Printing costs get expensive quickly if you don’t exactly know how pricing actually works. The biggest thing that affects what you’ll pay is the type of printing you go for: digital printing or traditional printing.
Digital printing services are better for speed, smaller runs, and lower setup costs. Traditional printing is done when you’re printing large volumes and want consistent, high-quality output. But the way each method handles materials, labor, and turnaround time also changes how much you spend.
This blog breaks down the cost side of both methods. How they work, what you’re actually paying for, and how to figure out which one makes more sense for your job.
What Is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is a fast, no-setup method used for small print jobs. The file is sent straight to the press, and the job can usually start within minutes. There are no plates, drying time, or delay between versions. That’s what makes it a go-to for quick runs and personalized pieces.
It works well when you need a low quantity, a short turnaround, or a design that changes often. You can print just 25 or 100 copies without wasting time or money. Each piece can be different, names, addresses, barcodes, without any extra setup.
Digital printing services are commonly used for business cards, flyers, menus, and direct mail. The per-piece cost is steady, so it’s not meant for high-volume jobs. But when flexibility and speed matter more than volume pricing, digital is the better choice.
What Is Traditional Printing?
Traditional printing uses metal plates and rollers to transfer ink onto the paper. Each color in your design needs its own separate plate. So the whole setup takes longer and costs more up front. But once it’s running, it’s built for volume.
This method is best when you're printing a large quantity of the same thing. For example, 1,000 brochures, 5,000 flyers, product packaging, or anything you’ll reprint often. The more you print, the lower the price per piece. That’s why it’s used for bulk orders.
It also handles special inks and provides better finishes than digital. If you have specific choices like exact color matching or want things like metallic ink or spot gloss, offset is usually the way to go.
The trade-off is set up. You’ll pay more to get it started, and it takes longer than digital. But if you're printing thousands, that setup cost spreads out fast.
Related: T-Shirt Printing vs. DIY: Why Professional Printing Services Are Worth It
What Drives Printing Costs
Every print job has a few main costs that show up no matter which method you use. But, there are some changes that are different in digital printing and traditional printing.
|
Factors |
Digital Printing |
Traditional Printing |
|
Setup |
No setup plates. The job starts right after the file is sent. |
Needs plates and press setup. More time and labor upfront. |
|
Best Quantity Range |
Cheaper for small runs (under 500). |
Cost per piece drops with large runs (1,000+ is where savings show). |
|
Per-Unit Cost |
Stays mostly the same no matter how many you print. |
High at first, then drops as volume increases. |
|
Personalization |
Easy to change details like names or barcodes on every copy. |
Not built for variable printing. Each change adds setup and cost. |
|
Turnaround Time |
Fast. Great for same-day or next jobs. |
Slow. Needs more prep and drying time. |
|
Finish |
Basic finishing, including cutting and folding. |
Better for special finishes like foil, embossing, and spot UV. |
Setup
Digital printing doesn’t need plates or press alignment. This cuts a big part of the upfront cost. You send the file, and the job starts. It’s what makes digital a smart choice for small runs or quick changes.
Traditional printing has more setup involved. Every color needs a plate. The press has to be calibrated. It takes time and labor, which adds cost. That’s why short runs aren’t the best choice on offset.
Print Volume
With digital, the cost per piece stays flat.
With traditional printing, once the setup is paid for, printing more doesn’t cost extra. The price per unit drops sharply as your volume goes up. It’s built for scale.
Material and Finish
The type of paper, ink, and any finishing steps (like trimming, folding, or coating) all affect price.
Digital works well with a range of standard paper types and coatings. But traditional printing handles special finishes better, like foil stamping, spot UV, and embossing, because the press can apply them more precisely.
Customization
Digital printing handles data easily. You can change names, barcodes, or addresses from one piece to the next without extra cost.
Traditional printing can’t do this without stopping the press and resetting, which adds time and money. That’s why it’s rarely used for personalized jobs.
Time and Turnaround
Digital is faster. Files go straight to print, and you can usually get same-day or next-day service.
Traditionally takes more time, between setup, production, and drying. It’s better not to rush orders unless you’re running a big batch on a tight deadline.
Related: Banner Printing Cost Guide: What to Expect from a Professional Printing Shop
Do Print Quality and Finishing Change the Price?
Yes.
If you’re printing something like flyers or business cards, digital printing is a better option. If you want sharper detail, color matching, or special finishes like foil or embossing, then offset printing handles that better, but it costs more to set up.
The more finishing steps, the more the cost. Cutting, folding, or laminating adds up. Embossing, spot UV, or foil stamping adds more, and these are usually handled through traditional printing.
When to Use Digital vs Traditional Printing
Digital Printing If:
-
You want less than 500 copies. It’s more affordable in small batches.
-
The job needs to be done fast. Digital files go straight to print with no delay for plates or press setup.
-
Each copy needs to be a little different, like names, barcodes, or addresses. Digital handles this without extra cost.
-
The design might change. Reprints and edits are easier and cheaper when there’s no setup involved.
-
You want to keep upfront costs low. No plates and no setup fees, makes short runs easier on the budget.
Traditional Printing If:
-
You want 1,000 prints or more. It costs more to start, but the price per piece drops as volume goes up.
-
Color consistency matters. Offset printing gives tighter control over color, especially with Pantone matching.
-
You’re using special finishes like foil, embossing, or spot gloss. These are easier and more precise on an offset press.
-
The design won’t change between runs. Once setup is done, reprints are fast and affordable.
-
You want the lowest price per unit at scale. Offset becomes the cheaper option once you’re printing in larger quantities.
Final Thoughts
Printing costs aren’t random. They come down to how the job is set up, how many you’re printing, what kind of finish you want, and how fast you need it. Digital printing is built for short runs, fast turnarounds, and anything that changes a lot. Traditional printing costs more, but saves money when you’re printing in bulk and want consistent results.
If you're not sure which one to use, start by looking at the quantity, timeline, and whether you’ll need to update the file later. That usually gives you your answer.
If you need help with what works best for your next print run, get in touch with AA Printing. We’ll walk you through it and make sure you get what you need, on time, and within budget.
Related: Why is same-day printing more expensive than regular printing?
