What’s Best? A Brochure or a Folder with Insert Sheets?

OVER THE YEARS I have worked on a broad range of graphic design projects. I often have to advise a client the best way to tackle a project’s effectiveness compared with its cost effectiveness.

In terms of effectiveness, the difference between a brochure and a presentation folder with inserts really depends on the type of services or products you sell and your target audience. But with cost effectiveness the difference is not straight-forward. In fact a brochure can cost far less to print when compared to an equivalent folder with inserts.

Here at DC-Graphics, the question I always ask a client is how regularly the literature needs to change, be updated or added to. In many cases just one or two pages of a brochure may change over a period of time but this would mean that the whole brochure will need to be re-printed. So although a brochure may be cheaper initially, when re-printed the cost could be greater than an initial investment of a presentation folder with inserts, as only the affected inserts need re-printing. Alternatively several smaller brochures or leaflets can be more cost effective than one large brochure.

Another benefit of a folder is that inserts or smaller brochures can be used separately when required as well as together, adding further flexibility and cost benefit. If you don't want a normal 'run of the mill' A4 folder, I can design a custom shaped folder – perhaps with with curved corners, slots for incorporating a business card, square folders, interlocking flap folders etc. Even ring binder folders with the insert sheets pre punched and colour coded with the legend or guide printed on the folder itself.

Contact me here if you are thinking of instigating something like this and I will get back to you with a competitive quote for a brochure or a presentation folder.