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When Did FedEx Acquire Kinkos?

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Last updated on 5 min read
Financial Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

FedEx acquired Kinko’s in February 2004 for $2.4 billion in cash and later rebranded it as FedEx Office.

When did Kinkos become FedEx?

Kinko’s became FedEx in February 2004 when FedEx Corporation bought the copy-store chain for $2.4 billion.

FedEx folded Kinko’s into its network under the name FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Services. Then in June 2008—because copying alone wasn’t enough—they shortened the name to FedEx Office. The rebranding made sense: it showed customers they could ship packages, print documents, and handle all kinds of business needs in one place.

Did Kinkos get bought out by FedEx?

Yes, FedEx Corp. acquired Kinko’s Inc. in February 2004 for $2.2 billion in cash plus the assumption of $200 million in debt.

That purchase gave FedEx a direct line to small and midsize businesses craving both shipping and document help. It wasn’t just about copying anymore—FedEx wanted to move beyond packages and into on-demand business services. And for Kinko’s? Suddenly they had access to FedEx’s massive logistics network, which helped them reach way more customers.

What ever happened to Kinkos?

Kinko’s was rebranded as FedEx Office in June 2008 after FedEx acquired it in 2004.

Fast-forward to 2026, and FedEx Office is still running strong as a corporate-owned chain. They handle printing, copying, shipping, and business services. The Kinko’s name? Gone. FedEx wanted to push their broader offerings, not just copying. And in 2012, FedEx took an $897 million hit to fully exit the retail Kinko’s brand—proof they were shifting focus to corporate clients.

How long has Kinkos been in business?

Kinko’s was founded in 1970 by Paul Orfalea with a $5,000 bank loan.

Orfalea started the first Kinko’s near UC Santa Barbara, targeting students who needed quick, cheap copies. By 2004, the chain had exploded to over 1,200 locations worldwide. Their secret? Fast service, low prices, and a knack for serving students and professionals alike. That growth made them a prime target for FedEx’s expansion plans.

Why is FedEx so bad?

FedEx has faced criticism for shipping delays and service disruptions, especially due to workforce shortages and operational headaches.

As of 2026, FedEx is still working through pandemic-era supply chain messes and the loss of big contracts like Amazon. Labor shortages and rising costs haven’t helped, either. Sure, FedEx is still a logistics giant, but when you need something shipped yesterday, you might compare it to UPS or DHL first.

How much are FedEx copies?

FedEx charges $9.99 per copy for documents over 3 square feet, while smaller jobs may cost less.

Pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Black-and-white copies usually start around 10 cents per page for standard sizes, but color copies can run from 50 cents to several dollars each. Always ask your local FedEx Office for exact rates—they vary by location and job size.

How much is it to print at FedEx?

Printing at FedEx ranges from 49 cents to $15 per page, depending on paper size, color, and complexity.

Black-and-white prints are your cheapest option, while large-format or color prints (think posters or banners) can cost a pretty penny. Add-ons like binding, laminating, or custom finishes? They’ll bump up your total. Always get a quote before committing to a big print job—no one likes sticker shock.

How much is a FedEx Office franchise?

FedEx Office franchisees typically invest between $5,000 and $40,000 to start, according to corporate guidelines.

That initial investment covers franchise fees, equipment, and getting the doors open. But here’s the catch: all FedEx Office locations are corporate-owned. Unlike The UPS Store, which thrives on franchises, FedEx keeps tight control. If you’re serious about owning a printing or shipping business, check FedEx’s franchise disclosure doc or talk to a financial advisor first.

Where is the cheapest place to make copies?

Libraries and office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot are often the cheapest places to make copies, with prices starting as low as 5–10 cents per page.

Libraries might charge 5–15 cents per page for black-and-white copies, while Staples offers discounts for bulk jobs. FedEx Office and UPS Store are convenient, sure, but they’re pricier for simple copying. Always shop around—local rates can vary a lot.

When did Kinkos disappear?

Kinko’s officially disappeared as a brand on June 11, 2008, when FedEx rebranded it as FedEx Office.

The transition was quick: one day it was Kinko’s, the next it was FedEx Office. The business model stayed the same, but the name changed to reflect FedEx’s bigger ambitions. By 2012, FedEx took a $897 million charge to fully ditch the retail Kinko’s brand—clear proof they were doubling down on corporate clients.

Is FedEx Office a franchise?

No, all FedEx Office stores are corporate-owned, unlike competitors like The UPS Store, which operates as a franchise model.

FedEx owns every location outright, which keeps branding and service consistent. The downside? No franchise opportunities for independent owners. If you’re dreaming of running a printing or shipping business, your best bet might be looking into FedEx’s corporate roles instead.

What is Kinkos called now?

Kinko’s is now called FedEx Office, following the 2008 rebranding.

The name change wasn’t just cosmetic. It signaled FedEx’s push into integrated services—shipping, printing, logistics, you name it. The Kinko’s name faded away by 2008, though some old-school customers still call it that by habit. Today, FedEx Office runs over 2,000 locations worldwide.

How much is it to print at Kinkos?

Printing at Kinko’s (now FedEx Office) ranges from 49 cents to $15 per page, depending on size and color.

Standard black-and-white prints start around 10–50 cents per page, but color prints or large-format jobs (posters, anyone?) can run $5–$15 per page. FedEx Office has online calculators to give you estimates, but in-store prices might differ. Always double-check before you hit print—nobody wants a surprise bill.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Ahmed Ali

Ahmed is a finance and business writer covering personal finance, investing, entrepreneurship, and career development.