how much does a brochure design cost
When you want to advertise your brand, event, or service, one of the best tools is to use a brochure. They are affordable, tangible, and can narrate the complete story in just a few folds. Before we can think of design a brochure cost, one of the questions that may come to mind is related to its cost.
The answer is itself a surprise, as it depends on various factors, including the designer’s skills, the 5 types of brochure, the number of revisions, and whether you choose the printed or digital file.
Generally, design a brochure cost between $200 and $ 1,500. However, if you hire an expert in this field, you will need to increase your budget to pay $75 to $125 per hour. And on average, a 12-page booklet takes 6-12 hours to complete. Through this blog, let’s explore what you need to invest in for designing a brochure.
The Types of Brochures and Their Range
Each type has different design needs. The average cost ranges are based on design types:
| Brochure Type | Description | Average Design Cost (USD) |
| Bi-Fold | A simple one with one fold and two panels | $100-$300 |
| Tri-Fold | One of the most common ones with three panels | $150-$400 |
| Z-Fold | Z-shaped folding with a unique layout | $200-$450 |
| Multi-Page Booklet | Consists of several pages, just like a mini-magazine | $400-$1500+ |
| Gate Fold | Opens like gates, a creative approach | $250-$600 |
Reasons for the Variation in Costing
The design of brochure is never fixed. It varies from project to project. If you are hiring a freelance designer on a limited budget, it can be a more cost-effective option. However, getting a top-tier agency will result in high prices. Moreover, there are other factors, such as location, experience, and turnaround time. A simple trifold brochure will cost less than a multi-page company catalog.
Freelancer Vs Agency: What Is The Difference In Prices?
In the designing a process, one of the key decisions you need to make is choosing the person who will bring your dream to life with the colors. Hiring a freelancer will be less costly compared to hiring a professional expert offering Custom Brochure Design Services. When hiring a freelancer, you need to compromise on the details, branding, and experience.
| Designer Type | Starting Price | High-End Price | Timeframe |
| Freelancer | $80 | $500 | 2-5 days |
| Mid-Level Agency | $300 | $1000 | 5-10 days |
| High-End Agency | $1000 | $3000+ | 1-2 weeks |
The rates of agencies are high due to the extra services they provide, including typography, research, and professional copywriting. If you want to bring consistency or design for a high-stakes event, you can invest in the expertise level.
Factors Impacting the Final Costing
Some hidden factors affect your pay rate. If you require customized illustrations, stock photos, or multiple revisions for the brochure, prices will vary accordingly. Even the number of revisions brings changes to the bills. The breakdown of the factors includes:
| Cost Factor | Cost Impact |
| Number of revisions | +$50 to $200 |
| Urgency Delivery | +20% to 50% extra |
| Stock Images | +$10 to $100 per image |
| Copywriting Services | +$100 to $500 |
| Printing Coordination | +$100+ |
Moving From Designing to Printing
Once we have completed the design phase, this does not mean that the work is completed. If you plan to print brochures, the printing cost must be included in the budget at the planning stage. The charges of local print shops will be based on the quality of the paper, its size, the number of copies, and the choice of either matte or gloss lamination. Sometimes, firms specialising in custom stationery designs can also assist you with printing your brochures. As they have worked with the printing of logos and other images on stationery, they can better guide you.
| Quality | Paper Quality | Print Cost (USD) |
| 100 | Standard Glossy | $60-$100 |
| 500 | Premium Matte | $150-$300 |
| 1000 | Heavy Card Stock | $250-$500+ |
Ensure that you have formatted the file correctly before sending it for printing. Some people charge extra if you need help with the bleeding settings, color matching, and file conversions.
Keep Your Costs within Budget
There’s no need to break the bank to get a great design a brochure cost. Clear communication is the key. Provide a well-structured brief to the designer. Be specific about your needs. If you have brand colors, logo files, and examples of the brochure ready, the designer won’t need extra time to guess your work.
You can also save some amount by choosing fewer revisions, using your high-resolution photos, or writing the content yourself. If you have a low budget, consider using the free templates.
DIY Vs. Professional Design
Designing the material yourself with the help of free tools is a cost-effective option, although with some limitations. You need to be good with the layout, font, and spacing, or else it will give an unprofessional look. If you are designing for branding or corporate presentations, use a professional design to add credibility; otherwise, a DIY design is fine for school events or fundraising.
FAQs
How much should I pay for a simple trifold brochure?
For a standard trifold brochure, you should expect to pay anywhere between $150 $400, depending on the designer’s experience and any additional services you may need.
Can I design my brochure for free?
Yes, you can use free design platforms like Canva, but they may lack the polish and professionalism of a brochure created by a skilled designer.
Do designers also help with printing?
Some do, but not all. You may need to coordinate with a print shop yourself. Always ask if the designer offers print-ready files.
Are revisions usually free?
Most designers include one or two rounds of revisions. Additional changes may incur an extra cost of $50 or more, depending on their complexity.
Quality over Cost
Designing a brochure is more than arranging the words and pictures. You are narrating your brand story, attracting attention, and driving action.
Whether you are spending $100 or $1,000, ensure that the material conveys the message clearly and professionally. A cheap design of brochure will ultimately fail to deliver your purpose. Understand what you are paying for and the places where you can save money. Make smart choices. Before you start your project, gather quotes, define your goals, and clarify your objectives.
