Lowering Costs on Large Print Runs
Without Sacrificing Quality
When planning a large print run, many publishers focus first on unit price. While important, the lowest cost per book does not always mean the best overall decision.
Large upfront quantities can tie up cash, create storage needs, and increase risk if demand is slower than expected.
A Real Example
A publisher approached us, planning an 8,000-copy run of a new title. The natural assumption was to print the full quantity offset for the best unit cost.
Instead, we recommended an initial offset run of 5,000 copies, with the option to produce additional copies digitally as demand developed.
This reduced the upfront investment while still capturing the efficiency of offset printing. It also gave the publisher flexibility to respond to actual sales rather than projections.
Why This Works
The best print strategy often balances four factors:
- Cost
- Cash flow
- Inventory risk
- Flexibility
In some cases, offset is the right fit. In others, digital makes more sense. Often, the most effective approach is a combination of both.
At CHG, we help publishers evaluate quantities, printing methods, and specifications to lower costs while maintaining quality.
If you have an upcoming project, we’d be glad to review your options and provide a quote.
