Staples vs. FedEx vs. Professional Blueprint Printing: What Construction Teams Should Know

What do you do when a drawing revision arrives late in the day, or an inspector requests plans before work begins, and you need to print blueprints/construction drawings quickly? 

Typically, in cases like these, printing the drawings yourself may not be feasible, so you consider outsourcing. Staples, FedEx Office, local print shops, and online blueprint services are all useful options. But they do not serve the same purpose, which is why your choice can affect print accuracy, pickup time, and how quickly your team gets the documents it needs. 

That's why we’ll look at how these options compare and when a specialized blueprint printing service makes more sense for your construction project.

1. Staples and FedEx Office: Convenient for Everyday Printing

Staples and FedEx Office are familiar options when you need documents printed quickly. They offer general printing services, and their physical locations can make them convenient when you need a nearby place to handle a small job.

For standard office documents, posters, and presentation materials, they can be a practical choice. However, when you need to print blueprints and drawings for construction projects, the requirements go far beyond producing a readable sheet of paper.

So what should you look out for?

• Scaling and measurement accuracy

Construction drawings often include architectural scales, dimensions, and detailed measurements. If a file is printed using an unintended scaling setting, such as "Fit to Page," the output may no longer match its intended dimensions.

For example, a drawing designed for a particular paper size could be reduced to fit a smaller sheet. The result might look fine at first glance, but measurements taken from the printed drawing could be inaccurate.

This does not mean every retail print order will have scaling problems. It means you need to check the print settings and confirm that the output matches the drawing specifications.

• Fine lines and technical details

Architectural and engineering drawings contain details that ordinary documents rarely have. These include thin CAD lines, hatch patterns, dimensions, symbols, and overlapping mechanical, electrical, and plumbing layouts.

Your printed set needs to preserve these details so that the people using it can read the information clearly. The equipment, settings, paper size, and print quality all affect the result.

• Paper and finishing requirements

A construction drawing may be folded, carried around a jobsite, reviewed during inspections, and referenced throughout the workday.

You may need large-format bond paper, neatly folded drawing sets, or specific binding options. Available materials and finishing services vary by location, so check that the store can meet your requirements before placing an order.

• Time spent collecting prints

Convenience can become a problem when you are managing an active site. If you have to leave the project, drive to a store, wait for your order, and return, the trip takes time away from your other responsibilities.

That cost is easy to overlook when comparing print prices. If you are responsible for coordinating trades, answering site questions, or keeping work on schedule, time spent collecting drawings has a real operational cost.

2. Traditional Local Reprographics Shops: Built for Technical Printing

Local reprographics shops specialize in services such as blueprint printing, architectural plans, engineering drawings, and other large-format documents.

They can be a good option when you need someone who understands technical requirements for blueprint printing. Many have experience working with drawing sets, architectural scales, and the output formats commonly used by AEC professionals.

However, the experience can vary from one shop to another.

Where they work well

A local reprographics shop may be a strong choice when you need to discuss a complicated print job with someone directly. You can ask about paper sizes, color requirements, folding, binding, and turnaround times before submitting your files.

If the shop is close to your office or project, collecting the finished order may also be straightforward.

What to consider

• Managing several print vendors

If your company has projects in different cities, you may need to work with several independent print shops. Each vendor could have its own pricing, ordering process, service standards, and turnaround times.

This creates more administrative work for project managers and office staff. You may need to request quotes repeatedly, confirm specifications, follow up on orders, and manage invoices across multiple suppliers.

• Manual ordering and follow-ups

Some shops accept orders through email or phone calls, while others offer online ordering. If your provider relies on manual communication, placing a large order or requesting several revisions can take longer than expected.

You may also need to contact the shop to confirm receipt, check production status, or arrange delivery.

These limitations do not apply to every traditional print shop. Some have modern online systems and efficient delivery services. The important thing is to assess how well a provider fits your team's workflow.

3. PrintMyDrawings: A Specialist for AEC Printing

PrintMyDrawings provides online printing services for architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals who regularly work with technical drawings.

Instead of treating blueprints as ordinary large-format documents, the service is designed around the practical needs of AEC printing. You can upload your files, configure the print specifications, review your quote, and place your order online.

What makes PrintMyDrawings useful for construction teams?

• A structured online ordering process

You can upload supported files, select the relevant print options, and review the order before checkout. This gives you a more direct way to print blueprints without having to start with a phone call or email quote request.

Selecting the correct specifications still matters. Before submitting your order, check the drawing size, color mode, quantity, and any finishing requirements.

• Printing and delivery to your jobsite

PrintMyDrawings makes it easy to get construction drawings printed and delivered wherever your project needs them. Instead of taking time away from the site to arrange print collection, you can place your order online and have the finished drawings delivered to your specified destination.

For project managers, superintendents, and other construction professionals, this means less time spent arranging print logistics and more time focused on keeping the project moving.

• Printing for technical documents

Construction drawings need clear lines, readable dimensions, and the correct paper size. PrintMyDrawings offers services such as black-line plan printing, color-line plan printing, and graphic presentation printing.

You can select the print options that match the purpose of your documents. For example, black-line plans may suit routine construction references, while color-line drawings can help when color is needed to distinguish information.

Always confirm the required output specifications before ordering. If a drawing must be used for measurement, check that it is printed at the intended scale.

• Team printing that gets easier over time

If your company manages several projects or has multiple people placing print orders, PrintMyDrawings lets you set up teams to make the process easier to manage.

As your team continues to use the platform, having a shared setup can help simplify recurring print orders and make it easier for team members to handle their printing needs. This is useful for companies that regularly print revised drawings, permit sets, and other construction documents.

How to Choose the Right Printing Service

Before placing your next order, consider these four questions.

What are you printing?

For a memo, standard office document, or simple presentation poster, a general retail print service may be sufficient.

For a full architectural drawing set, structural plans, or coordinated MEP drawings, look for a provider experienced in technical printing. Ask about large-format sizes, line clarity, scaling, and the paper options available.

How important is scale accuracy?

If the printed drawings will be used to check dimensions or guide work on site, confirm the intended paper size and print scale.

Do not assume that selecting a paper size automatically guarantees a correctly scaled drawing. Review the file and print settings, and use a known dimension or scale check where appropriate.

How will you receive the order?

Think about who will collect the prints and where they need to go.

If the project manager or superintendent must leave an active site to pick up an order, consider the time involved. A delivery option may be more practical when it is available and fits your deadline.

Will you need the same service again?

One print order may be easy to manage manually. Recurring orders across several projects can create a larger administrative burden.

If your team regularly prints revised plans, permit sets, bid packages, and construction documents, look for a service with a clear online ordering process, accessible order history, and fulfillment options that suit your project locations.

Conclusion: Choose the Service That Fits Your Project

Staples and FedEx Office remain useful for everyday printing. Local reprographics shops can be a strong choice for technical jobs, especially when you value direct support from an experienced print provider. But if your construction team regularly needs blueprints, revised drawing sets, and large-format technical documents, a service built around AEC printing can make ordering and fulfillment easier to manage.

Your decision should account for more than the price per sheet. Consider print specifications, turnaround time, delivery, and the time your team spends arranging and collecting orders.

Need to print blueprints or construction drawings for your next site meeting or project revision? Visit Printmydrawings.com to upload your files and get an instant quote.