Pricing and quotation guide
Packaging artwork preparation cost
Artwork preparation is usually priced per pack, per variant or by the hour, and the cost depends on the files you start with as much as on the packs themselves. Well-organised source files with fonts, images and a clear dieline are quick to prepare; flattened images, missing fonts or designs not built on the printer's template need rebuilding first. More variants, special finishes needing extra layers, long mandatory text that must be checked carefully, multiple languages and tight deadlines all add time. Printing and proofs are separate from the design fee, whether included in the quotation or paid to your own printer, and errors that reach print can cost far more than careful preparation.
It explains what drives artwork preparation cost, including the number of packs, template changes and proof rounds, and how to compare quotes. No prices are given, because they depend on scope and provider; LetGetGrow sets out the cost for your project in a custom quotation.
Illustrative diagram
What drives artwork preparation cost
- Source files
- Missing fonts or images mean rebuilding.
- Packs and variants
- Each file prepared and checked.
- Finishes
- Foil, varnish or white layers set up.
- Content
- Long or multilingual text to check.
- Deadlines
- Rush work may cost more.
Costs paid to third parties (separate from our fees)
- Printing
- Printer's proofs
- Colour proofs
Send sample source files before asking for a quote, so their condition is clear.
Jobs compared
| Job | What it involves | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|
| One pack, good files | Set up to spec and check | Lower |
| Range of variants | Consistent set-up across many files | Moderate |
| Rebuild from flat images | Recreate artwork before preparing | Higher |
How it is priced
Per pack or variant
Suits you when
- Clear list of files
Watch out for
- What counts as a variant
Hourly
Suits you when
- Updates and fixes
Watch out for
- Estimate first
Within a design project
Suits you when
- Same designer
Watch out for
- Whether it is included
The state of your files
Editable source files with linked images, fonts and a dieline are the cheapest starting point. A design supplied as a flat image or PDF without fonts may need rebuilding, which can take as long as the original layout. Keep and share source files from every design project to save this cost later.
Paying for checks
Checking every mandatory word, code and barcode against signed-off content takes time, especially across many variants. It is the step that prevents costly reprints, so treat it as part of the job rather than an optional extra.
Example: assessing files first
Illustrative example — not a client case study
Situation: A sauce brand wants eight labels prepared for a new printer.
- The artwork service reviews the files and finds three supplied only as flat images.
- Five labels are priced per variant; the three flat ones include rebuilding time.
- Checks against signed-off content are included for all eight.
What this shows: The brand understood why some labels cost more. This example is illustrative.
Comparing quotes
Check what the quote assumes about your files, the number of packs and variants, finishes, content checks, proof review, version control and rush rates.
Keeping costs down
Supply organised source files, the printer's specification and final signed-off text at the start, batch updates together and allow enough time to avoid rush rates.
Judging value
Good artwork preparation shows in files accepted by the printer first time, proofs that match the approved design and no reprints caused by errors.
Languages
Packs with several languages need careful checking of each text block and more time to fit legibly. The brand must confirm each language's content.
Finishes
Foil, spot varnish, embossing and white ink each need their own layer set up exactly to the printer's rules. More finishes mean more preparation and more to check.
Deadlines
Tight print slots can mean rush rates and less time for checks. Planning artwork deadlines with a buffer before the print date is cheaper and safer.
Changing printer
Moving packs to a new printer often means adjusting files to a new specification and dieline, even when the design stays the same. Budget for this when comparing print quotes, since a lower print price can be partly offset by artwork changes.
Routine updates
Address changes, new allergen wording or updated nutrition values are common reasons to revisit artwork. Batching several updates into one job, rather than many small ones, usually costs less and reduces the chance of errors across a range.
Proof review
Reviewing printer's proofs carefully takes time, especially for ranges. Ask whether the artwork service includes it, since it is the last line of defence before print.
Colour proofs
If exact colour matters, such as a brand colour across a range, a colour proof from the printer adds cost and time but avoids surprises. Ask the printer what proofs they offer and what each costs, and decide which packs justify one.
Questions about packaging artwork preparation cost
What affects artwork preparation cost?
Source files, packs, finishes, content and deadlines.
Why do flat files cost more?
They may need rebuilding first.
Are checks included?
They should be; they prevent reprints.
Is printing included for packaging artwork preparation?
Artwork preparation is priced on its own; the print run can be added to the quotation or ordered from your own printer.
How can costs be reduced for packaging artwork preparation?
Good source files, final text and enough time.
How is value judged for packaging artwork preparation?
Files accepted first time and no reprints.
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