Print-On-Demand vs Bulk Printing: I Did The Math So You Don't Have To

I ordered 1,000 books. They're sitting in my garage. Here's what I learned the expensive way...

As an author, you've probably considered both print-on-demand (POD) and bulk printing for your books. But which one is right for you? In this post, we'll break down the pros and cons of each option, create a framework for making the decision, and do the math to help you choose.

The Printing Decision Framework

When deciding between POD and bulk printing, consider the following factors:

Print-On-Demand (POD)

Pros:

• Zero upfront cost
• No inventory risk
• No storage needed
• Easy testing

Cons:

• Higher per-unit cost ($4-8 vs $2-3)
• Lower profit margins
• Limited customization
• Slower shipping

Bulk Printing

Pros:

• Lower per-unit cost
• Higher margins
• More customization
• Looks more professional

Cons:

• Upfront cost ($2,000-5,000)
• Inventory risk (what if they don't sell?)
• Storage space needed
• Shipping logistics

The Math: SCENARIO 1 - Selling 100 books/month

Let's compare the numbers for POD and bulk printing when selling 100 books/month:

| Option | Upfront Cost | Unit Cost | Sale Price | Monthly Profit | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | POD | $0 | $5 | $15 | $1,000 | | Bulk | $3,000 | $2.50 | $15 | $1,250 |

Verdict: POD wins (less risk, decent margin)

The Math: SCENARIO 2 - Selling 500 books/month

Now let's look at the numbers for POD and bulk printing when selling 500 books/month:

| Option | Upfront Cost | Unit Cost | Sale Price | Monthly Profit | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | POD | $0 | $5 | $15 | $2,500 | | Bulk | $3,000 | $2.50 | $15 | $6,250 |

Verdict: Bulk wins (if you're confident in demand)

The Hybrid Strategy

So, what's the best approach? Consider starting with POD to validate demand, then switching to bulk once you hit X sales/month. You can also use both: POD for online sales and bulk for events or bookstores.

How AuthorKit Handles Both Seamlessly

At AuthorKit, we've integrated fulfillment to handle both POD and bulk printing. You can easily switch between the two or use both, depending on your needs.

Start with POD. Graduate to bulk when the math makes sense.

This is just the beginning...

AuthorKit gives you everything you need to build a real author business:

• Writer (AI-powered writing tool)
• Publisher (one-click formatting & distribution)
• Store (your own bookstore, keep 85%)
• Marketing (email, blog, community tools)
• Analytics (see what's working)

No monthly fees. Pay 15% commission only when you make sales.

👉 See pricing & features