A well-produced catalog is a vital marketing tool. It acts as a representation of your business, conveying intricate details and an innate professionalism. When printing a catalog, you must consider all the variables. The following are some of the factors that can affect your catalog printing costs. They include page count, paper size, and turnaround time.
Paper
The type of paper used can significantly impact the overall catalog printing costs. Heavier-weighted papers are more expensive to print on. Choosing a thinner, lighter-weight paper can save you money without sacrificing quality. The number of pages printed also impacts printing costs. A larger page count can require more ink and paper, increasing production costs. However, if the increase in page count is coupled with a higher response rate, it can result in more fabulous sales.
Trim size: Choose a standard trim size to reduce printing costs. Larger trim sizes require more paper and may increase postage costs as well.
Co–mailing: Choose a printer that offers co-mailing for your catalogs. This allows you to mail your catalogs in a group with other catalogs and can save on postage costs. When working with a commercial printer that offers co-mailing, you only need to provide your mailing list; they will take care of the rest. This can significantly reduce your overall catalog mailing costs and improve your return on investment.
Binding
It’s no secret that a global paper shortage impacts many printing and catalog companies. Paper prices are increasing in this situation and will likely continue to increase until the shortage resolves itself. This will have a direct impact on your catalog printing costs. Heavier weights and grades are more costly than lighter weights. The number of pages is also a factor, as more pages equate to more print. Lastly, the type of binding chosen for your catalogs can also affect the cost. For example, saddle stitching is more cost-effective than spiral binding. Another factor affecting catalog printing costs is whether or not you require Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors for your digital renderings. PMS colors are more expensive than the standard CMYK color system for catalog printing.
Inks
Catalogs are printed digitally or on an offset press, and the type of ink used affects the cost. If you need precise colors, you may need to use Pantone Matching System (PMS) inks, which can be more expensive than the standard CMYK inks. The number of pages in the catalog will also affect its printing costs. More pages mean more ink and paper, which increases the cost. Additionally, it’s best to print a catalog in as few press forms as possible. For example, a 48-page catalog can be printed more efficiently in 16-page sections on one paper stock than in two 32-page sections on different papers. The design and layout of a catalog can also influence its printing costs. For instance, a smaller trim size can save on paper and postage costs. Also, opting for a stapled binding rather than stitched or spiral binding can reduce production costs. Lastly, choosing a printer that offers co-mailing will help reduce mailing costs. Co-mailing enables you to mail the catalogs in a large pool and reduces the need for costly postage.
Colors
Printing a color catalog can cost up to three times as much as a black-and-white one because printers must pay for the color toner. So consider whether it’s worth the extra expense. The number of pages is another factor that impacts the overall cost of your catalog printing. The more pages you have, the more ink and paper are used. Therefore, reducing your catalog’s page count or trim size will help keep costs down. Finally, choose a co-mailing printer that allows you to pool your catalogs with other printed materials in a mail group to help reduce postage costs. Not all printers offer this service, so ask before placing your order. We also examined how flexible each company was in allowing you to customize your catalogs according to your specific needs and preferences.
Design
Print catalogs are a great way to promote a brand, increase sales, and build customer loyalty. However, it’s crucial to consider costs when designing a print catalog. One of the most significant factors in the cost of a print catalog is the page count. The number of pages will determine how much paper and ink is used. It’s best to use a standard popular size for the catalog to realize less waste and economies of scale. Designing the catalog with as few images as possible while promoting the products is also essential. Cutting out images can help to cut the price of a print catalog without compromising its quality. Another way to cut the cost of a print catalog is by making it easier for customers to sign up and get their copy. This can be done using address capture tools that reduce friction in the signup process. This will improve the conversion rate and prevent inaccuracies, which can lead to a high return on investment for mailers.