When it comes to large format printing, FedEx is better than Staples for most people. The print quality is easy to see. FedEx uses special toner that saves money and keeps colors bright. They work faster and have friendlier customer service. Their online system makes sending files super easy. The printing business is worth $87.7 billion in 2023. FedEx stands out by being fast and affordable. If you want good service with new tools, choose FedEx for your large format printing needs.
Key Takeaways
FedEx prints with bright colors and clear details. It’s great for banners and signs that stand out.
FedEx has more material choices, including strong ones for outside use. These prints last longer in bad weather.
FedEx works faster and delivers on time. It’s better for rush orders or same-day printing.
For big orders, FedEx gives better deals. This helps businesses save money while getting good prints.
FedEx’s online system is easy to use. You can upload files and see designs before printing.
Quality of Large Format Printing
Print Resolution and Clarity
Resolution is important for large format printing. Sharp and colorful prints make a big impact. FedEx uses advanced printers that create clear and bright designs. Small text and detailed images look great without losing quality. Staples also has good resolution, but their prints can be less sharp for complex designs.
For attention-grabbing prints like signs or event displays, FedEx stands out. Their colors are vibrant, and lines are clean and precise.
Material Options and Versatility
Picking the right material is crucial for printing success. Both Staples and FedEx offer choices, but FedEx has more options.
Here’s a simple comparison of materials:
Material Type | Features and Uses | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Synthetic Materials | Strong plastics like PVC; durable and sturdy. | Menus, maps, and charts. |
Sticky Materials | Adhesive-backed; sticks to surfaces easily. | Labels, stickers, and badges. |
Paper Options | Coated or uncoated; comes in different finishes. | Flyers, brochures, and ads. |
Fancy Materials | Unique textures like metallic paper; looks high-end. | Luxury prints and special projects. |
Big sheets like vinyl; made for large graphics. | Banners and signs for indoor or outdoor use. |
FedEx offers materials for specific needs, like stickers or luxury prints. Staples has fewer choices, which may limit your ideas.
Think about where your print will go. Will it face sunlight or rain? FedEx’s materials are durable and fit different environments.
Durability and Longevity of Prints
Prints need to last, especially outdoors or in busy areas. FedEx uses strong inks and materials that resist fading and damage. Their prints survive sunlight, rain, and wear better than Staples.
Staples prints are okay but may not last as long outside. For outdoor banners, FedEx’s prints stay colorful and don’t tear easily.
Indoor prints from both services are good. But if you want long-lasting prints, FedEx is the better choice. Their products stay looking great for years, even in tough conditions.
Pricing for Large Format Printing
Cost Breakdown for Common Print Sizes
Staples and FedEx both have good prices for printing. Knowing the cost of popular sizes helps you choose wisely.
FedEx charges a bit more for small prints like posters. But their prints are high quality, which makes it worth it. For big prints like banners, FedEx’s prices are better, especially since they last longer. Staples has cheaper prices for small projects, but bigger prints can get expensive fast.
Here’s a simple price chart for common print sizes:
Print Size | Staples Price Range | FedEx Price Range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
18″ x 24″ Poster | $15 – $20 | $18 – $25 | Posters for events or promotions |
24″ x 36″ Poster | $25 – $35 | $30 – $40 | Ads or presentations |
36″ x 48″ Banner | $50 – $70 | $45 – $65 | Outdoor signs or marketing |
Custom Sizes (Vinyl Prints) | Varies | Varies | Special projects like trade show signs |
FedEx often includes extras like better materials and faster service. Staples might save you money at first, but FedEx’s prints last longer and look better.
Discounts for Bulk Orders and Business Customers
Buying in bulk or printing for your business can save money. FedEx gives bigger discounts for larger orders. Staples also offers deals, but they aren’t as flexible.
Why are bulk discounts important? They lower costs and encourage bigger purchases. FedEx’s bulk deals are great for businesses. Their discounts save money and keep customers coming back.
Here’s how bulk discounts help:
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Bulk orders cost less, perfect for frequent printing needs. | |
Bigger Orders | Discounts make you want to order more items. |
Customer Loyalty | FedEx’s deals keep customers returning for future projects. |
Flexible Options | Discounts work for many print types, like banners or stickers. |
Real-Life Examples | Big companies like Amazon use similar strategies to keep customers. |
FedEx’s bulk pricing is great for businesses needing regular printing. Whether you need posters or banners, their discounts help you stay on budget. Staples has some deals, but FedEx gives more options and value.
For business customers, FedEx’s discounts are better. They save money and fit your needs, whether you need 10 posters or 100 banners.
Turnaround Time for Large Format Printing
Speed of Service and Same-Day Printing
If you need prints fast, speed is important. Both FedEx and Staples are quick, but FedEx is faster. They use new technology to make printing smoother and quicker. This helps them finish orders fast without losing quality.
FedEx is great for same-day printing. If you’re in a hurry, they can help. Their process is quick, so your prints are ready on time. Staples also offers same-day printing, but their speed depends on the store and how busy they are.
Here’s why FedEx is faster:
They use better machines to handle more orders.
Their team checks every step to avoid delays.
They work hard to save time and reduce waste.
If you’re in a rush, FedEx is the better choice for fast and reliable printing.
Reliability of Delivery and Order Fulfillment
Getting prints on time is very important. FedEx is known for delivering orders reliably. They use smart systems to make sure your prints arrive where and when you need them.
FedEx is a leader in shipping, handling most deliveries smoothly. They also use transportation systems to deliver orders quickly. Staples delivers too, but they aren’t as big or as precise as FedEx.
Why is FedEx better at delivery?
They work with other companies to improve delivery speed.
They focus on local deliveries, making them faster and more reliable.
They’ve improved their systems to handle busy industries like clothing.
With FedEx, your prints will arrive on time and in great shape. Their focus on being reliable makes them a top choice for everyone.
Customer Service for Large Format Printing
Responsiveness and Availability
When time is tight, quick help matters a lot. FedEx does great here. Their support team is available all day, every day. You can get help anytime, even late at night or early morning.
Staples has good support but isn’t always available. Their hours depend on the store, which can be tricky. If you’re in another time zone or need help after hours, it might not work.
FedEx gives you many ways to contact them. You can call, email, or chat online. This makes getting answers fast and easy. Staples also offers these options, but they may take longer to reply, especially when busy.
If you need fast and easy support, FedEx is better. They’re always ready to help with your printing needs.
Problem Resolution and Support Quality
Mistakes happen, but fixing them shows how good a company is. FedEx is known for solving problems quickly. Their team works fast to keep your project on track. For example, during COVID-19, companies like Vogmask used reliable services to stay successful. FedEx shows the same dedication.
Staples tries to fix problems too, but it can take longer. Some customers say refunds or reprints take extra time, which is hard when you’re in a rush.
FedEx stands out because they focus on keeping you happy. They act fast and communicate clearly, so you’re not stuck waiting. If something goes wrong, they’ll fix it quickly.
Ease of Ordering Large Format Printing
Online Ordering Process and File Uploads
Ordering online should be quick and easy. FedEx makes it simple with their easy-to-use website. You can upload files, pick options, and preview designs before ordering. Their system works with many file types, so no worries about compatibility. Staples also has online ordering, but their website can be harder to use. Some people find it tricky to navigate or upload big files.
Studies show how important a smooth process is:
Statistic | Description |
|---|---|
Sites with major usability issues in returns process. | |
11% | Users who quit orders due to bad return policies. |
7% | Users who won’t buy again after poor return experience. |
13% | Users unlikely to return after bad return experience. |
FedEx avoids these problems with their simple system. Errors and delays are less likely. They also have live chat to help if you get stuck.
In-Store Ordering Experience and Assistance
If you like ordering in person, both FedEx and Staples let you do that. FedEx stands out with helpful staff who guide you step by step. They help you choose the best materials, sizes, and finishes. Their stores are neat, so finding what you need is easy.
Staples also offers in-store help, but it depends on the location. Some stores have fewer workers, which can mean longer waits. If you’re new to printing, this might feel confusing.
FedEx’s in-store service feels more personal. Their team listens to your needs and ensures your project looks great. Whether it’s a banner or a poster, you’ll feel good about your order.
Additional Services for Large Format Printing
Design Help and Custom Options
Both Staples and FedEx help with creating cool designs. But FedEx is better because they offer more ways to customize. Their team helps you pick colors and materials that fit your project. Whether it’s a banner or poster, they make sure it looks just right.
Staples also offers design help, but it’s not always reliable. Some customers say their prints turned out great, while others had blurry results. This can be annoying, especially if you’re in a hurry.
FedEx also has new services like eco-friendly printing and personalized products. Here’s a quick look at some trends:
Innovation Type | What It Does |
|---|---|
Eco-Friendly Printing | Uses recycled materials and less water to reduce waste. |
3D Printing | Makes detailed and custom designs with high accuracy. |
Print On Demand | Prints only what you need, saving money and cutting waste. |
Web-to-Print | Lets you design and order prints online easily. |
Product Personalization | Creates unique items tailored to your needs. |
These features make FedEx a better choice for creative and unique projects.
Special Services and Extra Benefits
FedEx goes beyond printing by offering extra services to make things easier. Their team gives expert advice on materials and techniques. They also handle tasks like preparing files and delivering prints, saving you time.
Staples focuses on basic printing and does a decent job. But they don’t have the special services that FedEx offers. For example, FedEx’s advanced systems make projects faster and more professional.
Here’s why FedEx stands out:
Expert Help: Their staff guides you to pick the best options for your project.
Extra Services: They manage everything from file setup to delivery.
Fast and Reliable: Their systems reduce delays and improve quality.
If you need help with tricky projects or want top-quality service, FedEx is the better choice. Their extra features make them a leader in large format printing.
Both Staples and FedEx have good points. Staples is cheaper for small projects and works well for indoor prints. But FedEx is better in most areas. Their prints are clearer, last longer, and offer more material choices. They also provide faster service, friendlier support, and simpler ordering.
Recommendation: Choose FedEx for fast, strong, and top-quality prints. For smaller, low-cost jobs, Staples might be a better fit. Decide what matters most—speed, quality, or price—and pick the service that matches your needs.
FAQ
What is large format printing used for?
Large format printing makes big visuals like banners and posters. It’s great for events, ads, or personal projects. Use it when you need something bigger than regular paper.
Can I print custom sizes at Staples or FedEx?
Yes, both let you print custom sizes. FedEx has more material and size choices, perfect for special projects. Staples also allows custom sizes but offers fewer material options.
How do I prepare my files for large format printing?
Save your files in high resolution (300 DPI or more). Use formats like PDF, JPEG, or PNG. Choose CMYK color mode for better printing. Both Staples and FedEx give tips to upload files correctly.
Does FedEx offer eco-friendly printing options?
Yes! FedEx uses recycled materials and water-based inks for eco-friendly printing. If you care about the environment, they’re a great pick. Staples has green options too, but FedEx is better in this area.
Can I get help with designing my prints?
Yes, both services help with designs. FedEx offers more choices and expert advice. They guide you with colors, layouts, and materials to make your print look great.
Tip: Unsure about your design? Ask for a proof to avoid errors.
