinery and streamlined shipping counters, they remain the go-to destination for physical document production in an increasingly digital world.

Core Services Offered at FedEx Office Locations

Modern FedEx Office locations are highly versatile retail centers designed to support remote workers, small businesses, and everyday consumers. The services offered generally fall into three distinct categories: document creation, logistical shipping, and administrative support.

Professional Printing and Document Creation

The core of the classic Kinko's model remains intact through advanced digital printing technology. Customers can walk in or upload files online to print everything from basic black-and-white flyers to complex, multi-page corporate reports.

• Marketing Materials: Business cards, brochures, flyers, postcards, and presentations.
• Large Format Printing: High-impact banners, outdoor signs, architectural blueprints, trade show displays, and photo posters.
• Finishing Services: Professional binding (spiral, comb, coil, and wire-o), laminating, folding, stapling, and custom hole-punching.

Packing and Shipping Solutions

By merging print services with FedEx logistics, these retail locations allow customers to package their freshly printed materials and ship them globally without leaving the building.

• Custom Packing: Certified packing experts can box fragile, bulky, or high-value items using specialized materials to guarantee safe transit.
• Shipping Speeds: Access to FedEx Express (overnight and time-definite delivery), FedEx Ground (cost-effective commercial and residential delivery), and international shipping options.
• Hold at Location: A secure service allowing online shoppers to redirect their incoming packages to a local FedEx Office store to prevent package theft.

Technical and Administrative Services

For those without a dedicated home office, FedEx Office acts as a fully functional, on-demand business center.

• Self-Service Stations: High-speed internet terminals equipped with popular design and editing software, connected directly to heavy-duty laser printers.
• Secure Shredding: In partnership with secure destruction services like Iron Mountain, customers can safely discard sensitive paper documents.
• Passports & Photos: Quick, government-compliant passport photo printing and access to expedited passport renewal services.
• Faxing and Scanning: High-speed scanning to USB drives, cloud storage, or email, alongside traditional domestic and international faxing.

Direct Comparison: FedEx Office vs. Competitors

When choosing where to handle your business services, it helps to understand how FedEx Office compares to other prominent retail shipping and printing providers.

How to Use FedEx Office: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

Navigating your printing and shipping needs at FedEx Office is straightforward, whether you prefer to manage the process online or in person. Follow these steps to ensure a seamless experience.

Step 1: Prepare Your Files

Before submitting a print job, ensure your digital files are formatted correctly. Save your documents as high-resolution PDFs to preserve fonts, margins, and formatting. If you are printing large-format graphics or banners, ensure your images are set to at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to avoid pixelation.

Step 2: Choose Your Submission Method

You can submit your order in three ways:

1. Online Portal: Upload your files directly to the FedEx Office website, customize your paper stock, select binding options, and pay in advance.
2. Mobile App: Use the FedEx mobile app to upload documents directly from your cloud storage accounts (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) and receive a retrieval code.
3. In-Store Walk-In: Bring a USB flash drive containing your files to a physical location and use either the self-service kiosk or speak directly with a team member at the counter.

Step 3: Select Your Specifications

Work with the print specialists to choose the right materials for your project. FedEx Office offers a variety of paper weights, from standard 20 lb copier paper to heavy cardstock, gloss text, and synthetic waterproof papers.

Step 4: Pick Up or Ship

Once your job is complete, you can opt to pick it up at your local storefront, utilize curbside pickup, or have the store ship the completed order directly to your office, hotel, or trade show venue.

Pros and Cons of Using FedEx Office (Kinko's)

Pros

• Seamless Integration: The ability to print, bind, pack, and ship a commercial project all within a single retail footprint is highly efficient.
• Consistent Quality: As corporate-owned stores rather than franchises, FedEx Office locations maintain uniform equipment standards and output quality nationwide.
• Convenience and Access: Many locations offer extended hours, with some major metropolitan hubs operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Advanced Digital Proofing: Their online system provides realistic digital proofs, reducing the likelihood of layout mistakes before printing.

Cons

• Premium Pricing: For basic black-and-white printing or standard shipping, FedEx Office can be more expensive than utilizing USPS or local online bulk printers.
• Potential Wait Times: During peak shipping seasons (such as the winter holidays) or mid-day business rushes, physical counters can experience significant lines.
• Less Specialized Customization: While they excel at standard business needs, they may lack highly specialized artistic printing methods like letterpress, foil stamping, or custom die-cutting found at boutique local print shops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I still find 24-hour Kinko's (FedEx Office) locations?

Yes, though they are less common than they were in the 1990s. FedEx Office still operates select 24-hour locations in major metropolitan areas and near business hubs to accommodate late-night corporate needs. You can use the store locator tool on the FedEx website and filter by "Open 24 Hours" to find one near you.

How do I print documents from my phone at a self-service kiosk?

You can easily print from your phone by emailing your document to printonandgo@fedex.com. You will receive a return email containing a unique 8-digit retrieval code. Walk up to any self-service kiosk at a FedEx Office, enter the code, select your payment method, and your document will print immediately.

What is the difference between FedEx Kinko's and FedEx Office?

They are the same entity at different stages of corporate history. "FedEx Kinko's" was the transitional name used immediately after FedEx acquired Kinko's in 2004. In 2008, the company dropped the "Kinko's" name entirely to brand the stores as "FedEx Office," highlighting their expanded capabilities as modern business service centers.

Does FedEx Office offer passport photo services?

Yes. Most FedEx Office locations offer professional, government-compliant passport photo services. The store associates will take your photo, format it to meet Department of State guidelines, and print two official photos while you wait. Some locations also offer expedited passport renewal applications.

Can I drop off pre-labeled packages at FedEx Office?

Absolutely. If you have a prepaid shipping label from FedEx Express or FedEx Ground (including returns from online retailers), you can drop your package off at any FedEx Office location free of charge. The staff will scan your package and hand you a physical receipt containing your tracking number.

Streamline Your Next Project Today

Whether you are a startup preparing pitch decks for investors or a remote worker needing to ship critical inventory, FedEx Office provides the tools, technology, and logistics required to keep your business moving forward. Stop trying to manage temperamental home printers or running to multiple locations to pack and ship your products.

Find your nearest FedEx Office location today and experience professional-grade printing, custom packing, and global shipping solutions all under one roof.