Limited Edition Prints – On Demand vs. Batch Printing

When printing a limited edition run of prints there are a number of factors to take into consideration. One of the most important for many customers is whether to print the limited edition on demand or in a single batch.

First, let’s be clear about what we mean by on-demand and batch printing. In either batch or on demand printing you’ll need to first determine the total edition (say 50 prints) and then decide whether you want to print them all at once in a single order (batch printing) or whether you’d rather print the images as customers purchase them or in small batches of a few prints as your stock runs low (on demand.)

While on demand printing can be less expensive up front it will often cost more in the long run. On demand printing also offers advantages in lower inventory to have to store and manage and, for certain customers, it can be less risky in the case that an edition doesn’t sell out or doesn’t sell out quickly. However, on demand printing can also come with increased headaches in terms of tracking print numbering, consistency of certificates of authenticity, and print consistency. There are some art management softwares available that can make tracking numbering and certificates a little easier or you could create all certificates of authenticity ahead of time and supply the original certificates with each print to track remaining available prints in the limited edition, even when they haven’t yet been printed.

Batch printing will cost more up-front, but you will often save money on the volume of prints. Of course, you’ll have to deal with a larger inventory which can pose its own problems. Aside from the reduced overall cost one of the biggest advantages of full-run printing is the consistency from print to print.

Inconsistencies over an on demand run happen for a number of reasons including variations in paper batches, inks, printer condition, and even humidity. Over a long enough period of time your last prints for an edition might end up being printed on a different printer due to printer failure, discontinuation, lack of manufacturer support, or even just upgrades. A printer company might change its ink formulation (Epson and Canon have both done this many times) or a paper company might entirely discontinue a paper. Worse still, your preferred print shop might close shop and then you would have to find an entirely different print shop to try to match your earlier prints from your limited run. By batch printing your limited edition of prints you avoid most, if not all, of these causes of print inconsistency.

While all these causes of inconsistency can have a major impact on your print the difference will often be subtle. The question is how much this matters to you and to the integrity of what an “edition” is. While opinions vary on what an edition is, and we won’t tell you which is right, you should be prepared to answer any questions about your edition that a collector might raise.

If you’re interested in printing a limited edition of prints be sure to check out our other relevant resource pages; Signing Your Prints and Certificate of Authenticity.