Creating a card game is an exciting journey, but one of the most important things to consider is how expensive it will be to print a card game. Whether you’re a solo game designer or a company producing a mass market card game, understanding what’s involved in printing costs will help you make informed decisions.
This article will break down the price of printing a card game, with features such as the choice of material, the production process, and cost-saving techniques.
Table of Contents
Factors Affecting the Cost of Printing a Card Game
The price of printing a card game is largely determined by several things. These are the main things that determine pricing:
1. Number of Cards in the Deck
- The more cards per deck, the higher the printing cost.
- Standard decks range from 30 to 120 cards.
- Example cost estimates:
- 30-card deck: $2.00 – $5.00 per deck (bulk pricing)
- 60-card deck: $3.50 – $7.00 per deck
- 120-card deck: $5.00 – $10.00 per deck
2. Card Stock Quality
The type of cardstock affects longevity as well as cost. Common options include:
- Standard 280-300 GSM cardstock (Most common, mid-range cost)
- Premium 310-330 GSM linen finish (Higher quality, increases cost by 15-30%)
- Plastic or waterproof cards (Higher durability but more expensive)
3. Printing Method
- Digital Printing (Best for small print runs, typically 50-500 decks)
- Offset Printing (Best for large print runs, over 1,000 decks, lower cost per unit)
- Screen Printing (Rare for cards, but useful for special designs)
4. Quantity Printed
Bulk printing significantly reduces the cost per deck. Here is a rough estimate of costs:
| Quantity | Cost Per Deck (Standard 300 GSM) |
|---|---|
| 50 | $8 – $15 |
| 100 | $5 – $10 |
| 500 | $3 – $6 |
| 1,000+ | $2 – $4 |
5. Custom Features & Finishing
- Custom Box Packaging (adds $0.50 – $5 per deck)
- Foil Stamping, Embossing (adds 10-30% to base cost)
- Holographic Foil, UV Coating (adds extra cost but improves aesthetics)
6. Shipping & Distribution Costs
- Domestic vs. international shipping can significantly impact costs.
- Average shipping cost per deck: $1.50 – $5.00.
- Fulfillment services like Amazon FBA or GameFound add additional costs.
Cost Breakdown for Small vs. Large Print Runs
| Print Run | Estimated Cost Per Deck | Total Estimated Cost |
| 50 | $8 – $15 | $400 – $750 |
| 100 | $5 – $10 | $500 – $1,000 |
| 500 | $3 – $6 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| 1,000 | $2 – $4 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| 5,000 | $1.50 – $3.50 | $7,500 – $17,500 |
How to Reduce Printing Costs
If you’re looking to print a card game on a budget, here are a few cost-saving strategies:
- Order in Bulk – Larger orders significantly reduce the per-unit price.
- Choose Standard Materials – Avoid premium finishes unless necessary.
- Simplify Packaging – Standard tuck boxes are more affordable than custom packaging.
- Compare Printers – Different manufacturers offer different pricing structures.
- Print Locally for Small Batches – Reduces shipping and customs fees.
Where to Print Your Card Game
Here are some of the best places to print your card game:
USA & Canada Printers
- The Game Crafter (Small-batch friendly, good for prototypes)
- Shuffled Ink (Custom card printing)
- PrintNinja (High-quality offset printing for larger runs)
China & Overseas Manufacturers
- Panda Game Manufacturing (Popular among Kickstarter creators)
- LongPack Games (Cost-effective bulk printing)
- QPC Games (Large-scale orders)
Conclusion
The cost of printing a card game depends on factors like deck size, number of prints, material quality, and unique features. Printing in small quantities can range from $8-$15 per deck, while bulk printing reduces the cost to $2-$4 per deck.
If you are about to release a card game, careful budgeting and choosing the right manufacturer will help you minimize expenses. In order to make the best choice, obtain several quotes from print services and have quality as high as your available budget.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to print a card game?
Digital print with low degree of customization and large orders will be cheap.
How much does it cost to print 1,000 decks of cards?
Typically, between $2,000 – $4,000, depending on materials and features.
Can I print a card game at home?
Yes, with good quality cardstock and good quality printers, but it is cheaper to do it in bulk.
What is the best card stock for a professional card game?
310-330 GSM linen finish is the most sought after for professional-grade cards.