Print on Demand Versus Printing Offset—Pros and Cons

So you’re looking to have your book printed but you’re not sure which way to go—offset printing or print on demand—or which way will be most cost effective. Here’s our breakdown:

Print on Demand Pros
Don’t have to store any books
Access to worldwide book market
Don’t have to ship books to customers
Can print as little as one book
Relatively quick printing process

Offset printing pros
Lower unit cost
Higher quality book
More options when it comes to paper stock, book sizes etc.
Larger royalty
More control over distribution options

Print on Demand cons
Higher unit cost
Printing costs can fluctuate
Reduced royalty because of printing costs
Though you have access to a worldwide market online, books are able to have their prices increased by the seller
Lower quality product
Limited sizes and paper stocks

Offset printing cost
Higher up front cost
Only cost effective if ordered in units of 1000+
Must distribute yourself
Have to store books yourself
Depending on the printing location, you will have to deal with freight charges at customs
Due to large print runs, printing is slower

Print on demand works best for
Those wanting small print runs (<500)
Those with smaller books at higher prices (cheaper printing cost)
Those who just want to see their book ‘out there’

Offset printing works best for
Those looking to make more money
Those with larger books (lower per unit cost with offset printing)
Those with images needed to be printed in high quality

Australian eBook Publisher can assist you with both offset and print on demand. Contact us today.