This week’s print encyclopedia entry is all about budgeting for your print projects. When management asks what you’re going to spend on that printed piece, the smart answer is — “it depends!” Luckily, you are not alone in the often tricky process. Let’s look at some factors that help in getting a handle on your budget and questions to ask when quoting your job.
What you did last year
Sometimes it’s as simple as revisiting a previous, successful job. When you sign up for our Customer Center, the Job History section gives you insight into previous orders to help guide your decisions.
What the competition is doing
Evaluate the need to counter/answer your competitor’s marketing program.
What your preference is
Your corporate culture, branding, graphic standards, industry image, and personal tastes all figure in. If you are trying to present your brand as a high-quality brand, then your printed pieces should reflect that!
What works (or has before)
Research effective approaches to accomplish your goals—case studies are particularly helpful for this. You may also talk to others in your industry communities, both online and offline, about their experience and what has worked for them in the past.
Quantity
This big cost-contributor must be addressed as you plan. Remember, cost per piece generally decreases as you increase quantity.
Number of colors
This impacts press selection and, therefore, costs. Review CMYK vs Pantone for specifics.
Physical size
Calculate the size piece and number of pages required to get the job done. If you are willing to be flexible on the size, add a note that indicates this and we can make suggestions that will accommodate your design and trim some cost.
Stock
Paper choice does matter! Commodity stock that is readily produced and available, such as glossy coated, will generally be more economical than specialty substrates. Match the stock you choose to the strategy of your project. Mostly likely, your quarterly newsletter will have different stock than a personalized invitation. Once you’ve decided, indicate whether the paper is cover or text and the weight.
Plain or super-specialized
Complexity, special techniques or ostentation may be required, but they will add big bucks to your job. (Think about some awesome embossing or foil-stamping to really make your printed piece pop!)
Having trouble determining how to minimize your printing costs while maximizing results? Contact us for more info on how B&B can walk you through the budgeting process. You can also use our “Get a Quote” tool to easily submit a request and begin a print budget conversation with B&B’s experts. Hint: Include quantity, size (flat and finished size), stock, number of pages, if there are bleeds, finishing (fold, stitch, embossing, foil stamp, ect…), and mailing requirements.
