Searching for the best price to print your board book? As a professional board book printing manufacturer, I’ve printed my fair share over the years. In this detailed guide, I’ll break down exactly what goes into the cost of printing a board book in 2024 so you can set realistic expectations.
Why Board Books Cost More to Print Than Regular Books
Before we dive into specifics, it’s important to understand what makes board book printing unique. As the name suggests, board books are printed on thick, sturdy cardboard rather than normal paper pages. The pages are then laminated for extra durability—essential qualities for books meant to withstand aggressive handling from kids.
However, this specialized construction comes at a price. Offsetting the initial setup costs over smaller print runs results in a higher per unit expense. Plus, working with rigid materials requires more precision tools and handling care throughout the entire printing process.
So in short: the primary factors that increase board book printing costs are:
- Specialty printing process
- Thicker cardboard pages
- Laminated coating
- More calibration for precision
- Smaller print runs
Now let’s look at how these variables directly impact your bottom line.
What Affects the Cost to Print a Board Book?
Print Quantity
As with most manufactured products, scale saves money. By printing more copies, publishers can offset the fixed costs across a larger number of units. More volume also unlocks tiered or wholesale pricing for materials.
The main benchmark quantities that significantly reduce the per unit rate are:
- 500+ copies
- 1,000+ copies
- 2,500+ copies
Printing 500 vs. 1,000 copies could save you $1 per book. If your initial order is 2,500+ books, you may save upwards of $2 per book.
Pro Tip: Ask your printer about variable data printing for personalizing books at no extra cost.
Page Count
With every additional sheet added into a book, there is more paper, ink, glue, time, and handling required. Consequently, your total print quote goes up.
On average, expect to add between $0.50 – $1 per book for every 4-page signature added. Signatures are batches of pages printed on large sheets that get folded and trimmed down into book format. Given the size limitations of printing presses, additional signatures must be incorporated for books over 16-24 pages.
Format and Special Features
Board books keep it simple, but some authors go the extra mile with special touches like:
- Diecut shapes
- Foil stamping
- Glitter/raised details
- Complex page spreads
- Interactive elements
- Book-in-a-book
These embellishments normally add $0.25 – $2 per book depending on the intricacy. Foil stamping each book is quicker than die cutting unique shapes through every page. Talk through options with your printer early on to lock in pricing.
How Much Should You Budget for Board Book Printing?
As you can see, many variables affect the cost to print board books. That said, here are typical price ranges you can expect:
| Print Quantity | Average Cost Per Book |
|---|---|
| 100 copies | $5 – $8 |
| 250 copies | $3 – $6 |
| 500 copies | $2 – $4 |
| 1,000 copies | $1 – $3 |
| 2,500+ copies | $0.50 – $2 |
These numbers assume a standard 12-page book with no extra features beyond basic lamination.
For planning purposes, I suggest budgeting at least $3 per book if you are printing 500 copies or less. Budget at least $2 per book for orders over 1,000 copies.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Board Book Print Project
Looking to trim costs where possible on your board book printing? Here are my top money-saving tips:
Shop Around for Quotes
Prices can vary dramatically between printers. Spend time researching all your options and get quotes from multiple vendors. Prioritize printers who specialize in children’s books.
Go Simple With Design
Fancy diecutting or glitter may fit your artistic vision, but simpler is cheaper (and easier to mass produce). Skip anything that requires specialized tools or handling.
Order More Copies Upfront
It can be daunting to fund a huge print order all at once, but keep scale in mind. The more copies you print, the cheaper they are per unit. Even going from 500 to 750 makes a noticeable difference.
Print Domestically
Overseas printers have become popular for their rock bottom base rates. But by the time you factor in freight shipping costs, tariffs, and customs, domestic printers are often most affordable at lower quantities under 1,000 copies.