Question
How much should I budget for different types of printing?
Answer
Budget for a print run swings widely by method, mostly because of how setup costs are handled. Digital carries almost no setup, so it is cheap for small runs, while offset front-loads plate costs that only pay off at volume. Compare total project cost, not just the per-unit sticker.
| Method | Cost profile |
|---|---|
| Digital | No setup fees, best under about 500 pieces |
| Offset | Plate costs upfront, pennies per piece at volume |
| Screen printing | Priced per color per screen, simpler art costs less |
| Letterpress / gravure | Premium end, specialty work |
- Request quotes for more than one method on the same job to see where the break-even lands.
- Fewer ink colors lower cost on screen and specialty methods.
- Factor in finishing and shipping, since they can shift the cheapest option.
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