The Truth About How Much Copies Cost At The UPS Store Will Surprise You: An Explainer

Who: The UPS Store, a franchise network of retail locations offering shipping, printing, and other business services, and consumers who require copying services.

What: The cost of making photocopies at The UPS Store can vary significantly, often surprising customers with prices higher than anticipated. This explainer will delve into the factors influencing these costs and the potential implications for consumers.

When: The issue of copy costs at The UPS Store is ongoing, with pricing discrepancies and customer surprise persisting for years. However, recent discussions online and consumer awareness campaigns have brought the issue to the forefront.

Where: This price variation affects consumers across the United States, as The UPS Store operates on a franchise model with independently owned and operated locations. Prices can therefore differ from store to store, even within the same city.

Why: The surprising cost of copies at The UPS Store stems from a combination of factors, including the franchise business model, the convenience offered, and the lack of transparent pricing.

Historical Context:

The UPS Store, originally known as Mail Boxes Etc., was founded in 1980 and acquired by UPS in 2001. The franchise model was crucial to its rapid expansion, allowing entrepreneurs to own and operate locations while leveraging the UPS brand. While this model fosters local business ownership, it also introduces variability in pricing and service offerings.

Historically, retail copying services were dominated by dedicated print shops and libraries. However, The UPS Store filled a niche by offering a broader range of business services, including copying, in a convenient location. This convenience factor allowed them to command a premium for their services. In the early days, the price of copies was often less scrutinized, as the primary focus was on shipping and mail services. However, as photocopying technology became more ubiquitous and affordable, the price differential between The UPS Store and other options became more noticeable.

Current Developments:

The cost of copies at The UPS Store has become a recurring topic of discussion online, with numerous anecdotal accounts of customers being surprised by the final bill. Price comparison websites and social media threads are filled with examples of significant variations in pricing between locations.

Several factors contribute to the current situation:

• Franchise Autonomy: As franchises, individual UPS Store locations have considerable autonomy in setting their prices. Corporate UPS provides guidance, but ultimately, the owner determines the cost of services, including photocopying. This autonomy can lead to significant price disparities even within the same geographic area.
• Convenience Premium: The UPS Store offers a one-stop-shop for various business needs, including shipping, printing, and notary services. This convenience allows them to charge a premium for their services compared to dedicated copy shops or libraries. Many customers are willing to pay a higher price for the ease of accessing multiple services in one location.
• Lack of Price Transparency: One of the main criticisms leveled against The UPS Store is the lack of transparent pricing for photocopying services. Many locations do not prominently display their copy prices, leading to surprise at the checkout. Customers often find out the per-page cost only after the copies have been made.
• Varying Equipment and Overhead: The type of equipment used (high-speed digital copiers vs. older models), the cost of paper and toner, and the overall overhead expenses of the store influence the pricing. Locations in high-rent districts or with more advanced equipment may charge higher prices to cover their costs.
• Customer Perception: Some customers report feeling pressured to accept the quoted price, especially when they need copies urgently or have already committed to the service. This can lead to a feeling of being taken advantage of, even if the price is technically within the store's discretion.

Data Points:

• A recent Reddit thread on r/UPS highlighted instances where customers were charged between $0.25 and $0.50 per black and white copy, while some reported rates as high as $1.00 per page.


• Price comparison websites show that dedicated copy shops and libraries often charge between $0.05 and $0.15 per black and white copy.


• A study by Consumer Reports found that the average cost of a black and white copy at a library is around $0.10, while at a chain office supply store, it can range from $0.10 to $0.20. The UPS Store typically falls at the higher end of this range or exceeds it.


• Many online reviews mention the lack of clear pricing signage as a major source of frustration.

Likely Next Steps:

Several potential developments could address the issue of copy costs at The UPS Store:

• Increased Price Transparency: The UPS Store corporate could encourage or mandate franchisees to display their copy prices more prominently, either through signage, online price lists, or upfront quotes. This would help manage customer expectations and reduce surprise at the checkout.
• Standardized Pricing Guidelines: While maintaining franchise autonomy, corporate UPS could provide more specific pricing guidelines for franchisees to follow. This could help reduce the wide variations in copy costs between locations.
• Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Consumer advocacy groups and online communities could continue to raise awareness about the issue, encouraging customers to compare prices and ask for quotes before committing to photocopying services at The UPS Store.
• Technological Solutions: The UPS Store could implement a system where customers can upload documents and receive an instant price quote before printing. This would provide greater transparency and control over costs.
• Franchise Agreement Revisions: In the long term, UPS could revise its franchise agreements to include more specific provisions regarding pricing transparency and customer service standards. This would help ensure a more consistent and positive experience for all customers.
• Emergence of Competitors: The high cost of copies at The UPS Store could create opportunities for competitors to offer more affordable and transparent photocopying services, potentially disrupting the market.

Ultimately, the issue of copy costs at The UPS Store highlights the complexities of the franchise business model and the importance of price transparency. While the convenience offered by The UPS Store is valuable to many customers, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential costs and to compare prices before committing to photocopying services. Increased transparency and standardized pricing guidelines could help improve customer satisfaction and address the ongoing concerns about the cost of copies at The UPS Store.