Whether you need to print out an important document for work or school or want physical copies of your favorite photos, your local drugstore can often get the job done. Rite Aid, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States with over 2,400 locations, offers convenient copy and print services at many of its stores. But what exactly can you print at Rite Aid, how long does it take, and how do the prices and capabilities compare to other retailers? We‘ve put together this expert guide with everything you need to know about making copies and prints at Rite Aid.
Copy & Print Services Available at Rite Aid
The core of Rite Aid‘s print services revolves around photos and custom photo products. Most Rite Aid locations are equipped with instant photo kiosks where you can print standard size photo prints, enlargements, and collage prints. You can also create photo books, calendars, greeting cards, and even personalized photo gifts like mugs, mouse pads, blankets and more.
In addition to photo services, some Rite Aid stores do have the capability to print and copy standard documents. However, this varies by location. While one store may have full-service photo and document printing, another may only offer photo prints. So it‘s always best to call ahead to your local Rite Aid to double check their copy and print capabilities before heading over with your print job.
Printing Photos at Rite Aid
Rite Aid offers several convenient options for turning your digital photos into prints. Let‘s take a closer look at the different ways you can print your pictures:
In-Store Photo Kiosks
Most Rite Aid locations have self-serve photo kiosks, typically located within the store‘s photo department area. These user-friendly touchscreen kiosks allow you to instantly print photos in a variety of sizes, including:
- 4×6
- 5×7
- 8×10
- Wallet size (4 per 4×6 print)
You can even create enlargements up to 8×10. To use the photo kiosk, simply insert your media with the digital photo files into the machine. Most kiosks accept USB flash drives, SD cards, and CDs/DVDs. Some may also allow you to connect your digital camera directly.
Then, use the touchscreen to select the photos you want to print. You‘ll be able to preview the images, choose sizes and quantities, and enhance or edit if needed. Options may include cropping, red-eye removal, black & white or sepia tones, and borders. Once you‘re happy with your order, pay at the kiosk and wait for an associate to bring you the finished prints.
Ordering Prints Online
In addition to in-store kiosks, Rite Aid offers online photo printing services through its website and mobile app. With online ordering, you get an even wider selection of print sizes (including large format poster prints), as well as additional products like photo books, cards, calendars, and personalized gifts.
To order prints online from Rite Aid:
-
Go to the Rite Aid Photo website (riteaid.com/photo) or download the Rite Aid Photo mobile app.
-
Create an account or sign in if you already have one.
-
Upload the photos you want to print from your computer, phone, or import them directly from social media sites like Facebook or Instagram.
-
Select the size, quantity, and any other options for your prints. You can also add them to other photo products.
-
Choose your preferred delivery method. You can opt to have the prints mailed to you or pick them up at your local Rite Aid store, often on the same day.
-
Complete your order and payment online. Shipping is free on orders over $50.
Printing from Your Phone
With the Rite Aid Photo mobile app, it‘s easy to order prints directly from your phone. Simply download the free app (available for both iPhone and Android), then upload pictures from your phone or import them from Facebook, Instagram, or Google Photos. Select your sizes, quantities, and pickup/delivery method. You can even get exclusive deals and discounts when you order through the app.
Copying & Printing Documents at Rite Aid
While Rite Aid is best known for photo printing, some locations are equipped to handle basic document printing and copying as well. Services may include:
- Black & white and color copying
- Printing from digital files (PDF, Word, JPG, etc.)
- Scanning documents to digital
- Faxing services
However, the availability of these services varies widely from store to store. Some Rite Aids have full service copy & print centers that can handle a variety of document printing needs. Others only offer photo printing.
Your best bet is to call your neighborhood Rite Aid location directly to inquire about their specific copy and print capabilities. The store associate will be able to tell you if they can accommodate your job, what types of files they can print, and what their self-service or full-service options are.
In general, if a Rite Aid store does offer document printing, you can expect them to be able to print from USB flash drives and potentially email or cloud storage. But more advanced services like printing from exotic file types or making bulk copies may be limited compared to an office supply store like Staples or Office Depot.
How Long Does Printing Take at Rite Aid?
The turnaround time for your Rite Aid print order will depend on a few factors – what you‘re printing, how you ordered it, and whether it‘s a standard or custom product. Here are some general timelines:
In-Store Instant Prints
For standard size photo prints (e.g. 4×6, 5×7, 8×10) printed at the in-store kiosk, you can usually get your prints within minutes. Larger enlargements or bulk print jobs may take around 1 hour.
Online Orders
If you order photo prints online for in-store pickup, your prints will typically be ready within a few hours, often the same day. For home delivery, shipping takes 5-10 business days depending on the size of your order and selected shipping speed.
Other custom photo products like books, cards, and gifts take longer since they have to be printed off-site at a central lab. For in-store pickup, these usually take 5-7 business days. For ship-to-home, expect 7-10 business days.
Document Printing
The turnaround for document printing really depends on your specific Rite Aid location‘s services. Some stores may offer self-serve copying where you can make the copies yourself on the spot. Others may require you to submit the job to an associate. Call ahead to confirm their document services and expected wait times.
Rite Aid Print Pricing
Rite Aid‘s prices for photo prints are fairly standard for the industry. For prints made at the in-store kiosk, you can expect to pay:
- 4×6: $0.19 – $0.29 each
- 5×7: $0.59 – $1.99 each
- 8×10: $1.99 – $3.99 each
When you order prints online for in-store pickup, you‘ll often get a quantity discount. For example, 4×6 prints can be as low as $0.09 each when you order 100 or more. Rite Aid also frequently runs sales and promotions on photo prints ordered online, so be sure to check their website or app for current deals.
Pricing for custom products like photo books and cards varies depending on size, style, and quantity. As an example, a 20-page 8×11 hardcover photo book starts at $29.99. An ornate 5×7 folded greeting card starts at $1.49 each with a minimum quantity of 12.
Document printing prices at Rite Aid are only available in-store and tend to be higher than at an office supply store or copy shop. Expect to pay around $0.12 per page for basic black and white copies on standard paper and upwards of $0.50 per page for color.
Rite Aid Printing vs Other Retailers
Rite Aid‘s core strength is convenient photo printing, with most stores equipped with instant photo kiosks and online ordering for in-store pickup. Their prices and print quality are on par with other drugstore chains like Walgreens and CVS. You‘ll find similar photo print sizes, products, and pricing at all three retailers.
However, when it comes to document printing, Rite Aid falls short compared to office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot/OfficeMax. The office stores have many more locations that offer full-service copying and printing, with lower prices, faster turnaround, and more paper and finishing options.
Even other drugstore chains have an edge over Rite Aid for non-photo printing. For example, Walgreens offers same day pickup on custom photo products like cards and calendars (vs. a 5-7 day wait at Rite Aid). CVS provides online document printing where you can upload your file and then pick up the prints at your local CVS in under an hour.
So if you need just basic photo prints and gifts, Rite Aid will get the job done well. But for more advanced photo products or document printing beyond a handful of copies, you‘re likely better off going with another retailer.
Tips for Getting the Best Prints at Rite Aid
To ensure you get great looking photo prints at Rite Aid, consider these pro tips:
-
Use high resolution images. For best print quality, your digital photos should have a resolution of at least 300 DPI at the size you want to print.
-
Check your crops. When printing at the in-store kiosk, you‘ll have the option to crop the photo to fit standard print sizes like 4×6 or 5×7. Make sure key elements of the photo aren‘t being cut off.
-
Calibrate the screen. The image you see on the photo kiosk screen may not perfectly match the printed version due to differences in screen calibration. When in doubt, lighten the image slightly to avoid prints that come out too dark.
-
Order online for more options. When you order prints online from Rite Aid, you get a much wider selection of print sizes and the ability to apply more editing adjustments before printing.
-
Join the wellness+ rewards program. Rite Aid‘s free wellness+ loyalty program members earn points on photo purchases that can later be redeemed for discounts. You‘ll also get exclusive promo codes and offers.
Conclusion
Rite Aid offers a convenient way to turn your digital photos into prints, whether you use their in-store photo kiosks or order online for in-store pickup or delivery. You can get instant prints in minutes or create custom photo gifts and products.
However, not all Rite Aid locations offer document printing and copying services. For non-photo printing beyond a few simple copies, you may want to visit an office supply store like Staples or OfficeMax instead. But for affordable and quick photo printing, Rite Aid is a reliable choice.
