The factors which make up the cost of a training manual
1. The number of pages printed colour (12-15 pence/page) or black and white (2-3 pence/page)
2. The quality of the paper – hence the range in cost per page
3. The file set up costs – which amortised over a number of manuals is typically 50p per manual
4. The binding type – wiro binding around 65p per manual is the most common or ring binders which will cost £3-4 depending on size
5. Tab sets and other features such as printed covers will add to the cost
6. Packaging, collation with other items such as tent card will add 50p to £1 per manual depending on complexity
There are however some savings to made and as always, the devil lies in the detail.
How much does it cost to print a training manual?
You can also watch the Video here for information about how pricing works
Understanding Print on Demand for Training Manuals
There are different printing techniques which generally split into either lithographic or digital printing. For the training industry lithographic is not used for the training manual – although other print items including brochures, fliers etc will be done this way. Lithographic requires large quantities to be cost effective and when run lengths are over 500 will be the cheapest option. In the training world, where there can be frequent changes to materials and a potential run length of one, the solution is digital print on demand.
The Core Costs of Print on Demand: Impressions and More
The primary cost driver in producing training manuals lies in what we call "impressions." Simply put, an impression is one side of a sheet of paper. If you're printing in monochrome (black and white), expect to spend about two to three pence per impression. For full-colour printing, the cost jumps to approximately 12 to 15 pence per impression.
Why the range in price? It largely depends on the quality and type of paper used. When compared to retail print shops like Prontaprint or Ryman, where colour prints can run 30 pence per impression, our print on demand model offers significant savings.
Choosing to print in-house might seem cheaper initially but remember to include the capital costs of printers and labour, which are already incorporated into our pricing.
The impression cost can represent as much as 80% of the total cost.
The costs can be reduced, however. Manuals with colour can be quite expensive. If your manual has a mixture of colour and black and white we can print them using a mixed impression charge, using some software to identify the appropriate pages.
Beyond Printing: Binding and Other Additions
Once printed, manuals need to be bound. Wiro-binding is popular within the training sector and costs about 65 pence per binding. Opting for ring binding pushes the price higher, ranging from two to four pounds per manual depending the size of the binder – which we will supply with printed cover and spine.
We can also enhance your training manuals with tab sets—ideal for thicker materials that require easy navigation. Adding a printed tab set might increase the cost by about one pound per manual.
Finally, there's the matter of file management and packaging. This step comes with a cost of approximately two pounds per manual, ensuring that everything is presented professionally.
You can also watch the Video here for information about how pricing works
Per Delegate Pricing Model
Here at PDI, we use a per delegate pricing model. What does this mean for you? Whether you order one manual or twenty, the price per unit remains consistent. This model aligns perfectly with the training industry, enabling you to precisely calculate costs per delegate.
I hope this breakdown clarifies the various costs associated with producing training manuals. Should any confusion remain, I sincerely apologize and invite you to send us your files. We can provide custom quotes in various formats, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your project's financials.
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AUTHOR: David Platt, BSC, BA, MBA. Dip. M
David has been involved in print production and file management for 30 years, as Executive Director of PDI – he has experience of the issues that training companies face both with the printing of manuals and the distribution of courseware across Europe. PDI understand that training is a competitive marketplace where cost control is paramount.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-platt-a84b12b8/