This blog is aimed to demystify the costs associated with producing training manuals. If you've ever wondered about the price tag of creating a training manual, this should provide a breakdown of the factors involved.
Understanding Print on Demand for Training Manuals
In the world of training manuals, print on demand is the standard. What does this mean? In essence, we only print when there is an order in place. This strategy can significantly reduce unit costs compared to other printing techniques like lithographic printing, which requires printing in large volumes and holding stock. For training materials, where updates are frequent, print on demand is not only cost-effective but necessary. Holding stock of outdated materials is not just expensive but inefficient.
The Core Costs: 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.
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.
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.