Print! How much will it cost and how long will it take?

Unfortunately, there is no straight forward or easy answer to either of these questions because it depends on a number of different variables including: what it is; the size; quantity; any special finishes; when it is wanted or needed etc, etc, etc…

So, I guess we need to boil it down to a few broad considerations. As follows...

Firstly, with price let’s look at quantity. With print, as with many other things, the more you buy, the cheaper the cost per item. For example 1,000 A5 leaflets would cost approx. ￡58.00, which works out at 5.8p a leaflet, but 2,000 leaflets would cost only ￡72.00, which works out at 3.6p a leaflet. That’s over a third less of the cost per leaflet if you order twice as many!! Blimey, why not go mad and order 5,000 leaflets, which only be 2.6p a leaflet and so it goes on….

Working on this reasoning, is it best to order as many as you can when placing your order? This way you reduce the individual item cost, which is great, but there is also a danger. And the danger is – WASTE?.

It is actually false economy to over order if what you get is going to?languish in a forgotten cupboard to eventually go out of date. I would always advise to get just what you are going to use within a reasonable amount of time.

Another consideration that can affect the price of a particular product is whether it is a standard item or if it is bespoke. An example of this would be a presentation folder: if you use a design template from a printer to set your artwork then the cutting die will already be made, plus the printer will be familiar with the printing, finishing and making up of that particular?design, which minimises time, wastage and the price. A bespoke?presentation folder designed to your own specification, will require a new die to be made to cut out the shape of your particular folder. This would just be a one-off expense, but would tie you into re-ordering?from the same supplier?each time. Additional costs may also be associated with production and finishing.

My advice would be to use a standard template and spend more on the design, special finishes such as lamination and highlight spot uv, which can enhance the look and feel.

This one is pretty basic and straight forward – if it’s bigger, it’s going to cost more – material, ink and delivery. The lighter it is, the less it’s going to cost to transport. I would always suggest you get a price that includes the cost of delivery. That way – no nasty surprises!

So, what about timescales – “How long will it take?” Well, again this?depends on a few factors, but what I would say from the outset is that the more time you have the better. This is because time allows you to plan ahead and use the most cost effective delivery method. Getting something delivered Sameday or Next Day is always going to cost more in both money and STRESS!!

I would estimate that 90% of all printing jobs can be turned around and delivered withing 5 working days, with an average turnaround of 3 working days.

Quantity, complexity and when it is needed will all affect the timescale.

250 business cards or leaflets for tomorrow – that’s should be no problem. Send us the artwork and we will get them sorted. But, a bespoke presentation folder, with soft touch lamination and spot uv for tomorrow – that could be a problem. That is going to take a few days!

Also artwork – do you have print ready artwork prepared and ready to go? If not then this is going to add time onto the job. Simple amends can be done reasonably quickly and easily, but if something needs designing from scratch then a couple of additional days may be required.

Print, like many things, can be both a commodity and a bespoke product, which is why it is difficult to give a simple and straight?forward answer to the questions - ‘what’s the price?’ and “how long will it take?” On the Print and Mail Runner website we do try to give some guidance on price and turnaround, but I would always recommend you ask for a quote based on your particular needs and requirements. Why not ask for a few different options on quantities, finish and timescales – at least then you can make an informed decision.

I hope this proved to be of interest. If you would like any further information or discuss any print requirements you may have, please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you require any further information or would like a quote, please just get in touch via LinkedIn, e-mail: [email protected] or give us a call on:?0191 580 2031