Affordable Printing: What to consider when planning to print
If you’ve ever asked for a print quote and wondered why the price can jump around so much, you’re not alone. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all price tag for printing. A few key factors decide the final cost, and understanding them can help you stretch your budget further—without cutting corners on quality.
Let’s break it down.
What determines the cost of a print job?
There’s a number of factors to consider when printing, and they can all have an impact on the cost of the final product. The major considerations are:
- Number of pages – More pages mean more ink, more paper, and more time on the press. Makes sense, right?
- Quantity – Printing is all about economies of scale. The more you print, the less each unit costs.
- Paper stock – A heavier, premium stock can make your design pop, but it’s pricier. There’s always a balance between look, feel, and budget.
- Print finishing options – Extras like laminating, foiling, embossing, and binding add polish (and cost). Sometimes they’re worth it—like when you want your piece to stand out.
- Timeframe or deadline – Tight turnarounds can mean overtime or queue-jumping fees. Planning ahead saves money.
- Artwork readiness – Files that are already “print-ready” save your printer valuable prep time. If your design needs extra tweaks or formatting, that might add to your cost.
- Print size – Standard sizes are cheaper because they minimise waste. Custom sizes? They can look unique but may use more paper.
- Colour vs Black & White – Full colour has more visual punch, but it’s pricier than black and white. Sometimes a well-designed B&W print can be just as effective.
Understanding these elements helps you make informed choices.
These considerations will determine whether your print job is more suited to the digital, or offset, printing method, which we will have a look at now.
What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is perfect for smaller, on-demand jobs. Instead of using printing plates, digital presses print your file directly onto the paper—kind of like a supercharged office printer.
- Fast turnaround: Ideal when you need your print yesterday.
- Flexible: Easy to make changes between runs (handy for personalised marketing).
- No minimum quantities: You can print 50 copies or 500—whatever you actually need.
When is Digital Printing Most Cost-Effective?
Digital printing shines for short to medium print runs. For example, if you only need 200 flyers for an event or a few hundred personalised brochures, digital is almost always the cheaper and faster choice.
There’s no costly setup, so your per-unit price stays reasonable even with small quantities. Plus, if you’re testing a design or running a limited-time promotion, you won’t be stuck with boxes of unused stock.
What is Offset Printing?
Offset printing is the traditional heavyweight of the industry. It uses plates and ink rollers to transfer your design to paper. The upfront setup takes more time and money, but the payoff comes with scale.
- Unmatched quality: Crisp, consistent prints that look the same from the first copy to the last.
- Better for large runs: Once the press is set up, running thousands of copies is cost-effective.
- Wider material options: Offset presses can handle more paper types and specialty inks.
When is Digital Printing Most Cost-Effective?
Offset shines when you need large quantities—think thousands of brochures, catalogues, or booklets. The more you print, the cheaper your cost per unit becomes.
It’s also the way to go if you want the highest print quality or are using specialty inks, finishes, or paper types that digital presses can’t handle as well.
Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- Short runs, tight deadlines, or frequent updates? Go digital.
- Big runs, consistent designs, or premium finishes? Offset’s your friend.
And of course, the right choice always comes down to your specific project, budget, and timeline.
FAQs: Printing on a Budget
1. Is digital printing always cheaper than offset?
Not always. Digital is cheaper for small runs because there’s no setup cost. Once you hit higher quantities (think thousands), offset usually wins on cost per unit.
2. How do I know which printing method is right for me?
It depends on your quantity, deadline, and budget. If you’re unsure, ask your print provider for quotes on both methods—MBE does this all the time.
3. Does choosing black and white really save money?
Yes, especially for larger quantities. If colour isn’t essential for your message, B&W can be a smart way to cut costs.
4. Can I mix digital and offset printing for the same project?
Absolutely. Some businesses use digital for small test runs and offset for the final large run once the design is locked in.
5. How can I get my artwork “print-ready”?
Use high-resolution images, embed fonts, and follow your printer’s file guidelines (usually PDF with bleed and crop marks). If in doubt, your local MBE can help tidy up your files.
Final Thought
Printing doesn’t have to break the bank. By understanding what goes into your quote and choosing the right method—digital or offset—you can get high-quality prints that fit your budget. If you’re still unsure, chat with your local MBE team. We’ll help you find the sweet spot where cost, quality, and turnaround time all meet.