FedEx Kinko’s launches online office and school supplies

FedEx Kinko’s, FedEx Corp.’s office services and supply unit, began selling office and school supplies online today on a new web site connected to FedexKinkos.com.

FedEx is offering more than 25,000 products ranging from pens and paper to computer accessories and office furniture through its site at OfficeProducts.FedexKinkos.com. Though the site officially launched today, FedEx says it has been quietly operating it since the beginning of this summer to test its operations. “We’ve been excited about the interest in orders,” a spokeswoman says.

FedEx Kinko’s is offering free shipping on online orders of more than $50, matching the free-shipping offer on Staples.com. For orders of $50 or less, FedEx Kinko’s charges a minimum shipping fee of $5.95.

Its new site puts FedEx Corp. in direct competition with some of its major shipping customers in the online office products market, including Office Depot Inc., OfficeMax and Staples Inc. But the FedEx spokeswoman downplayed any potential conflicts with retailers, noting that FedEx has long offered basic office supplies at its FedEx Kinko`s stores. A spokesman for Office Depot declined to comment about whether the new FedEx Kinko`s site would affect Office Depot`s shipping relationship with FedEx. "We never comment on our competitors," he said.

In a bid to build loyalty with schools and educators, FedEx Kinko’s is offering online a loyalty card for educators that grants them 15% off orders.