If you need professional prints without buying your own equipment, understanding the office depot color printing cost before you walk into a store can save you both time and money. Office Depot and OfficeMax (now merged under one roof) offer a range of copy and print services for individuals, students, and businesses. But how do their prices actually stack up, and are there smarter ways to get your documents done?In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about color copies at Office Depot, pricing tiers, finishing options, and how to maximize value on your next print job.
The Merge: Office Depot and OfficeMax Services
Back in 2013, Office Depot and OfficeMax completed a merger that combined two of America’s largest office supply retailers. Today, many locations operate under the dual “Office Depot OfficeMax” branding, and their print services have been unified into a single platform called the Copy & Print Depot.What does this mean for you as a customer?
Whether you walk into a store that still says “OfficeMax” on the sign or one branded purely as “Office Depot,” you will find the same pricing structure, the same online ordering system, and the same range of services.Editor’s Note: Some older stores may still display legacy OfficeMax signage, but rest assured the services and pricing are identical
across all locations.The merger also brought improvements in technology. Both brands now share access to upgraded digital presses, wide-format printers for blueprints and posters, and modern finishing equipment for binding and laminating. This consolidation has helped standardize quality across all stores.
Cost of Color Copies at Office Depot
Let’s get into the numbers. The cost of color copies at Office Depot varies depending on paper size, quantity, and paper type. Here is a general breakdown based on standard pricing (prices may vary slightly by location):
| Service Type | Price Range (Per Page) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Color Copy (8.5 x 11) | $0.49 – $0.59 | Single-sided on 24lb paper |
| Color Copy (8.5 x 14 Legal) | $0.69 – $0.79 | Slightly higher for legal size |
| Color Copy (11 x 17 Tabloid) | $0.99 – $1.29 | Ideal for presentations |
| Premium Cardstock Color | $0.79 – $1.19 | Thicker stock, better feel |
| Double-Sided Color | $0.89 – $1.09 | Per sheet, both sides printed |
Thought Note: These prices are for walk-in self-service or basic counter service. If you order online and pick up in-store, you may occasionally find promotional pricing that reduces costs by 10-20%.For larger jobs, Office Depot offers volume discounts. If you are printing 100 copies or more, ask the print associate about bulk pricing, as you may save 15-30% compared to the per-page rate.The cost of color copies at office depot also changes if you need specialty finishes. Glossy paper, UV coating, or heavy cardstock all add to the base price. However, for basic flyers, handouts, or school projects, the standard options work perfectly well.
OfficeMax Color Copies Price Breakdown
Since OfficeMax is now part of the same company, the officemax color copies price mirrors Office Depot exactly. There is no hidden pricing difference between the two brands, which is a relief for customers who may have a legacy OfficeMax closer to their home.Here is a quick comparison showing that both stores operate on identical pricing:
| Brand | Standard Color (8.5×11) | Legal Size | Tabloid (11×17) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Depot | $0.49 – $0.59 | $0.69 – $0.79 | $0.99 – $1.29 |
| OfficeMax | $0.49 – $0.59 | $0.69 – $0.79 | $0.99 – $1.29 |
Editor’s Note: Do not be fooled by third-party websites claiming different officemax color copies prices. Always verify directly on the official Office Depot website or by calling your local store.For those seeking officemax color prints in smaller quantities, the stores accommodate jobs as small as a single page. There is no mandatory minimum, which makes them convenient for last-minute needs.
Services Available at the Copy & Print Depot
Beyond simple copying, the Copy & Print Depot inside Office Depot and OfficeMax locations offers a surprisingly wide array of services. Many customers walk in only knowing about basic copies, but leave discovering options they never knew existed.Here is what you can expect:
- Document Printing & Copying , color and black-and-white options available
- Poster and Banner Printing , up to 36 inches wide for presentations and events
- Blueprint and Engineering Prints , popular with architects and contractors
- Business Cards and Marketing Materials , quick turnaround available
- Photo Printing , from passport photos to enlargements
- Custom Stamps and Labels , for office organization
- Shredding Services , secure document destruction by the pound
Thought Note: If you are a small business owner without dedicated print equipment, these in-store services can handle nearly everything you would otherwise need to outsource to a specialty print shop.
Binding, Laminating, and Finishing
The finishing services at Office Depot deserve special attention. Once your documents are printed, you can have them professionally finished right there in the store.Available Finishing Options:
- Spiral (Coil) Binding , prices start around $3.99 and go up based on page count
- Comb Binding , a more economical option at approximately $2.99
- Thermal Binding , gives a professional book-like appearance
- Laminating , 8.5 x 11 sheets typically cost $1.99 to $2.99 each
- Stapling and Folding , often included free for multi-page documents
- Hole Punching , standard 3-hole punch available at no extra cost
For presentations, training manuals, or reports, combining color copies at office depot with professional binding creates a polished final product. This is particularly useful for real estate agents, educators, and corporate professionals who need materials that look impressive without spending a fortune.
| Finishing Service | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spiral Binding | $3.99 | Training manuals, cookbooks |
| Comb Binding | $2.99 | Budget reports, proposals |
| Thermal Binding | $5.99+ | Professional presentations |
| Laminating (letter size) | $1.99 | ID cards, reference sheets |
| Mounting on Foam Board | $8.99+ | Display boards, signage |
Comparing Office Depot to Competitors
How does the office depot color printing cost stack up against alternatives like FedEx Office, Staples, or UPS Store? The truth is, pricing across major retailers tends to be competitive, but each has its own strengths.Quick Competitor Comparison:
| Retailer | Standard Color Copy | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Depot/OfficeMax | $0.49 – $0.59 | Wide service range, office supplies | Inconsistent store quality |
| FedEx Office | $0.49 – $0.79 | 24/7 locations, fast turnaround | Premium pricing on finishes |
| Staples | $0.55 – $0.65 | Tech services included | Fewer finishing options |
| UPS Store | $0.59 – $0.79 | Convenient for shipping | Smaller print capacity |
Editor’s Note: Prices fluctuate based on promotions and location. Always check current pricing before committing to a large order.What gives Office Depot an edge is the combination of print services with their broader office supply inventory. Need paper clips, folders, or a binder to go with your prints? You can grab everything in one trip. This convenience factor is often underestimated.For blueprint printing office depot also shines. Wide-format printing for architects and contractors is available at most locations, with pricing that competes well against specialty blueprint shops.
How to Get Discounts on Officemax Color Prints
Nobody wants to pay full price if they do not have to. Here are proven strategies to reduce your cost of color copies at office max and Office Depot:1. Join the Rewards ProgramOffice Depot’s rewards program offers 2% back on most purchases, including print services. Members also receive exclusive coupons and early access to sales.2. Order Online for PickupFrequently, online orders come with promotional discounts that are not available in-store. Check the website before heading to the store.3. Ask About Volume DiscountsIf you are printing 50, 100, or 500+ copies, always ask. Print associates have discretion to apply bulk pricing, especially for repeat customers.4. Look for Seasonal PromotionsBack-to-school season, tax season, and end-of-year sales often include print service discounts. Timing your large projects around these periods can yield savings of 20-40%.5. Use CouponsBoth Office Depot and OfficeMax distribute coupons through email newsletters, mobile apps, and physical mailers. A 20% off coupon on your print order makes a noticeable difference.6. Compare Self-Service vs. Full-ServiceSelf-service kiosks often cost less per page than handing your job to an associate. If you are comfortable operating the equipment, this is an easy way to save.
Final Verdict: Is Office Depot Worth It?
After examining the office depot color printing cost, services, and alternatives, is it worth choosing Office Depot or OfficeMax for your printing needs?The answer depends on your situation.Office Depot is ideal if:
- You need quick, same-day prints without an appointment
- Your job requires finishing services like binding or laminating
- You prefer one-stop shopping for office supplies and prints
- You have a small to medium print job (1 to 500 pages)
- Convenience matters more than rock-bottom pricing
You might look elsewhere if:
- You have a very large print run (1,000+ copies) where commercial printers offer better rates
- You need specialty papers or finishes not available in-store
- You require color accuracy for professional photography or art prints
For everyday business documents, school projects, presentations, and marketing flyers, the office max color copies price offers solid value. The quality is consistent, turnaround is fast, and the availability of finishing options under one roof adds genuine convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a color copy cost at Office Depot?A: Standard color copies on letter-size paper typically range from $0.49 to $0.59 per page, depending on location and paper type.Q: Is OfficeMax pricing different from Office Depot?A: No, the officemax color copies price is identical to Office Depot since the two companies merged. All pricing and services are now unified.Q: Can I get same-day printing at Office Depot?A: Yes, most Office Depot locations offer same-day printing for orders placed before early afternoon. Large jobs may require additional time.Q: Does Office Depot offer discounts for large orders?A: Absolutely. Volume discounts are available, typically starting at 50-100 copies. Always ask the print associate for bulk pricing.Q: What finishing options are available?A: Office Depot offers spiral binding, comb binding, laminating, folding, stapling, and mounting services at most locations.Q: Can I print blueprints or engineering drawings?A: Yes, wide-format printing is available for blueprints, posters, and banners at most Copy & Print Depot locations.
Last Updated: January 2024