Print-Plus: What Cross-Channel Retailers Need to Know When Getting Print Bids

The printers you're obtaining bids from need to include a "net" postage estimate, including all fees. Looking at print manufacturing and paper prices only isn't enough. It falls short of the total amount you pay to print and mail catalogs. After all co-mail fees, the net savings should range from three cents to six cents per catalog. There's a fairly wide range of savings due to the quantity mailed. Some printers charge a flat per thousand amount for in-line co-mail services and a percentage of the savings for offline mailers. Also, some printers charge a per hundred weight fee for drop-ship separate from co-mail. Other printers often charge co-mail administrative fees or freight charges to get the catalogs to their co-mail facility. This can generate fuel surcharges and lengthen lead times.