Build a quote for 500 flyers from your own costs
Choose the finished size, paper, sides, finishing, and turnaround first. Calculate how many flyers fit on each press sheet, then price the sheets you expect to use. Add print charges per side, actual setup and run labor, finishing, and a share of overhead. The result is your estimated production cost. Set the selling price from that cost and the gross margin your shop uses for comparable jobs.
This page estimates a shop’s selling price from the costs entered. The examples use fictional inputs to demonstrate the math. Buyers comparing suppliers should request quotes for the same paper, sides, quantity, finishing, and delivery terms.
Worked example for a four-up duplex run
At four flyers per sheet, 500 finished copies require 125 good press sheets. A 5% allowance brings the run to 132 sheets after rounding up. Add ten setup sheets to reach 142. At $0.23 per sheet, stock costs $32.66. At $0.08 per side for two sides, printing costs $22.72. Forty-five minutes at $32 an hour adds $24. Add $18 for finishing and $10 for allocated overhead and setup charges. Estimated production cost is $107.38.
A 35% margin leaves 65% of revenue for cost. Divide $107.38 by 0.65 for a quote of $165.20. That is about $0.3304 per finished flyer. If delivery, a hard proof, or artwork repair is outside that estimate, add those costs when building the real quote.
| Scenario | Paper per sheet | Production cost | Quote at 35% margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| One side, standard stock | $0.23 | $96.02 | $147.73 |
| Two sides, standard stock | $0.23 | $107.38 | $165.20 |
| Two sides, heavier stock | $0.35 | $124.42 | $191.42 |
Each row assumes 142 sheets, $0.08 per printed side, and the same $52 in labor, finishing, and overhead. The price rounds up to a cent to preserve the target margin. Change the actual costs when stock, quantity, or finishing changes the production plan.
Choose the right unit when estimating
Count finished flyers separately from physical sheets and printed sides. A duplex run can use the same number of sheets as a single-sided run while incurring twice the per-side charge. A press or supplier might bill by impression, color, coverage, or service plan. Enter a click charge that matches what you actually pay, using one all-in per-side amount when the calculator’s fields suit your contract.
Make the proposed quantity, dimensions, material, and turnaround visible on the quote. Record whether the price includes artwork, proofing, pickup, or freight. Use an expiry date if supplier costs change often. After production, record what the job actually used so the next 500-flyer quote can improve on your initial allowances.
Common quoting mistakes
Include the time it takes to set up and finish a short run, even if paper is inexpensive. Check the assumed flyers per sheet against your trim and bleed measurements. Avoid counting the same setup time both as labor and as a separate overhead charge. If the job includes a rush fee, record why it applies and show it as a distinct quote item where appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Should I charge the sample price for every run?
Use the number as a worked example. Your materials, equipment, labor, finishing, and order terms determine the amount you should quote.
Can I use the calculator for single-sided flyers?
Yes. Set Printed sides to one and verify whether your setup, spoilage, and finishing assumptions also change.
Should I divide by 500 or by 142?
Divide the selling price by 500 to quote per delivered flyer. Use press sheets to estimate stock and printing costs.
Why is the price rounded up?
Rounding up to a cent prevents a small rounding decrease from moving the price below your target margin.