Yes, Staples offers fax services at most locations through their Copy & Print Centers. You can send domestic and international faxes using self-service machines or with staff assistance during store hours.
However, Staples fax costs can be expensive for multi-page or international documents. Many customers find online alternatives more convenient and cost-effective for their faxing needs.
If you planned to visit Staples to send a fax, you have several better alternatives that offer superior convenience and often significant cost savings.
Staples Fax Service Details
Staples provides fax services at participating locations through self-service machines in their Copy & Print Centers. You’ll need to visit during business hours to use their equipment.
Staples Fax Pricing (from verified sources):
- Local faxes: $1.79 first page, $1.59 additional pages
- National faxes: $2.39 first page, $2.19 additional pages
- International faxes: $5.99 first page, $3.99 additional pages
Process: Load documents into the machine, enter the recipient’s number, send, wait for confirmation, then pay at the counter.
Limitations: Store hours only, travel required, public machines, potential waiting in line.
Cost Alert: A 3-page international fax at Staples costs $13.97. The same fax costs just $2.00 with PayPerFax – saving you nearly $12.
5 Alternatives to Staples Fax Services
1. Online Fax Services
Online fax services let you send documents directly from your computer or mobile device without visiting any physical location.
PayPerFax offers pay-as-you-go faxing with no subscription required. Upload your document, enter the recipient’s fax number, and send instantly.
- Cost: $2.00 for first three pages, $0.75 each additional page
- Available: 24/7 from any device
- No Registration: No account creation or subscription required
- Security: SSL encrypted transmission
- Formats: PDF, DOCX, DOC, JPG supported
- Payment: Only charged for successful delivery
2. Other Office Supply Stores
Office Depot offers similar fax services with comparable pricing to Staples.
- Cost: Around $1.49-$7.99 per page depending on destination
- Hours: Store hours only
- Process: In-person service at copy centers
- Availability: Most locations offer fax services
3. Shipping Centers
UPS Store and FedEx Office provide fax services alongside shipping operations.
- Cost: $1.89-$5.99 per page depending on destination
- Hours: Store hours only
- Process: Counter service with staff assistance
- Availability: Widely available in most areas
4. Public Libraries
Many libraries offer affordable fax services, though availability varies.
- Cost: $0.10-$0.50 per page (typically local only)
- Limitations: Often restricted to local numbers
- Hours: Library operating hours
- Availability: Not all branches offer fax services
5. Print and Copy Shops
Local print shops often provide fax services at competitive rates.
- Cost: $1.00-$2.00 per page
- Availability: Varies by location
- Service: Usually counter-based
- Hours: Business hours only
How to Send a Fax at Staples
If you decide to use Staples fax service, here’s the process:
Before You Go
- Call your local Staples to confirm fax machines are working
- Organize documents with cover sheet on top
- Have recipient’s complete fax number ready
- Bring payment method (card or cash)
At the Store
- Find the Copy & Print Center – Usually near the back of store
- Use self-service machine – Load documents face-down
- Enter fax number on keypad
- Press send and wait for transmission
- Get confirmation receipt showing delivery status
- Pay at counter using your receipt
Time-Saver Tip: Skip the store visit entirely. Send your fax online with PayPerFax in under 3 minutes from your computer or phone – available 24/7.
Finding Staples Locations with Fax Services
Use the Staples store locator on their website:
- Enter your ZIP code or city
- Filter for “Copy & Print Services”
- Call ahead to verify fax machines are operational
- Check store hours before visiting
Most Staples locations operate Monday-Friday with limited weekend hours.
Why Online Fax Beats Staples for Most Users
While Staples provides functional fax services, the limitations become clear when you compare experiences:
Staples Challenges:
- Limited to store hours (typically 9 AM – 9 PM)
- Travel time and potential parking costs
- Expensive international rates ($5.99+ per page)
- Public machines with privacy concerns
- Potential waiting in line during busy periods
PayPerFax Solves These Problems:
- Send from anywhere, anytime
- Flat pricing regardless of destination
- SSL encrypted transmission for privacy
- No travel or waiting required
| Feature | Staples | PayPerFax |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Store hours only | 24/7 access |
| 3-Page International | $13.97 | $2.00 |
| Privacy | Public machines | Private transmission |
| Travel Required | Must visit store | Send from anywhere |
Privacy Matters: Keep your sensitive documents secure with PayPerFax’s secure online faxing – no public machines, no staff handling your private information.
How to Receive Faxes at Staples
Staples can receive faxes for customers at most locations, though this service varies by store.
The Process
- Call your local Staples to get their specific fax number and confirm they accept incoming faxes
- Provide the fax number to whoever is sending you the document
- Ask about pickup timeframe – most stores hold faxes for 24-48 hours
- Visit the store with ID to collect your fax
- Pay the receiving fee – typically around $1 per page
What You Need
- Valid photo identification
- Details about the expected fax (sender name, approximate time sent)
- Payment method for receiving fees
Important: Not all Staples locations offer fax receiving services, so always call ahead to confirm availability.
Tips for Using Staples Fax Services Efficiently
To make your Staples fax experience smoother and faster:
Before You Go
- Call ahead to verify fax machines are operational
- Visit during off-peak hours – mid-morning or mid-afternoon typically have shorter waits
- Prepare documents in order with cover sheet on top
- Have exact fax number written down including area code
- Bring multiple payment options in case card readers aren’t working
At the Store
- Use the store locator first – some locations have limited Copy & Print hours
- Double-check fax numbers before pressing send to avoid costly mistakes
- Wait for full confirmation before leaving the machine
- Keep your receipt for proof of transmission
Digital Document Tips
If your documents are digital, Staples accepts files from:
- USB drives and SD cards
- Cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive)
- Email attachments sent to [email protected]
Save documents as PDFs for best fax quality and compatibility.
Finding Staples Locations with Fax Services
Using the Official Store Locator
- Visit the Staples website and click “Store Locator”
- Enter your ZIP code, city, or address
- Filter results for “Copy & Print Services”
- Check individual store details for:
- Operating hours
- Phone number for verification calls
- Available services confirmation
Verification Steps
- Call the store directly using the listed phone number
- Ask specifically about fax services – confirm both sending and receiving if needed
- Check Copy & Print Center hours – may differ from main store hours
- Ask about current machine status to avoid wasted trips
Most Staples locations operate Copy & Print Centers, but hours may be limited on weekends or holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive faxes at Staples?
Most Staples locations can receive faxes for customers. Call your local store for their fax number and pickup procedures. You’ll typically pay around $1 per page for received faxes and need to pick them up within 24-48 hours.
What file formats does Staples accept for faxing?
Staples accepts physical documents and digital files from USB drives, SD cards, or cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive). Save digital documents as PDFs for best results. You can also email documents to [email protected] for printing before faxing.
Are Staples fax machines secure?
Staples fax machines use standard phone line transmission without encryption. For sensitive documents, encrypted online services provide better security. Documents may also be visible to other customers in the public Copy & Print area.
Is there a limit on document size or pages at Staples?
Staples doesn’t officially limit document size or page count, but large documents become expensive quickly. A 20-page international fax could cost over $80. For large documents, online services offer better value.
Can I track my fax after sending it from Staples?
Staples provides a basic confirmation receipt showing transmission status, but you cannot track delivery or get detailed reports. You’ll need to contact the recipient directly to confirm they received your fax.
What if my fax fails at Staples?
If transmission fails, you’ll typically still be charged. The machine will print an error report, and you may need to try resending. Online services like PayPerFax only charge for successful delivery.
Choose the Right Fax Solution
Choose Staples if:
- You only fax occasionally (1-2 pages locally)
- You prefer face-to-face assistance
- You have physical documents only
- You don’t mind traveling to the store
Choose PayPerFax if:
- You need 24/7 availability
- You send multi-page or international faxes
- Privacy and security are priorities
- You want to avoid travel and store hours
- You’re starting with digital documents
The bottom line: While Staples works for occasional local faxes, PayPerFax offers better value, convenience, and security for most faxing needs.
Send your fax online with PayPerFax – no subscription required, just pay for what you send.