Why Printing Costs Are Rising — The Honest Truth

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Have you noticed printing prices creeping up lately? You're not alone — and you're definitely not imagining it. Across the world, the cost of materials, production, and delivery has climbed, and it's reshaping how the entire print industry operates.

In today's blog, we're pulling back the curtain on what's really happening. You'll learn why printing costs are rising, what hidden expenses to watch out for when comparing quotes, and how to keep your print projects affordable without sacrificing quality.

1. The real reasons prices are increasing

Let's be honest — printing isn't cheap to begin with. But the factors pushing costs up right now go far beyond the local shop.

• Paper and materials are harder to get: Many paper mills have closed or switched to packaging materials, creating worldwide shortages. Less supply means higher prices.
• Energy costs have spiked: Paper production uses a lot of power, and energy prices have surged globally. When energy goes up, so does everything tied to it.
• Shipping delays and fuel costs: The cost to move paper, ink, and finished products has risen sharply. Every delivery truck, ship, or plane runs on fuel — and those prices are up, too.
• Labour shortages: Skilled press operators and delivery drivers are harder to find. To keep good people, companies across the supply chain are paying more.
• Global inflation: Just like groceries or rent, the cost of almost everything involved in running a print business has gone up.

These challenges are happening everywhere, and most of them are beyond any one printer's control.

2. The hidden costs of "cheap" printing

You've probably seen those big online companies offering unbelievably low prices. Here's what they don't tell you:

• Shipping and rush fees are often extra.
• You usually don't get to review a physical proof before production.
• If something goes wrong, getting support or reprints can take days or weeks.
• Colour accuracy, paper texture, and finish may differ from what you saw online.

What seems cheaper up front can end up costing you more — especially if you're under a deadline, need to reprint, or expect good quality products.

3. Why local printing wins

Local printing isn't about being "old-school." It's about control, trust, and accountability. When you print with a local shop:

• You see real proofs before your full order is printed.
• You get quick turnaround times — often within a couple of days.
• You can talk directly to the people producing your order.
• You get help with design adjustments, quality checks, and deadlines in-house.

There's no middleman, no call centre, and no waiting on overseas shipping. Just honest work, done locally, by people who actually care about how your prints turn out, and how your brand is presented.

How to save smart?

If you're trying to keep printing costs under control, there are real ways to save without cutting corners and sacrificing quality.

• Plan ahead: Rushed projects cost more — not because of labour, but because suppliers charge higher rates for priority materials and shipping. A little extra lead time can save a lot.
• Ask early, ask often: Talk to your printer before you finalize your design. We can recommend paper types, finishes, or formats that look just as premium but print more efficiently.
• Proof digitally first: Reviewing your design digitally before production helps you catch errors that could lead to costly reprints.
• Stay local: Working with a Local-based printer means faster turnarounds, no shipping surprises, and real accountability — you're working with a partner.
• Choose quality over cheap: Cheaper isn't always cheaper — poor colour, thin paper, or reprints can end up costing more long term.

The bottom line

The reality is, printing today looks different than it did a few years ago. Costs have shifted, materials are harder to source, and timelines can be unpredictable with the wrong printing partner. But what hasn't changed is our commitment to doing things the right way — with honesty, care, and pride in every piece that leaves our hands.

At CC Prints, we don't believe in cutting corners or selling illusions. We believe in partnerships built on trust — where you always know what you're paying for, why it costs what it does, and how we're making sure it's worth it.

We'll always give you the truth, even when it's not the easy answer, because that's how long-term relationships are built. Our goal is simple: to deliver work that reflects the same integrity, quality, and attention to detail that you put into your own business.

When you choose CC Prints as your printing partner, you're not just ordering products — you're working with a team that genuinely cares about helping your brand look its best and grow with confidence.

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