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Print-on-Demand vs. Bulk Printing: What You Need to Know?
Michael Adams
Ah, the joys of being a writer! You have put your heart and soul into your manuscript, agonizing over every comma and every bit of detail your imagination could go across. But now comes the real nail-biting part, “How do you get it printed?”
Every new author faces this constant dilemma of print-on-demand vs. bulk printing. Depending on your needs and preferences, it’s similar to having to decide between coffee and tea, cats and dogs, or, let’s say, paperbacks and hardcovers. Although both choices have benefits and drawbacks, the question is which is best for you?
Don’t worry; to answer this question and more like these, we will get into the specifics of book printing choices. To help you in choosing a course of action, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of print-on-demand vs. bulk printing, discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and all points in between, and how you should choose a professional book printing service. Trust me, there is a lot for you to learn, whether your goal is to sell a million copies of your story or a limited-edition poetry book. Let’s go over all you need to know so that you can decide how to get your book into the hands of readers.
Key Takeaways
- What is Print-on-Demand: Print-on-demand is a printing technique where you only print a book when it is ordered by a customer.
- What is bulk printing? Bulk printing is a printing method that involves producing large quantities of books all at once.
- Print-on-Demand vs. Bulk Printing: Although they both are printing techniques, they have a lot of differences, like their initial costs, quantity, cost per unit, and turnaround time.
- Famous Printing Stories: See examples of some famous books and how they were printed. Learn from these examples so you can make a wise decision for yourself.
- What’s Best For Your Book: Ultimately, it all just depends on you. However, you can always seek out a professional book printing service for help.
What is Print on Demand?
Let’s say you have just finished writing your book, and the idea of printing 5000 copies is already giving you nightmares. Even 5,000 volumes won’t fit in your house, much less five copies of one book! But here’s where Print-on-Demand (POD) can help.
When someone requests a book, you may print it in lower quantities, or even just one copy, through print-on-demand. The books are printed as soon as a buyer clicks “buy.” This eliminates the need for large upfront costs, the buildup of unsold books in your garage, and the frightful warehousing conditions. If you are prepared to expand but still want to print in batches, you can also go for print-on-demand wholesale.
The best part is that print-on-demand is often used by small publishers and independent authors. If you want to keep your options open, this is the best custom book printing option. No more sitting on thousands of books, thinking when they will ever make it to a bookshelf. Print-on-demand provides you with the flexibility of printing just enough copies of your book to meet the necessary demand, which allows you to print more when you need them.
But wait, there is more! With print-on-demand, you can manage your project more easily without having to visit a printing facility when you have access to an online professional book printing service.
What Is Bulk Printing?
On the other hand, publishers or authors who know their target market well and expect steady sales tend to favor bulk printing. But what does printing in bulk mean? Ordering a lot of books, typically 500 or more, and having them produced all at once is known as bulk printing. However, it can have greater upfront expenses, but as quantity grows, the cost per unit tends to go down, making it more reasonable for large-scale printing.
If you have a loyal following or a solid marketing strategy, bulk printing might be an attractive option. In fact, the best option is to distribute your book through a variety of outlets, and you think it will sell well.
For example, it may be advantageous to print in bulk in advance if you want to sell them at conferences, events, or physical bookstores.
You can also go for bulk print-on-demand, but for that, you need to have a good understanding of the possible demand for your book because you are committing to publish a lot of copies. You may end up with a pile of unsold inventory taking up rooms in your house or a storage facility if your book doesn’t sell as planned. For first-time writers who are uncertain about how well their work will do in the marketplace, this could be a dangerous approach.
Moreover, bulk printing takes longer to produce and fulfill, so when predicting delivery timelines to your distributors or readers, you will need to plan and factor in production time.
Print-on-Demand vs. Bulk Printing: A Detailed Comparison
Now that we have discussed what these printing options are and how they work. Let’s now do a detailed comparison of print-on-demand vs. bulk printing. The key differences are highlighted in the table below. If you need a more detailed understanding, we have elaborated on them further in paragraphs as well.
| Features | Print-on-Demand | Bulk Printing |
| Upfront Costs | Low | High |
| Quantity | As few as one book | Typically 500+ books |
| Cost Per Unit | Higher per book | Lower per book |
| Storage | No storage required | Requires storage for extra copies |
| Flexibility | Very flexible | Less flexible once printed |
| Turnaround Time | Quickly (1 – 3 days) | Longer (weeks or months) |
1. Upfront Costs
Print-on-Demand
With print-on-demand, you only have to pay for the books that are produced in response to requests. This makes it considerably more affordable for authors who are just starting out or have a tight budget because you don’t have to pay for a large number of books upfront.
Let’s say you wish to test your book on a small group of people. You can print 10 or 20 copies at a time when individuals place orders rather than investing in 1,000 copies that might not sell.
Bulk Printing
A significant upfront payment is necessary for bulk printing. Even if you are unsure of the number of books you will sell, you must pay for the whole print run of your book at once. For first-time authors, in particular, this might be a significant financial investment.
For example, if you decide to print 1000 copies all at once, you will need to pay for all 1000 books upfront, even if you only sell 100 copies in the first year.
2. Quantity and Adaptability
Print-on-Demand
It allows you to print only the information you require at the appropriate time. You can start small if you don’t know how many books you will sell. Ordering too many books that might wind up unsold on a shelf is not a concern for you.
Here’s a tip: if you are not sure how well your book will perform, you can begin by printing only a small number of copies. As your audience grows, you can continue to print more copies.
Bulk Printing
Printing a fixed number of copies at once is known as bulk printing. For authors who know exactly how many books they will sell and who have a distribution strategy in place, this is the best choice. However, the number cannot be changed once the books have been ordered. No matter how many books you produce, you will be stuck with them whether or not you sell them.
If you print 500 copies at once, you will be obligated to sell those 500 copies. You will have a lot of books to store or figure out how to get rid of if they don’t sell.
3. Cost per Unit
As print-on-demand only prints one book at a time, the cost per book is typically greater than bulk printing. However, this extra cost is balanced out by not having to pay for a large number of books upfront. Moreover, you are avoiding the possibility of ordering too many books that you won’t be able to sell.
For example, printing 500 copies at once might be less expensive than printing one copy at a time. However, by simply purchasing for how much you need, you can prevent unnecessary inventory and ultimately save money.
Bulk Printing
The cost per item is typically lower when printing in bulk. The printer may give you a discount if you place a large order. Each book gets less expensive the more copies you order. Therefore, you can save money per book if you can commit to a larger print run.
For instance, printing 1,000 copies could result in a considerably lower cost per copy than printing just 50. Because of this, if you expect to sell a large number of books, bulk printing becomes a more cost-effective choice.
4. Inventory and Storage
Print-on-Demand
It eliminates the need to store your books. You don’t need to store any inventory because they are produced and distributed just when someone purchases them. This is particularly useful if you don’t have enough room at home or a warehouse to keep a lot of books.
Bulk Printing
Where to keep your books is an important factor to consider when you decide to print in bulk. Finding a place to store them, whether it be in your house, a rented storage facility, or a warehouse, is necessary because you are printing a lot of them at once. This could be more expensive and time-consuming.
For example, if you are printing 1000 books, you must ensure that you have adequate capacity to store each copy until it is sold, which may need a large amount of space.
5. Turnaround Time
Print-on-Demand
Print-on-demand often has a fast turnaround time. Since the books are printed as orders are received, you don’t have to wait for a long production process. You don’t need to plan for months because books may be printed and distributed in a matter of days.
For example, your book may be printed and dispatched in one to three days if someone wants it today. This is best if you have a special event or launch and need your book urgently.
Bulk Printing
As bulk printing involves producing books in large quantities, it takes longer. You might have to wait a few weeks or even months after placing your order before the books are available. If you need books fast, this can be annoying.
Depending on the printer’s schedule and the number of copies you are printing, it may take two to four weeks for you to receive 500 copies of your order. If you have a lot of deadlines, you should be aware of this.
Famous Books and Their Printing Stories
Let’s go a little off-topic and see how the best-selling books were printed. What options did they choose, and did their decisions prove to be successful once? Learning from their good or bad decisions can help to guide you in choosing the right printing approach.
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Method of Printing: Bulk Printing
One of the best-known examples of bulk printing is the first book in the Harry Potter series. After being published by Bloomsbury in the UK, J.K. Rowling’s book quickly gained international praise. Given the enormous demand, the publisher printed thousands of copies in advance.
Why Bulk Printing? From the start, the publishers and booksellers were confident that the book would be a success. By printing in large quantities, money was saved through reduced production costs per unit, and the authors ensured that the book was instantly available to readers all over the world.
2. The Zodiac Killer by Robert Graysmith
Method of Printing: Print-on-Demand
Over time, this true crime book about the Zodiac Killer became more and more well-known. It was first published by a small press and then made available to readers through Print-on-Demand services, enabling them to keep buying it long after it had sold out. More copies were made on demand to keep up with the demand as the case attracted increased media attention.
How Print-on-Demand Worked? Instead of keeping a lot of copies on hand that would go unsold, the writers and publishers used Print-on-Demand to produce copies as needed because the book had irregular spikes in interest.
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Method of Printing: Bulk Printing
Bulk printing was also used for the Hunger Games. The first book was an immediate hit, and the publisher printed a ton of copies in advance to keep up with the demand. After becoming a worldwide bestseller, the series was turned into a well-liked film franchise.
Why Bulk Printing? The publisher was confident in the book’s success, just like with Harry Potter. Thus, it made it logical to print in large quantities to satisfy the enormous demand. Moreover, the publisher also wanted to ensure that the book was readily accessible in bookstores.
4. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Method of Printing: Bulk Printing
Another extremely popular book that was printed in large quantities is Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code.” Because of its argumentative views on religion, art, and history, the book generated a lot of discussion and quickly gained international recognition. In the expectancy of high demand, the publisher, Doubleday, produced millions of copies in advance.
Why Bulk Printing? The publisher needed a huge supply to satisfy demand because it was predictable that the book would sell quickly. Moreover, they were able to provide readers and bookstores with cheap rates by publishing in large quantities.
5. The Eye of the Tiger by Wilbur Smith
Method of Printing: Bulk Printing
Even though Wilbur Smith was a well-known writer, his novel “The Eye of the Tiger” was seen as a total failure. The book’s plot didn’t do as well as expected and was criticized for being repetitive. Despite this, the publisher made the mistake of printing the book in large quantities.
Why Bulk Printing Didn’t Work? The publisher produced an excessive number of copies without fully appreciating the potential of the book, which resulted in unsold stock. The publisher suffered a financial loss as a result of having a large number of unsold books.
What Did and Did Not Work in Print-on-Demand vs. Bulk Printing?
As you can see, choosing between bulk printing and print-on-demand can have a significant impact on a book’s success as well as its price.
When you are sure that your book will sell, bulk printing is fantastic. The publishers realized there would be a strong demand, so they printed popular works like The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and The Da Vinci Code in large quantities. However, as demonstrated with The Eye of the Tiger, bulk printing can lead to a significant amount of unsold inventory and financial loss for books that fall short of expectations.
For books with unpredictable sales potential or for authors who are just starting out, print-on-demand is a better option. For example, the flexibility of print-on-demand allowed authors to avoid having hundreds of unsold copies of books like “The Zodiac Killer.” For writers who wish to experiment or don’t have the money upfront for bulk printing, this is the perfect option.
Which Printing Method Is Best for You?
Print-on-demand is a fantastic choice if you are a new author or are uncertain about the performance of your book. It allows you to print only the quantity of books you require without having to risk a significant financial outlay. However, bulk printing can make sense if you are a well-known author with a sizable fan base and you are sure your book will be a success.
Keep in mind that even well-known books, like Harry Potter, were bulk-printed because the publishers were confident in their potential. At the same time, lesser-known publications can profit from the reduced financial risk that Print-on-Demand offers.
Ultimately, it comes down to knowing your target audience, your tolerance for risk, and the amount of money you are prepared to spend on your project. So, choose wisely!
What You Need To Know About Choosing a Professional Book Printing Service
When it comes to the quality of your print, selecting a book printing service online is important. You must choose the finest option, whether you are going with bulk printing or print-on-demand.
Don’t just go for the least expensive choice. Take a look at the company’s book kinds, reviews, and samples. Particularly if you are creating a high-end product, you might want to focus on companies that provide premium book printing services. Your book’s success or failure depends on the service you choose, whether you are printing it in paperback or hardback.
The alternatives are unlimited.
For example, you can choose BookQuill, the top book printing service for your writing and printing needs.
To Wrap Up
Deciding between bulk printing and print-on-demand is important if you are an author. Both approaches have benefits, regardless of whether you are just beginning your writing career or getting ready for a big book release. You may make a choice that meets your demands by being aware of your goals, audience, and budget.
However, remember that bulk printing is best suited for authors with established audiences or more extensive distribution plans, while print-on-demand is appropriate for authors seeking flexibility and low-risk printing. In any case, be sure to pick the best custom book printing that can bring your vision to life.
And don’t worry if you are still not sure. A lot of successful writers began with print-on-demand before expanding. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that it’s your journey, your story, and your book. Sharing your creation with the world is just a print away, regardless of how many copies you print, one or 10,000.
Now that you know the differences between print-on-demand and bulk printing, you can make your own decisions with confidence! Are you prepared to print? Let’s get it done!
FAQs
How Do Wholesale Printing Companies Fit Into the Print-On-Demand Vs. Bulk Printing Debate?
Both options are available from wholesale printing businesses, print-on-demand wholesale for smaller and on-demand quantities, and bulk print for larger orders.
Can I Utilize Print-On-Demand Services Even If I Print A Lot Of Books?
Yes, you can order lesser amounts as needed and print larger runs using various businesses that offer bulk print-on-demand.
Is It Possible To Create A Large Book Order Using Print-On-Demand?
Although bulk printing is typically more economical for very big volumes, several print-on-demand services do permit you to print in bulk for larger orders.
Which Is The More Affordable Option Between Print-On-Demand And Bulk Printing?
For larger purchases, bulk printing provides better cost, but print-on-demand is best for smaller orders that require less money up advance.
About Author
Hi, my name is Zachary Stone I’m a book marketing nut — or, as I like to call myself, a “Shelf Marketer.” No, I don’t sell wooden shelves; I market the books that are left forgotten on them. If you want your book to be the next bestseller, I am your go-to person. I am here to remind you that it’s not just about writing a great story — it’s about building a buzz among people with great campaigns.
