We are often asked this question and it is much like asking “How much does a car cost?”
The budget can vary from a small economical run-about, all the way up to a large, luxury vehicle. It also depends on the features the buyer specifies.
In order to get a reasonable budget estimate for a brochure, you should identify the following first:
- How many copies will you be printing? Remember you will achieve economies of scale by printing a larger quantity than a small one because the identical commercial printer set-up work is required and unless the paper you select is extraordinarily expensive, the additional paper cost is not a big factor.
- 1 color (often black on white, but not always), 2-color, or 4-color?
- Are there special ink requirements to match corporate identity colors?
- What type of paper stock suits your purpose? Postal regulations govern the minimum weight of stock required for self-mailers.
- What will be the physical size of the finished piece?
- What type of folding or special bindery (stapling, die-cuts, etc.) will be necessary?
- Will you provide high-quality artwork, or will licensing stock photos or commissioning professional photography be an additional cost?
- Will you provide copy, or do you require our copywriting services?
- When do you need it? Rush jobs always cost more, so plan ahead!
Don’t forget to allow a good two weeks for the printing process itself so the commercial printer can give you their best work.
Once the artwork for a printed piece has received your sign-off, a 4-color print job can take up to 15+ business days allowing for proofing, last minute changes, paper delivery, ink drying time and special handling.
Generally, printing a simple brochure takes 5-10 business days.
Failure to allow adequate time for the printing process is a common oversight – don’t let it happen to you!
