Keeping electronic copies of documents is the norm these days. But sometimes, you need to make physical copies of documents. When you do, it’s nice to know where to get copies for cheap or for free.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of stores and other places you can go to get copies made. Some recommendations are free, while others you need to pay for, but all provide ways for you to get copies nearby.

Where to Get Free Photocopies

If you have a small photocopy or printing job, you may be able to get it done for free. Here are some potential places to check before heading to your local Staples or Office Depot.

1. Check With Family and Friends

If you only need a few copies, check with family members or friends to see if they have a copier you can use. 

Most people don’t mind sharing their printers on occasion. That being said, printer ink can be expensive. So if it happens that you need a lot of copies, you could offer something in return or pay them a small fee to compensate them for the ink you use.

2. Make Copies at Work

Most workplaces have printers or copiers available for use, and you may be able to use the copier when needed. However, not all employers will allow employees to make personal copies using work equipment.

Check with your boss to see if it’s okay for you to use the office copier for smaller printing jobs. You can ask about larger copying jobs as well but be prepared that your boss may disapprove of this. But it never hurts to ask.

3. Your College or University

Are you currently attending a local college or university? If so, check with your student office or the administrative office and see if they have a copier you can use. Most colleges, universities, and tech schools will allow current students to use the office copy machine to make copies. 

Related Post: 100 Best Freebies & Discounts for College Students

4. At a Hotel

Nearly all hotels have copy machines and are willing to make copies for those who ask. However, the caveat is that you have to be a guest at the hotel. If you’re on the road and staying at a hotel, ask the front desk clerk if they would make your copies for you. 

Where to Make Copies Near Me for Cheap

The following businesses may offer copy-making as a courtesy since it’s not an essential part of the business. If they do charge for the service, it may be at a lower rate than you would pay at a retail store.

5. The Local Post Office

You may be able to get copies at your local post office. Ask the post office clerk if they have a copier for public use and, if so, how much they charge per copy.

Note that not all post offices offer this service and that the USPS website doesn’t advertise this service, so you may want to call ahead. Conversely, you can simply ask the clerk the next time you stop at your local post office.  

6. Your Bank or Credit Union

Local banks and credit unions are often happy to make copies for existing customers. Sometimes they’ll charge you, and sometimes they won’t, depending on the bank or credit union. 

In my experience, smaller local financial institutions are likelier to make copies for customers at cheap and reasonable prices. Bigger banks may offer to make copies for you, but you may end up paying more than you would have to at a retailer that offers copies as a part of their business. 

Related Post: Best Bank Account Bonuses & Promotions

7. The Library

Your local library may also offer to make copies for you for cheap. Visit the checkout desk at your library and ask. As with other options mentioned here, your library attendant may be more likely to give you free or cheap copies if you have a library card and visit the library on a regular basis. 

Some libraries advertise copying services, but others don’t, and you may need to ask. 

Chain Stores That Make Copies for Cheap

The following popular retail stores provide copies as a service to paying customers. You likely have one or more of these retail stores near you. 

8. Office Depot or OfficeMax

Office Depot (also known as OfficeMax) has over 900 locations in the United States. You can get your copies the same day if you order early enough.

If you order online, you can pick up your copies, get curbside delivery, or have your copies shipped to you. There are various printing options and paper options available in a wide array of colors and finishes.

Folding, binding, and stapling are also available.   

9. Staples

The Staples office store chain was founded in 1986 and currently has nearly 1,000 store locations. 

You can get same-day pick-up for your copies if you order before 2 p.m. Delivery is an option too, and delivery is free for orders over $59.99.

Staples offers discounts on orders over $150 and the usual variety of printing options in different paper colors, finishes, and options for binding, folding, stapling, etc. 

10. CVS Pharmacy

Some CVS Pharmacy locations will offer copy-making for customers. Most of the time, the CVS location will offer copies if they offer photo printing services. 

Only about a third of CVS Pharmacy’s nearly 10,000 U.S. locations offer copy services, so you’ll want to call your local CVS Pharmacy and ask before you head out the door. 

Expect standard copy prices and a limited amount of “extra” options when getting copies at a pharmacy. Most aren’t set up for specialty jobs like an office store would be. 

11. Walgreens

Walgreens has nearly 9,000 store locations in the U.S. Many Walgreens locations offer photo and document printing. 

You can get business documents and bound manuals printed, as well as other types of copies. Since not all Walgreens locations offer printing, whether it’s photo printing or document copying, you’ll want to check with your nearest location for details.

Note that at stores where copying is available, you may be able to get free same-day pickup.  

12. UPS Store

The UPS store is a subsidiary of the well-known UPS delivery service. There are over 3,000 UPS store locations. You can place an order in the office or online.

UPS Store locations can print everything from single, black-and-white copies to catalogs and more. The company even offers 3D printing.

Check your local UPS Store to learn about discounts, deals, same-day printing, and more. You can get discounts on printing at UPS if you belong to AAA or AARP as well.  

13. FedEx Office

FedEx Office also offers both in-store printing and online orders. There are over 2,000 FedEx Office locations. You can print using their self-service station or order full-service printing at a FedEx Office. The store locations also offer computer use for those needing printing and have a Bid center to help you find the best prices on large printing jobs. 

14. H-E-B

The H-E-B supermarket chain has over 400 locations, primarily in the Texas area. The chain offers printing, copying, and fax services as well as many other services in its Business Centers.

You can go into a store location to get your copies, or you can ask for curbside delivery. H-E-B Business Centers also provide shredding services and notary services.  

15. Coborn’s

Coborn’s has hundreds of grocery stores throughout the U.S. under several names, including Coborn’s, Marketplace Foods, Cash Wise, Hornbacher’s, and more.

Many of the grocery store locations owned by Coborn’s have copy machines at their Guest Services counters. Current prices for copies at a Coborn’s store are reasonable. Fax services are also offered at many of Coborn’s locations. 

16. Sir Speedy

Sir Speedy is an office and printing store with over 600 locations in thirteen countries. The company has received numerous awards for contributing to both private parties and corporations. 

The printing and copying giant can print just about anything you need. Visit a store location to get copies, or order online and have your copies shipped to you. 

17. Sam’s Club

You might be used to shopping at Sam’s Club to get food and other products in bulk. But did you know that many of the over 600 Sam’s Club locations offer copy services as well?

Services vary based on location. You may be able to get standard copies, photocopies, business printing services, check printing, and more, depending on what the Sam’s Club location near you offers. 

Because not all Sam’s Club locations offer copy services, you may want to call in advance before you visit a Sam’s Club warehouse to get copies. 

Remember that you’ll need a Sam’s Club membership to get copies made at Sam’s Club. 

18. Costco

Like Sam’s Club, Costco offers photo and other copying services at many of its 800+ locations. If you visit Costco’s business center locations, you’ll likely have more options for copy services. 

Like most everything at warehouse clubs, Costco has great prices on copying and printing services, whether it’s photos, photo books, or other types of copies. 

And yes, like Sam’s Club, you’ll need to be a member if you want to get copies at Costco. If you are a Costco member or are considering becoming a member, you’ll appreciate our list of Costco hacks that can save you big money. 

Related Post: Best Credit Cards to Use at Costco

Best Places to Get Copies Online

If you’re looking for places that offer online-only copy services that will ship your order to you, we’ve got you covered there too. Check out these options. 

19. Vistaprint

Vistaprint has been in business since 1995 and offers various copying services at discounted prices. You can get plain black-and-white or color copies, photos, business cards, catalogs, flyers, and more.

Vistaprint even offers printing on clothing, tote bags, and other items. You can get personal items printed, business items, promotional items, etc.

The company offers three shipping options: Standard, Priority, and Express, which promises delivery within 3-4 days of your order.

Check out the Vistaprint website’s “Deals” tabs for promo codes and discounts that can help you save even more money on your copies. 

20. DocuCopies

DocuCopies has been in the printing business since 1983 and has provided online services since 2003. The company offers standard copies, brochures, banners, bookbinding, posters, labels, etc.

Prices are very reasonable, and they have two production facilities to process and ship your order: One in California and one in Wisconsin. 

Depending on the type and size of your order, you may be able to receive your order in as little as 1-2 days.

Some may be skeptical of the quality of DocuCopies’ printing given their ultra-low prices; however, DocuCopies promises high-quality printing using the latest state-of-the-art machinery.

21. Best Value Copy

Best Value Copy has been in the printing business for over 25 years and offers honesty, quality, low prices, and fast delivery. The company also has a strong commitment to good customer service.

One interesting thing about Best Value Copy is that they don’t charge the setup fee that many other online copy companies charge. Also, Best Value Copy doesn’t charge for faster printing. Instead, they strive to get all orders out the door in 24-48 hours. 

As an additional part of Best Value Copy’s commitment to good service, the company’s customer service phone line is open seven days a week. 

22. Color Copies Today

Color Copies Today is a division of Rogers Marketing and Printing, which has been in business for over 40 years. 

The company focuses on fast shipping; most orders print and ship the same day or the next day. You can order anything from business letterhead and envelopes to booklets, banners, and more. 

Just upload your design and the Color Copies Today staff will get to work. And don’t be thrown off by the name: If you wish, you can order black-and-white copies from Color Copies today.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, you have several choices when searching for places to make copies near you. Whether you want online copies or to get your copies in person, you can find someone to help.

One thing I should note is if you need high-quality copying and printing services or you have a large order, you’re probably better off going to a business that specializes in these services, even if you have to pay a little extra.

Businesses such as Office Depot, Staples, or the UPS Store will be more equipped to fulfill what you need than, say, your local library or pharmacy.

The post 22 Places to Make Copies Near Me for Cheap appeared first on Best Wallet Hacks.