Have you noticed how a 500-gram tin of baked beans isn’t double the cost of a 250-gram tin?
This is not only because they want to entice us all to buy more baked beans. It’s because the cost to manufacture the 500-gram tin, fill it with beans and deliver it to the supermarket isn’t double the cost of the 250-gram tin. So the consumer gets the saving – and yes, they do get to sell more baked beans in the process.
The same concept applies to printing. Over my many years in the printing industry, I’m still surprised by how many people still question the small cost difference between 500 and 1,000 business cards. I’ll give them a price of $240 for 1,000 business cards, and they reply with, “Okay then, I’ll have 500 cards for $120.” I reply with, “Sorry, it doesn’t work like that.”, and then go into my well-scripted and long-winded explanation about print pricing in an attempt to convince them that I’m not trying to rip them off.
So below is the abridged version of that script, which most people accept.
When a client orders business cards, the standard costs such as design, press set up, guillotining, and packaging are the same, regardless of whether you order 250, 500 or 1,000 business cards. The only cost difference is the card stock plus a small amount of press labour. This can sometimes translate to a saving of just a few dollars.
The price bracket phenomenon applies to most print products ordered in smaller quantities, including brochures, stickers, magnets, invoice books, and letterheads. However, the savings quickly diminish when we’re comparing 10,000 and 20,000 brochures. For jobs of this size, the paper and press labour costs are a high component, so when you double large quantities to even larger quantities, then the cost will almost double.
The Benefits of Ordering Large Quantities in Printing
In the world of printing, whether it’s for personal projects, business needs, or marketing materials, there’s often a question that arises: Should you order in bulk or stick to smaller quantities? While it might seem tempting to play it safe and order only what you need for the immediate future, there are compelling reasons why ordering in large quantities can be a game-changer. Let’s dive into the world of bulk printing and explore the value it brings.
Cost Savings: The Obvious Advantage
One of the most immediate and apparent benefits of ordering in bulk is the significant cost savings. Printers often offer a better rate per unit for larger quantities. This means that as you increase the number of items you print, the cost per piece decreases. This can make a massive difference, especially for businesses and organisations working with tight budgets.
For example, let’s say you need 500 business cards for your team. Ordering just 100 might cost you significantly more per card than ordering 500. The savings might seem small on a per-card basis, but they add up quickly when you’re looking at larger quantities. Plus, having a surplus of printed materials on hand can save you from rushing to place orders and paying higher rates for quick turnarounds.
Economies of Scale: Printing Efficiency
Printing in bulk also allows printing companies to optimise their processes for efficiency. When we can print large quantities of the same item in one go, we can streamline the setup and production processes. This efficiency not only saves them time but also reduces waste and resources. As a result, we can pass some of these savings on to you, the customer.
Consistency Across Projects
Ordering in bulk ensures consistency across all your printed materials. Whether it’s business cards, brochures, flyers, or any other item, having them printed together in one large batch ensures colour consistency, paper quality uniformity, and overall brand cohesion. This is especially crucial for businesses that rely on consistent branding to maintain a professional image.
Ready Supply for Events and Campaigns
Another advantage of bulk printing is having a ready supply of materials for events, conferences, or marketing campaigns. Imagine being able to grab the exact number of flyers or posters you need without worrying about running out. Bulk printing allows you to be prepared for any opportunity that comes your way without the stress of last-minute orders.
Environmental Considerations
While it might seem counterintuitive, bulk printing can also have environmental benefits. Printing larger quantities means fewer setups, less wasted paper, and optimised use of resources. Many modern printing companies are also using eco-friendly practices and materials, so by ordering in bulk, you can contribute to these sustainability efforts.
Tips for Ordering in Bulk:
Plan Ahead
Ordering in bulk requires some foresight. Make sure you have a clear idea of your printing needs for the foreseeable future.
Quality Check
Before placing a large order, it’s wise to request a sample or proof to ensure everything looks exactly how you want it. This can save you from potential issues with a large batch of prints.
Storage Solutions
Consider where you’ll store your printed materials. Ensure they are kept in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality.
In conclusion, ordering in bulk for your printing needs offers numerous advantages, from cost savings to efficiency gains and consistent branding. Whether you’re a small business looking to save on marketing materials or an individual with ongoing printing needs, exploring bulk printing options can be a smart move. So next time you’re planning your printing order, think big and reap the rewards of ordering in large quantities.
