Digital versus offset printing for your order

Compare digital and offset printing using the same finished product, quantity, paper, sides and deadline. Digital avoids the plate preparation needed by offset; offset introduces setup that can become economical across a sufficiently large run. The crossover depends on the actual job and current production rates.

Digital printing for shorter runs and tight schedules

Digital printing is a practical route for short runs, smaller repeat orders and work that needs less press setup. It can suit business cards, flyers, letterheads and reports when the stock and specification are supported.

A short production process does not make every job an immediate delivery. Artwork checks, paper availability, binding, lamination and the production queue still take time. Confirm the required date before payment, especially when finishing or courier transit is involved.

Offset printing for qualifying volume

Offset needs plates, press preparation and time for the print to be ready for finishing. Those setup requirements must be recovered across the run. Higher quantities can make it useful, but there is no universal quantity at which it is automatically cheaper for every product.

All-Pod evaluates offset eligibility using its configured production data and the customer's requested delivery date. If the available time is insufficient, offset pricing is not offered for that job. See delivery and turnaround for how extra lead time affects the schedule.

What belongs in a fair comparison?

Use exactly the same paper stock, finished size, number of distinct pages, printed sides, quantity per design and finishing. Include the setup charges and applicable tax. A price for 5,000 identical flyers is different from 5,000 flyers split over ten designs.

Confirm whether trimming, folding, binding or lamination is included. Compare the complete job total rather than a material rate alone. Delivery is a separate part of the order and should be compared for the same destination.

Live digital examples

These examples use the current lowest-cost eligible stock and the specification stated with each price. They are before applicable VAT and delivery, and do not represent a promise that offset will be cheaper.

KSh 4,650.00 for 500 A6 flyers. Art/Matt Paper 135G, one-sided, one distinct page, unlaminated, no additional finishing. Before applicable VAT and delivery.

KSh 6,000.00 for 500 Letterheads. Bond Paper 100G, one-sided, one distinct page, unlaminated, no additional finishing. Before applicable VAT and delivery.

Open A6 Flyers or Letterheads to change the paper, quantity and printed sides. If your job qualifies for an offset comparison, review that offer against the same specification and required date.

Several versions or a recurring order

Different designs can change the economics of setup. State how many versions you have and the quantity of each. For stationery across departments or regular promotional campaigns, use bulk orders and describe the likely reorder pattern.

Repeat orders still need the artwork and specification checked. An old price or previous paper choice does not guarantee the same current availability. A new quote freezes the current specification and price for its stated validity period.

Which method should I choose?

Start with the deadline and a complete specification. Compare any methods the site makes available for that job. For a large, mixed or unusual run, ask Johnesco to confirm feasibility, stock, finishing and timing before committing to production.