Does Walmart Have Copy Machines in 2024?

With over 10,000 stores across all 50 states, Walmart is the largest retailer in America. But despite its vast selection of products and services, Walmart surprisingly does not offer copy and print services for customers in-store. This comprehensive guide will examine if Walmart has copy machines, pricing at major retailers, and alternatives for copying and scanning without Walmart.

The Copying Gap at Walmart

Walmart stores do not provide public access to copy machines as of 2023. While Walmart has a Photo Center for prints and an in-store Site to Store service for picking up online photo orders, they have no way for customers to make quick black & white or color copies in-store.

This is a major gap compared to other big box retailers like Target and Costco that do offer copy and print services instore. According to Walmart‘s 2022 annual report, only about 25% of their nearly 10,300 stores worldwide have a Photo Center, and none have public copy machines.

Pricing at Major Retail Copy Centers

Since Walmart does not offer copy services, where can you make copies nearby and what are the typical prices? Here is an overview:

• USPS – Black & white copies start at $0.15 per page, color at $0.65 per page

• Staples – Black & white copies from $0.10 per page, color from $0.49 per page

• FedEx – Black & white copies from $0.59 per page, color from $0.79 per page

• UPS Store – Black & white copies from $0.10 per page, color from $0.59 per page

• Walgreens – Black & white copies from $0.10 per page, color from $0.99 per page

As you can see, prices vary but are typically more affordable for black & white copies versus color.

History of Copy Machines

The first commercial copy machine – the Xerox 914 – debuted in 1959 and could make 100,000 copies per month. Before photocopiers, copies were made using carbon paper or mimeograph machines. Copy centers started emerging in the 1970s and 80s with early competitors including Kinkos (now FedEx Office), AlphaGraphics, and Sir Speedy.

So while copy machines have been around for decades, Walmart has never provided this essential service despite being a go-to destination for many shoppers.

Copying Alternatives for Home and Business

Thankfully there are plenty of options for making copies without access to an in-store Walmart copy machine:

For Home

• All-in-one printers – Brands like HP, Canon, and Brother sell affordable home printers with copy functions at Walmart and other retailers. Prices start around $100.

• Mobile printing apps – Apps like Printique and HP Smart let you print remotely from your phone. Some support copying by snapping a photo of a document.

For Business

• Outsource to a print shop – Local print shops can make large copy jobs for brochures, fliers, manuals, etc. Cost efficient for big projects.

• Rent a copy machine – Consider short-term rental for temp needs. Companies like RJ Young rent copiers for 1-3 years.

• Use a shipping/business center – Nearby FedEx, UPS Stores, and mailing centers offer great self-service options.

Conclusion: Get Your Copies Elsewhere

While Walmart excels in offering a one-stop shop for everyday purchases, copy and print services are not available in any of their thousands of stores as of 2023. To make copies nearby, shoppers will need to visit UPS, FedEx, Staples, Walgreens, a local library, or print shop. Prices range from $0.10 to $0.99 on average per page. Alternatives like mobile apps, rental copiers, and outsourcing printing provide options for home and business owners.

So the next time you need to make some quick black & white or color copies, don‘t head to Walmart. With no in-store copy machines available, it‘s best to take your copying needs elsewhere.