Plan a print job and compare prices
Start a print comparison with the finished product: what must arrive, how many copies and by when? The lowest unit price does not answer those questions. A clear scope lets you assess printing, design and delivery together.
What should the printer handle?
Separate production from design and dispatch. A print-ready flyer needs different work from a brochure that still needs a layout. For a reprint, confirm the format, paper and current file version as well. An old invoice does not fully specify a new job.
For several printed items, quantities per product or design matter. Five hundred cards for one person are different from fifty cards each for ten people. Bound products also need a page count and binding; outdoor products require suitable material and fixing.
Digital or offset printing?
Ask for the process that suits the job. Digital printing can suit short runs, frequent changes or variable content. Offset can be appropriate for larger recurring runs. There is no universal quantity at which one process becomes cheaper for every specification.
Compare the result and total cost rather than the machine alone. Paper, colours, finishing and postpress work must suit the proposed process. If exact brand colours matter, ask how the printer will reproduce and check them.
Specify size, paper and finishing
Give the finished size. A folded leaflet has different closed and unfolded sizes. Explain whether the paper needs to accept writing, withstand frequent handling or display photographs well. Grammage measures weight per area, not automatically thickness or quality.
| Specification | Clarify for comparison |
|---|---|
| Size | Finished dimensions, orientation and any fold |
| Paper | Surface, grammage and intended use |
| Colours | Colours on each side and special colour requirements |
| Finishing | Trimming, folding, binding or special surface finish |
What costs belong in a quote?
A reliable estimate needs the product, quantity and specification. Separate one-off design, correction, setup or tooling charges from costs per copy. This distinguishes a low-cost reprint from a low-cost first order. An advertised starting price without its conditions is not a useful comparison.
Compare the same required quantity and a justified reserve. A lower unit price can still mean higher total expenditure if you print too much. Include delivery, packaging, any required bundling, storage and your collection time. Unspecified shipping charges do not mean free shipping.
| Cost item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Design, corrections and agreed approval |
| Production | Quantity, versions, material and finishing |
| Logistics | Packaging, destinations, transport and any postal lodgement |
| Total | Taxes, extra services and possible change charges |
Prepare print artwork
Before exporting, ask the chosen printer for its artwork requirements: PDF format, colour profile, bleed and safety margins. PDF/X supports reliable file exchange, but it does not by itself guarantee suitable bleed or image resolution for every product.
The file must contain the correct content and fonts. A technically accepted PDF can still have a wrong price, an old phone number or missing pages. Check whether file review covers technical faults only or content corrections too. Finished artwork is not required for an initial enquiry.
Agree samples and approval
A screen proof helps check text, sequence and placement. Paper appearance, feel or binding colour expectations may require a physical sample. Agree what the sample confirms and what it costs. A basic digital print does not automatically replace an agreed colour-accurate proof.
Nominate one approver and identify file versions clearly. Changes after approval can affect production and timing. Check edges, folds, the binding area and any QR codes at their intended printed size.
Check delivery and receipt
Give the date when the finished items must be at their place of use. File submission, approval, production and transport are separate stages. For a fixed event, the quote should specify artwork and approval deadlines. Express production does not automatically guarantee timely delivery.
On receipt, check quantities, specifications and visible damage. Compare the goods with the confirmed specification and document discrepancies promptly. For recurring orders, discuss reprint files, material changes and storage conditions explicitly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a print job cost?
The price depends on the product, quantity, size, material, versions and finishing. Compare totals including agreed preparation and delivery. A general price range without matching specifications would not be very informative.
Can I enquire without artwork?
Yes. State whether you need design, artwork preparation or printing alone. Final content and files must be approved before production.
Is a larger quantity always cheaper?
Unit cost may fall while the total rises. Compare the required quantity, justified reserve, storage and risk of outdated content.
Does every file need 300 dpi and 3 mm bleed?
No. Requirements depend on the product and production process. Confirm resolution, bleed and colour profile with the chosen printer before final export.
Are design and shipping included?
Only if included in the quote. Check corrections, samples, packaging, delivery addresses and shipping charges and how they affect the total.
How do I plan for a fixed deadline?
State the required arrival date. Agree artwork submission, approval, production and transport timing in writing. Allow time for corrections and, if needed, a sample.
