Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM
Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.
Question
What's the minimum order quantity for offset printing?
Answer
Offset printing uses metal plates, so it starts at higher minimums than digital, usually around 250 to 500 pieces depending on the product.
- The plate setup adds fixed cost, which is spread across the whole run.
- The real savings appear at 1,000 units and above, where the per-piece price drops sharply.
- For smaller quantities, digital printing is often the more cost-effective choice.
| Run size | Better method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 250 | Digital | No plate cost on short runs |
| 250 to 1,000 | Either | Depends on product and finish |
| 1,000 and up | Offset | Lowest cost per piece at volume |
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