Keep it digital. Triple-check whether you really need to mass-print a piece. Maybe it can be distributed as print-on-demand or a PDF instead?

Join a gang. If you have multiple print jobs going out around the same time (such as at quarter-end), you might be able to trim costs by “ganging them up” for one big print run.

See what’s in stock. Printers often buy a “house stock” of paper in bulk. Have them quote on what’s on hand versus ordering your usual paper stock.

Do more with less. With clever design that uses a variety of tints, you might be able to save money by turning a four-color print job into a two-color job.

Pump up the volume. You may be able to negotiate a volume discount by signing on for repeat business with a preferred print vendor.


While we’re at it, here are two things to keep in mind. One, minimizing print quantities does not necessarily save money. It’s a lot cheaper to do one big run today than a small one now and another small one next month. Two, digital printing is not always cheaper than hitting the press. On quantities of 500 copies or more, get quotes on both and you might be surprised.

Our view
It’s worthwhile to engage a creative agency or print brokerage that can source competitive bids and also recommend specific tips and tricks to save you money. //