Understanding the cost of printing at Staples requires looking beyond the simple price per page. The total price is determined by a combination of factors including the specific printing technology used, the quality of the media, and the complexity of the finishing options you select. For many users, the most common scenario is a quick black and white job, where the cost is relatively low and predictable. However, as soon as you introduce color, specialized paper, or binding, the pricing structure becomes more dynamic. This guide breaks down the variables that affect your final bill so you can anticipate the charge before you submit your job.
Staples Printing Pricing Models
Staples utilizes a tiered pricing model that separates standard copying from premium print services. The baseline charge is typically calculated per page, but this rate changes significantly based on whether you are using a color or monochrome printer. The company often runs promotions offering very low introductory rates for specific products like full-color brochures or photo prints, but the standard walk-up price is generally higher. It is important to distinguish between in-store printing and using Staples Print & Ship, where you send files online and receive the finished product by mail. The convenience of remote printing usually comes with a higher per-page cost due to shipping and handling fees.
Black and White Printing Costs
For basic black and white documents, Staples offers some of the most competitive rates in the retail printing sector. If you are printing a standard letter-sized, single-sided black and white page, the typical cost falls within a specific range that caters to students and small business owners. This price usually covers the toner and the paper, ensuring you are not hit with surprise upcharges when you pick up your order. Many customers find this option ideal for printing drafts of reports or internal memos where high-quality color is unnecessary.
Standard monochrome pages: Generally the most economical option available.
Double-sided printing: Often available at a slight premium, but cost-effective for reducing paper usage.
Receipt paper and basic cardstock: Usually priced similarly to standard copy paper for black and white jobs.
Color Printing Expenses
Color printing represents the largest variable in the pricing equation at Staples. The cost is significantly higher than monochrome due to the complexity of the inks and the technology required to align them precisely. Unlike home printers that use basic ink cartridges, retail Staples locations utilize industrial-grade equipment that requires expensive maintenance and calibration. Consequently, the price per page for color reflects not just the ink, but also the operational overhead of maintaining these sophisticated machines.
Finishing and Binding Fees
The printing cost is only part of the equation; the finishing services you add will significantly increase the total price. Lamination, for example, is a popular option for protecting documents that see frequent handling, such as menus or instructional manuals. While it adds durability, it also adds a substantial flat fee to the job. Similarly, binding options like spiral or comb binding transform a stack of pages into a professional notebook, but this process requires specialized equipment and adds considerable time to the order completion.
Lamination: Adds a protective plastic layer to documents.
Binding: Includes spiral, comb, or stapling options for presentations.
