Pricing and quotation guide
Product insert design cost
Inserts are among the smaller packaging design jobs, but costs still vary. A single-sided thank-you card using your existing brand assets is quick. A folded instruction leaflet with step-by-step illustrations, several language versions or different versions for each product takes much longer. Copywriting, illustration or photography, and building a page for a QR code to link to, may be extra. Printing is a separate cost from the design fee, whether included in the quotation or paid to your own printer and depends on size, paper, quantity and finish; because inserts go in every order, small choices about size and paper add up over a year.
It sets out what affects insert design cost, from size and copywriting to versions and finishes, and how to judge value in a quote. No prices are given, because they depend on scope and provider; LetGetGrow sets out the cost for your project in a custom quotation.
Illustrative diagram
What drives insert design cost
- Format
- Card, folded leaflet or booklet.
- Versions
- One insert or one per product.
- Copywriting
- Writing or editing the text.
- Visuals
- Illustrations, diagrams or photos.
- Linked pages
- A page or video behind a QR code.
Costs paid to third parties (separate from our fees)
- Printing
- Paper and finishes
- Video or web page production
Ask the printer for standard sizes, which usually cost less to print.
Projects compared
| Project | What it covers | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Thank-you card | One side, brand assets | Lower |
| Care or setup card | Copy, simple steps, QR code | Moderate |
| Illustrated instruction leaflet | Diagrams, folds, versions | Higher |
How it is priced
Small project fee
Suits you when
- One insert
Watch out for
- Copy included
Per version
Suits you when
- One per product
Watch out for
- Shared layout
Within packaging project
Suits you when
- New packaging
Watch out for
- Whether included
Copywriting
Short thank-you cards may need only a few lines; instructions and care guides need careful, clear writing and sometimes testing with real customers. If you supply the text, design costs less, but have someone check it reads clearly to a first-time user.
Illustrations and diagrams
Step-by-step diagrams can explain assembly or use better than words, but each takes time to draw. Photos may be quicker if you have them. Decide which steps genuinely need a visual.
Example: one card for a range
Illustrative example — not a client case study
Situation: A skincare brand considers separate inserts for six products.
- The designer suggests one shared card with a QR code to product-specific guides online.
- Only the guides differ, so one insert design is printed in larger quantity.
- Print cost per card falls because of the single version and standard size.
What this shows: Design and printing cost less than six versions. This example is illustrative.
Comparing quotes
Check format, versions, copywriting, visuals, QR code testing, print-ready files and editable sources. Ask the printer separately for size, paper and quantity pricing.
Keeping costs down
Use one insert across products where possible, choose a standard size, supply your own text and link to online guides rather than printing long instructions.
Judging value
A good insert shows in fewer support questions, products used correctly and customers who know how to reach you. Watch for changes in questions and returns after introducing it.
Print over time
Because inserts go into every order, a slightly larger size or heavier card adds up across thousands of orders. Compare a few size and paper options with the printer before committing.
Languages
Selling abroad may need inserts in several languages, either as separate versions or one multilingual leaflet. Each adds writing, checking and layout time.
Files
Ask for editable files so you can update contacts, links or offers yourself without a new design fee.
QR code pages
A QR code is only as useful as the page it leads to. If a guide or video needs creating, that is separate work, which may cost more than the card itself. Linking to an existing page or a simple guide on your site keeps costs down.
Revisions
Ask how many rounds of changes are included. Agreeing the insert's purpose and text before design starts keeps revisions to a minimum.
Finishes
Foil, rounded corners or textured card can make a thank-you card feel special, but add to print cost on every order. Choose them only where they suit the brand.
Testing with customers
For instructions, a quick test with a few people who have never used the product can show where the wording or diagrams confuse. It adds a little time but can prevent support questions and returns, which cost more than the test.
Print quantity
Larger print runs usually lower the cost per card, but leave you with stock if details change. Order quantities that match a few months of orders unless the content is very stable.
Brand assets
Supplying logo files, colours and fonts at the start avoids the designer recreating them, which keeps a small job small.
Questions about product insert design cost
What affects insert design cost?
Format, versions, copy, visuals and linked pages.
Is printing included for product insert design?
Insert printing can be quoted with the design, sized to your monthly orders, or ordered from your own printer.
Do we need one per product?
Often one shared insert with links works.
Is copywriting included?
Check; supplying your own lowers the cost.
How can costs be reduced for product insert design?
Standard sizes, one version, online guides.
How is value judged for product insert design?
Fewer questions and returns, products used well.
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