Yep, offset was more expensive with the quotes I got (it doesn't even begin to become affordable unless you are printing over 500 copies too). I had to go to the UK for a printer as its too expensive in Ireland.
I only ordered exactly how many were pre-ordered. That way they are all allocated and I'm not left with loads I can't sell as all the capital was from pre-orders anyway. Like I said, its a one-off, nonprofit project. Final total cost would cover absolutely everything.
Plus the thing with big print houses, at least from the many I contacted, was the lack of customer care. There was none. The samples were all shit as well. Horrible samples, and believe it or not, the paper quality wasn't up to par either. I went with a specialist who gave great before and after sales care. The bloke I spoke to even suggested a better paper to me than what I originally specified so it helps bring out the colour and photos better. They also did a run and ditched it because the guy manning the machine said it didn't look perfect... yet it looked amazing to me... So they redid it again!
Proper respect and treatment, which is what I wanted because I want this thing to be the best it can be!
It could have been done marginally cheaper, but the quality would have been shit and the logistics side was such a headache I'm still having nightmares over it now!
Like I said from the very beginning, I wouldn't commit to this unless I could deliver 100% and hopefully, when folks receive their copies, they will feel really happy with it too. After all, its down to all of you guys and YOUR hard-earned money and belief in this that the thing even went to print in the first place.
