How to Order Printing Smart & Save Cost : 5 Practical Tips for Quality Prints on Budget
Last updated: 6 Nov 2025
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How to Order Printing Smart & Save Cost 5 Practical Tips for Quality Prints on Budget
Ordering print work can be confusing especially if you want high-quality results without overspending. Whether youre a marketer, business owner, or designer, learning how to order printing smartly can help you save money and still get beautiful, professional prints.
Here are five simple yet powerful tips to make your printing more efficient and cost-effective.
1. Choose the Right Printing Method
The first step to saving money on printing is knowing which printing type suits your project.
If youre printing small quantities or need your job done fast, go with digital printing.
Its quick, doesnt require printing plates, and is perfect for flyers, posters, menus, and short-run materials.
If youre printing large volumes, choose offset printing.
Its ideal for books, catalogs, packaging, or marketing materials where you need hundreds or thousands of copies. The more you print, the cheaper the cost per unit while maintaining top-notch color accuracy.
Think of it like this:
Digital = speed and flexibility.
Offset = best price for volume.
2. Choose the Right Paper Not the Most Expensive One
Paper type plays a big role in how your print looks and feels but it also affects your cost.
You dont always need the most expensive option to get great results.
Flyers or Brochures: 100130 gsm
Business Cards: 250300 gsm
Book Pages: 80100 gsm
Heres a pro tip:
Most paper brands offer very similar quality. Choosing a standard, good-quality paper can save you a lot without sacrificing the look or feel of your project.
3. Use Special Finishes Only When Needed
Fancy finishes like Spot UV, Foil Stamping, Embossing, or Die-Cutting can make your prints stand out but they also add up quickly in cost.
Use them only for premium or presentation materials, such as business cards, product packaging, or promotional brochures.
If youre printing for everyday use, keep it simple. Clean design with a good layout often looks just as professional at a fraction of the cost.
4. Make Sure Your Files Are Print-Ready
Many printing errors (and unexpected reprint costs) happen because the design file isnt properly prepared.
Before you send your artwork to the printer, double-check these details:
Use CMYK color mode
Add 3mm bleed around the edges
Match the correct print size
Keep image resolution at least 300 DPI
A properly set up file ensures your colors print correctly, the design fits perfectly, and you wont waste time or money on revisions.
5. Order in Bulk to Save More
If you print frequently, ordering in bulk can save you a lot in the long run.
Printing small batches multiple times means youll pay setup costs every time especially with offset printing.
By printing all at once, you reduce those setup fees and get a better price per piece.
For materials you use regularly (like menus, packaging, or flyers), print extra to have on hand. Its cheaper and more efficient.
Summary
Choose the right printing method Pick the right paper Limit special effects Prepare files correctly Order enough in one go.
By following these five easy steps, youll get high-quality prints that look great and cost less.
Printing smart is not just about saving money its about making the most of every print project.
And if youre looking for a trusted partner for your printing needs, 133Printing is here to help you every step of the way from file setup to flawless final prints.
Because when you print smart, you save smart.
Ordering print work can be confusing especially if you want high-quality results without overspending. Whether youre a marketer, business owner, or designer, learning how to order printing smartly can help you save money and still get beautiful, professional prints.
Here are five simple yet powerful tips to make your printing more efficient and cost-effective.
1. Choose the Right Printing Method
The first step to saving money on printing is knowing which printing type suits your project.
If youre printing small quantities or need your job done fast, go with digital printing.
Its quick, doesnt require printing plates, and is perfect for flyers, posters, menus, and short-run materials.
If youre printing large volumes, choose offset printing.
Its ideal for books, catalogs, packaging, or marketing materials where you need hundreds or thousands of copies. The more you print, the cheaper the cost per unit while maintaining top-notch color accuracy.
Think of it like this:
Digital = speed and flexibility.
Offset = best price for volume.
2. Choose the Right Paper Not the Most Expensive One
Paper type plays a big role in how your print looks and feels but it also affects your cost.
You dont always need the most expensive option to get great results.
Flyers or Brochures: 100130 gsm
Business Cards: 250300 gsm
Book Pages: 80100 gsm
Heres a pro tip:
Most paper brands offer very similar quality. Choosing a standard, good-quality paper can save you a lot without sacrificing the look or feel of your project.
3. Use Special Finishes Only When Needed
Fancy finishes like Spot UV, Foil Stamping, Embossing, or Die-Cutting can make your prints stand out but they also add up quickly in cost.
Use them only for premium or presentation materials, such as business cards, product packaging, or promotional brochures.
If youre printing for everyday use, keep it simple. Clean design with a good layout often looks just as professional at a fraction of the cost.
4. Make Sure Your Files Are Print-Ready
Many printing errors (and unexpected reprint costs) happen because the design file isnt properly prepared.
Before you send your artwork to the printer, double-check these details:
Use CMYK color mode
Add 3mm bleed around the edges
Match the correct print size
Keep image resolution at least 300 DPI
A properly set up file ensures your colors print correctly, the design fits perfectly, and you wont waste time or money on revisions.
5. Order in Bulk to Save More
If you print frequently, ordering in bulk can save you a lot in the long run.
Printing small batches multiple times means youll pay setup costs every time especially with offset printing.
By printing all at once, you reduce those setup fees and get a better price per piece.
For materials you use regularly (like menus, packaging, or flyers), print extra to have on hand. Its cheaper and more efficient.
Summary
Choose the right printing method Pick the right paper Limit special effects Prepare files correctly Order enough in one go.
By following these five easy steps, youll get high-quality prints that look great and cost less.
Printing smart is not just about saving money its about making the most of every print project.
And if youre looking for a trusted partner for your printing needs, 133Printing is here to help you every step of the way from file setup to flawless final prints.
Because when you print smart, you save smart.
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