Understanding the cost to print in color at Staples requires looking at the specific service you need, as the company offers several distinct options. Whether you are submitting a business presentation, a child’s school project, or a portfolio of professional photography, the pricing model is not a simple flat rate. The total price is determined by a combination of paper quality, finishing options, and the sheer volume of pages you intend to produce.
Breaking Down the Cost of Color Printing
At the core of the pricing structure is the per-page rate, which varies significantly based on the service level you select. For standard copy center services, color copies typically range from $0.50 to $0.90 per sheet. This category generally covers basic text and graphic documents on standard 20 lb copy paper. If you require premium paper stocks, such as cardstock or premium photo paper, the cost per page will increase to reflect the material quality.
Print and Ship vs. In-Store Pickup
One of the largest factors influencing the final price is whether you choose to have your order shipped to your home or office or pick it up in person. Using the Print and Ship service adds a base fee of approximately $7.99 to your order, regardless of the number of pages. While this option is convenient for large jobs that you cannot carry, selecting in-store pickup can save you this surcharge and often allows you to access slightly lower per-page rates.
Service Type | Cost Per Page | Additional Fees
Standard Color Copy | $0.50 - $0.90 | None for in-store
Premium/Large Format | $1.00 - $2.00+ | Material Surcharge
Print and Ship | Standard Rate | $7.99 Flat Fee
The Impact of Paper and Finishing
Once you move beyond basic copies, the cost begins to reflect the quality of the output. Upgrading to premium paper, such as a heavy cardstock for business cards or a glossy photo paper for images, adds a significant markup. Furthermore, finishing options like lamination, binding, or stapling are not included in the base per-page price and are calculated separately based on the size and type of binding required.
Leveraging Rewards and Sales
Savvy consumers can significantly reduce the cost to print in color at Staples by utilizing the rewards program. Members of the Staples Rewards program often receive a base rate of $0.39 per color copy on standard paper. Additionally, the company frequently runs weekly sales that offer free printing on specific days or discounts on print credits, which can be applied to large jobs to minimize the overall expense.
Comparing Large Volume Jobs
For businesses or individuals printing more than a hundred pages, the pricing structure often shifts. While the per-page rate might remain the same, the threshold for qualifying for bulk discounts or free shipping tiers changes. It is generally more cost-effective to consolidate multiple small jobs into one large print run to avoid paying multiple shipping fees or setup charges.
Because variables like page count, paper weight, and shipping distance affect the final invoice, the only way to know the exact cost is to use the Staples online calculator or visit a local store. You will need to input the quantity of pages, the specific paper type, and whether you require additional assembly to get an accurate figure for your project.
