Copy Factory Coronavirus Appeal

This campaign is to help our business, Copy Factory, survive having been shut down due to the coronavirus Mandatory Shelter-in-Place Order issued by the County of Santa Clara. We’re a local printing, bindery and large format shop located in Palo Alto, CA. Owned by a husband and wife team who bought the firm in 2007, Copy Factory has grown to be a vital part of the local community by working long, hard hours and providing dependable service and quality printed products to a broad base of customers at affordable prices.

Since reopening for curbside and limited in-store service on June 1, we have seen a significant drop off in demand for our services.

Up until the coronavirus threat started to emerge, the business has grown steadily over the years, despite competition from huge corporations like FedExOffice/Kinkos, Staples and VistaPrint. Then, because of the Covid-19 emergency, we experienced a dramatic reduction of business spurred initially by Stanford University’s decision to suspend in-person class instruction and cancellation of all campus events. Then, we were ordered to shut down.

 We have received some funding from the SBA, gracious consideration from our landlord and some relief from creditors, and have implemented post-reopening marketing campaigns, but we can use all the help we can get. If your financial situation allows you to do so, please consider donating to our cause. You’ll be helping two dedicated owners and their two workers keep alive a vital small business that is proud to serve the local community.

Any urgently needed funds donated will be directed to covering operating costs to keep the business afloat while demand for services has deeply declined. The support could very well make the difference in our ability to survive. Every little bit helps and we are deeply grateful for any support we receive.

 Like many small businesses, Copy Factory is the manifestation of a dream shared by its owner/operators to leverage a lifetime of experience in their craft to provide a valuable service to the community. The shop does work for a wide-range of customers—non-profits, government agencies, local business and individuals—and maintains a self-serve area for our neighbors who need copies of financial documents and lesson plans, etc. On top of affordable pricing which hasn’t changed over many years, the firm offers a 10% discount to all students, educators and non-profits.

 We don’t want to give up on our dream. We’re doing everything possible to survive, getting by on what little savings we have and seeking forbearance on our home mortgage while requesting relief from the shop’s landlord. We want to provide employment to our two excellent employees, both of whom are talented, good people. Hopefully, our efforts, with help from the government and our friends, will enable the business to survive.

If you are able to help, please accept our heartfelt gratitude.  Thank you and stay safe and be well.


Here are some things our customers have said about us directly and on social media:

“I’m very sorry to hear that your wonderful community business has been temporarily shut down by the county- during the current Coronavirus crisis. From my perspective your business is as essential to the life blood of our community as the auto repair shop next to your business, local grocery stores, sandwich shops etc.” – via email

“Thank You so much for helping…I really appreciate you stepping up. Your business helped us in a pinch and Kinko’s had so much bureaucracy they could not see that this is part of the “essential” needs. Thank you so much!” –via email

“My go-to copy source. Every single time it is perfect. They deliver to campus. They print lots of things. They do simple bindings. Way, way better than that other place. I hope they stay in business forever. This place looks like the sort of place that made Palo Alto great.” – via Google Local

“Couldn't be more pleased with using Copy Factory. First, Kimberly was able to help with a quick turn on a Valentine bookmark for my son's classmates. Second, she made a great suggestion that modified the outcome in such a lovely way. I know I'll be taking advantage of Copy Factory's expertise again in the near future!“ – via Google Local

“I have been using Fedex, UPS and Office Depot from printing services and tried Copy Factory today.  Their customer service is outstanding with quick and friendly service. I'll be using Copy Factory from now on -- it's a breath of fresh air compared to the other chain stores.” – via Google Local

“Copy Factory is the BEST! I've done hundreds of projects now with them over the last several years. Their staff  —Kimberly, Todd, Marty —  are top-notch and so invested in the customers' success (and budget-minded!)” – via Google Local

“Really a great place for all your printing needs. I go there many times and always get outstanding service at reasonable prices.” – via Google Local

“Todd and Kimberly did an excellent job printing my small project: my family history written many years ago and in poor condition. The pages were yellow and the type was light but Kimberly cleaned it up so it looked as if it had just been written. This is a very busy shop with large jobs in process at all times. Yet I got the Red Carpet Treatment which was important because I was giving our history to the future generations of my family with the hope they would carry traditions of public service forward. I felt like a V.I.P. and recommend Copy Factory to everyone. I won't go anywhere else!!” – via Yelp

“I love this local, family owned business! I had a small but complicated project that involved copying and laminating pages for a scrap book. My family spent a lot of time making these pages, so I wouldn't trust them to a teenager working at Kinko's or Staples. Every time I've been to Copy Factory, one of the owners has been there. When I got there, the guy was clearly in the middle of a big project, but he stopped what he was doing to help me figure out the best solution for my project. It was Friday morning, and he said he could have it ready by Monday, but, of course, I needed it done that day, and he came through for me. I was really impressed with the time and attention he gave to this small, individual project that cost a total of 15 bucks. That's the difference you get with a local, family owned business like this.” – via Yelp

“The Copy Factory is a local, family-run business that I've found extremely helpful for several different types of copy jobs.  The first was making wall sized posters from maps, and the second was binding some reports.  I received individualized help that made sure that the final product would be great.  The experience was so much better than the service I have received in the past from the big copy shops or printing part of office supply stores.   While I was in the store today, there was another customer making a small number of copies, and that customer was treated with great respect.  I am coming here for all my copy jobs.  Thank you!” – via Yelp