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The Hidden Cost of Printing Board Game Prototypes (And How to Avoid It)
Print on demand tools and crowdfunding campaigns make professional look easier than ever. Many designers focus only on artwork and box size. That focus can hide real expenses in setup fees, shipping, and revisions.
The Hidden Cost of Printing Board Game Prototypes (And How to Avoid It) is miscalculated fees and surprise fees. These include file setup, color proofs, shipping from overseas, and reprints from size errors. Studies indicate overlooking these can double your budget before sales start.
Smarter planning saves time and money. Request digital proofs, compare multiple printers, and order one sample before full run. Research shows this simple checklist prevents most budget shocks for indie teams.
How do hidden fees usually appear?
They show up as unexpected setup charges, revision markups, and international shipping added late in production.
What is a reliable way to estimate true prototype cost?
Add base printing price, proof fees, shipping, and a 20 percent buffer for extras before approving the order.
