We explore all the factors that influence the cost of printing booklets with an offset printer and explain how to optimize the results based on your budget
Are you looking for the answer to the all-important question: “How much does it cost to print booklets with an offset printer?” If so, you're in the right place. In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know when it comes to booklet printing, from how many booklets you need to how soon you need them printed. By the end of this blog, you'll have the answers to all your booklet printing questions and be able to work out a budget for your project.
Why print booklets?
Booklets are a great way to communicate your marketing messages or other important information and get your brand noticed. From product catalogs to newsletters, booklets are a cost-effective yet versatile way to promote your business. However, if you're planning to print booklets with an offset printer, it's important to understand the costs involved. In this blog, we'll take a look at the different elements of booklet printing and how to work out your budget.
How many booklets do you need?
The cost of booklet printing depends on the number of booklets you need. If you're printing a small number of booklets, say, 100 or fewer, then a digital printer may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you're printing in larger quantities, it's worth getting a quote from an offset printer. Most offset printers have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 500 to 1,000 copies. But here at QinPrinting, we've set our MOQ to just 100 units. Of course, the more copies you print, the cheaper the price-per-unit. It's also worth considering the size of your booklet — the larger the booklet, the more expensive it is to produce—and the type of paper, number of pages, and any special finishes. The more complex and customized your booklet is, the more it will cost.
What paper is best for booklets?
As we just mentioned, the type of paper you choose for your booklets will affect the cost. 128gsm-300gsm coated paper is more affordable. The weight of the paper also matters — the heavier the paper, the more expensive it is to produce. It's worth considering the purpose of your booklet when selecting the paper — if you're printing a product catalog, glossy paper is likely to be the best option. For a newsletter, at least the interior pages could be uncoated offset paper with perhaps coated paper for the cover.
What are the most common sizes for booklets?
Booklets come in a range of sizes, from pocket-sized to A4. The most common sizes are A5, A4, and A3. The size you choose will depend on the content of your booklet — for example, if your booklet contains lots of images, it may be worth opting for a larger size. The cost of your booklet will also depend on the binding style you choose—a saddle-stitched booklet will cost less than a perfect bound one. But we don't advise saddle stitch unless your book has fewer than 48 pages as the middle pages can start to push out beyond the cover which is unattractive.
How soon do you need your booklets printed?
The turnaround time for your booklet printing project will also affect the cost. If you need your booklets printed quickly, you'll need to factor in the cost of rush printing. Most offset printers will be able to accommodate a tight turnaround, but you may need to pay a premium for the privilege. If you have more time, you may be able to get a better price by opting for a longer turnaround time. That said, at QinPrinting, if you get in touch with us with a rush order and we can agree a mutually acceptable turnaround, we won't charge you any extra fees.
Ink and special coatings for booklets
The type of ink and special coatings you choose for your booklets will also affect the cost. If you opt for full-color printing, you'll need to factor in additional costs for the ink and setting up multiple plates. If you're printing a glossy magazine-style booklet, you may also need to factor in the cost of varnish or laminate coatings. It's worth considering the type of finish you need for your booklets before you request a quote.
How many pages should a booklet have?
The number of pages in your booklet will also affect the cost. Most booklets range from 8 to 48 pages, although you can opt for more or fewer pages if you wish. It's worth considering the content of your booklet when deciding on the number of pages. If you're printing a product catalog, for example, you may need more pages to showcase your products than a general introduction to your business, an end-of-year report, or another project.
What's the best binding for a booklet?
The type of binding you choose for your booklets will also affect the cost. The most common types of binding for booklets are perfect binding and saddle stitch binding. Perfect binding is ideal for booklets with more than 48 pages, while saddle stitch binding is best for booklets with fewer than 49 pages. The cost of binding will also depend on the cover paper choices you make and whether you want the bindings stitched as well as glued, for example.
Work out a budget for booklet printing
Now that you know the different elements that affect the cost of booklet printing, it's time to work out your budget. Start by considering the number of booklets you need, the type of paper you'll use, the size of your booklet, and the turnaround time. You should also factor in the cost of ink, special coatings, binding, and any artwork or design costs. Once you've worked out your budget, you can start looking for an offset printer to print your booklets.
Booklet printing costs chart:
- Size: 8.5" x 11"
- Cover: 200 gsm / 74 lb coated cover paper with matte lamination
- Interior: 128 gsm / 87 lb coated text paper, full color printing
- Binding: Saddle Stitch
| Page / Quantity | 100 pcs | 200 pcs | 500 pcs | 1000 pcs | 2000 pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16pp + 4pp | $206 | $244 | $288 | $358 | $535 |
| 32pp + 4pp | $310 | $369 | $439 | $561 | $845 |
| 48pp + 4pp | $414 | $493 | $594 | $764 | $1154 |
- Please note that all prices are EXW our facility and do not include shipping costs.
- Update on 2023-2-13
To make things easier for you, use our instant online quote engine. Just fill in the details—size, paper choices, number of pages, binding style, how many copies, etc.—and click for an instant estimate. You can find the quote generator here.
Printing booklets with an offset printer can be a cost-effective way to promote your business. However, it's important to understand the different elements that affect the cost. From the number of booklets that you need to the type of paper and binding you choose, there are a number of factors that can affect the price. By considering these factors and working out a budget, you can ensure that your booklet printing project is successful.
Talk to us!
Now that you know how much it costs to print booklets with an offset printer, it's time to get started. Over the last 25 years and more, QinPrinting has built up a worldwide reputation for excellent products, unbeatable prices, and first-class customer service and support. We've made it super easy for you to contact us via the telephone, email, the online chat, Skype, or the contact form. Get in touch today to discuss your booklet printing needs and request a no-obligation quote. With the right partner, you can be sure that your booklets will be printed to the highest quality and delivered on time. We can't wait to work with you. Let's talk!
