Whether you’re printing a university prospectus or a prospectus for a school, the cost of printing can vary greatly depending on the number of prints and type of printing needed. From finishes and order volume to paper quality and a bespoke design, there are no one-price-fits-all when it comes to producing a high-quality prospectus.
In this blog, we’re going to break down the various cost factors associated with prospectus printing, while also providing some guidance on choosing the most suitable option for your needs. Let’s get started!
We would recommend speaking to the school prospectus printing experts here at Avenue Printing to get a more accurate quote according to your specification.
How much does it cost to print a prospectus?
As we already mentioned, there’s really no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the price of your average prospectus. There’s also no single defining factor that will determine its overall cost; two prospectuses that both contain 200 pages won’t necessarily be the same price. As each prospectus will use a different finish, paper type, and printing method, there’s no way to calculate the price without first speaking to a printing expert – such as us – and getting a quote.
What are the key factors in prospectus printing costs?
So, what factors influence the price of printing a prospectus? Here are some of the most important points to take into consideration:
Quantity
One of the most obvious cost factors to take into consideration is going to be the volume of your order. While having a large or bulk order will mean a higher overall cost, the more copies you need, the lower your unit cost will be. At Avenue Printing, we always offer cost effective pricing so that our clients get the best deal when buying in bulk.
Prospectus length
The length of your prospectus will also play a role in the overall price you can expect to pay. Longer documents will require more pages and materials, which naturally means higher printing costs.
Paper type
Different types of paper have different costs associated with them, and your choice of paper will impact your overall printing costs. For example, a 100% recycled paper will cost you more than an FSC accredited paper (paper from a sustainable source) . For a more durable prospectus, you might want to think about a heavierpaper for both the text and cover especially if you plan on including high-quality images in your design.
Finishing options
Different finish options can also affect the production cost of a prospectus, with some creative choices being more expensive than others. For example, if you’re looking to create an engaging, eye-catching design, adding a lamination finish to the cover or foil-stamping your logo can increase the overall cost of your order (while admittedly adding a touch of unique flair!) In general, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend adding the most expensive finishes to bulk orders of printed products – you can easily add a gloss or matte finish that achieves the same professional, high quality look, without the associated high costs.
Printing method
Just like finishes and paper types, different printing methods also have different associated costs. For instance, if a company is looking to order a large number of prospectuses for distribution at events, then it could be more cost-effective to opt for offset printing due to its larger volumes and lower unit cost. Meanwhile, digital printing may be more economically viable for smaller orders and can be more cost-effective for short runs, with the added bonus of having a quicker turnaround time. Overall, the most economical printing method will largely depend on the required length o.f print run.
Design
If you don’t have a pre-existing design, then the cost of designing and creating your prospectus may add to your total printing costs. The design aspect of your prospectus is actually one area where you can save money and cut costs – if you’re able to use simple design tools like Canva or Photoshop, you don’t need to hire an expensive freelancer or designer to do it for you. That being said, if you want the most professional and impressive-looking design possible, hiring a professional is your best option.
How to save money on prospectus printing
So, how can you cut costs on your prospectus printing while still achieving a high-quality, professional-looking product? Here are some of our tips:
Consider its intended use
When it comes to ordering prospectuses, you don’t always need to opt for the most expensive printing options. For example, if you’re printing prospectuses that are going to be used mainly as event handouts and recycled afterwards, then cheaper paper stock and a more basic design will usually suffice.
Order a longer print run
The more copies of your prospectus that you order at once, the lower your cost will be per printed item. While this might not work best when it comes to time-specific items (such as yearly prospectuses for an academic institution) it can work well if you want to order a large batch of prospectuses for more general, continued use.
Choose cost-effective finishes
If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, you can still opt for finishes that make your prospectus look eye-catching and professional without breaking the bank. For example, laminating the cover of your prospectus can give it a smart appearance and make it more attractive for readers. Plus, lamination is less expensive than other more luxurious finishes, so it won’t hike up your order price massively.
Think about the design carefully
Before ordering your prospectus, make sure to think carefully about how you want it to look and what kind of paper you’d like to use. If you don’t have the necessary software or skillset to create your own design, then consider hiring an experienced designer who can help you create a professional, eye-catching design for less. If you create something poorly designed, it’s going to end up costing more in reprints and re-designs, so getting it right the first time will help you save on unnecessary costs.