How To Make a Profit Selling Printed Journals

Want to start a profitable journal or planner business? You’re in the right place. Let’s break down exactly how to maximize your profits when selling printed journals, with real numbers and practical strategies you can use today.

Digital vs. Offset Printing: Making the Smart Choice

When you’re starting your journal business, one of the first decisions will be choosing between digital and offset printing. Here’s what you need to know:

Digital Printing

• Low minimum order quantities (1+ units)
• Higher per-unit cost
• Faster turnaround times (1-2 weeks)
• Limited paper and finishing options
• Best for: Testing new designs or when not confident you can sell your journals

Offset Printing

• Higher minimum order quantities (300+ units)
• Lower per-unit cost
• Longer turnaround times (6-12 weeks)
• Extensive customization options
• Best for: Maximizing profit and scaling your business

Pro Tip: While digital printing might seem less risky to start, your profit margins will be significantly squeezed. Offset printing typically offers 60-70% lower per-unit costs, which means more profit in your pocket as the cost per journal significantly decreases as your quantity increases.

Cost Breakdown: Standard 6″ x 9″ Journal

Let’s look at MCRL’s Spring/Summer 2025 price list for the most popular print sizes and specifications:

Hard Cover: 157gsm gloss on 80pt (2mm) recycled ESKA board

Decorating: 4/0 (Full color printed cover) + gloss or matte lamination

Binding: Durable Wire-O

Page Count: 140 pages

Inner Pages/Spreads: 120gsm offset white paper | 1/1 (black ink printed both sides)

Typical Lead Time: 8–12 weeks from approval of physical proof

Base Costs (Offset Printing)

Base Pricing* may change without notice
As your order quantity increases, the cost per planner significantly decreases.

PAGE SIZE	QTY: 300	QTY: 500	QTY: 1000	QTY: 2000
6×9 (most economical)	$11.75	$7.95	$4.80	$3.45
7×10	$12.95	$9.20	$5.65	$4.20
8.5×11	$13.50	$9.60	$6.30	$4.75

*Our No Surprises DDP Pricing: We include everything – TARIFFS, customs, duties, taxes, one bound physical proof, logistics and ground delivery to your door*. When comparing quotes, make sure to compare what is & isn’t included in each vendor’s quote.

* A small fee may apply for delivery to an off site storage or a residential address (less than $200).

Popular Add-on Features and Costs

The cost dramatically decreases as quantity increases.

• Ribbon Bookmark: +$0.16/unit (300) – $0.07/unit (2000)
• Elastic Band Closure: +$0.40/unit (300) – $0.19/unit (2000)
• Interior Pocket: +$0.35/unit (300) – $.23/unit (2000)
• Belly Band: +$0.82/unit (300) – $0.14/unit (2000)

Making Your Journal Stand Out

Premium Features Worth The Investment

• Recycled Eska® board Cover
  • Made from recycled materials
  • Lays flat and stays flat so great for journaling and note-taking
  • Excellent selling point for eco-conscious brands
• Custom End Sheets
  • Gives a lux finish
  • Provides more space for branding
  • Creates a higher perceived value
    
• Minimum 120gsm (80lb) Paper for Inner Pages
  • Reduces bleeding through pages
  • Gives a nice weight customers will notice
  • Provides a more premium feel increasing perceived value

Maximizing Your Profit Margin

Price Point Strategies

• Entry-level journals typically retail for $24.95-$29.95 (USD)
• Premium journals can command $34.95-$49.95 (USD)
• Luxury journals with multiple premium features and paper: $59.95+ (USD)

Cost-Saving Tips

• Order Smart
  • 500 units instead of 300 reduces per-unit cost by ~32%
  • 1000 units vs 500 reduces per-unit cost by ~39.6%
• Optimize Your Design
  • Order different covers with the same inside pages
• Shipping Strategies
  • Order well in advance to avoid air freight
  • Bundle multiple products in one shipment

Real Profit Example

Let’s break down a premium journal with two popular features:

Costs (1000 Unit Order)

• Hardcover ESKAboard journal with 80lb paper: $4.80
• Ribbon Bookmark: $0.07
• Belly Band: $0.26
• Total Cost Per Unit: $5.13

Revenue

• Retail price: $34.95
• Average wholesale price: $17.50

Profit Scenarios

1. Direct to Consumer ($34.95 sale price)

• Cost per unit: $5.13
• Gross profit: $29.82 (85% margin)

2. Wholesale ($17.50 sale price)

• Cost per unit: $5.13
• Gross profit: $12.37 (70% margin)

Final Tips for Success

1. Start with a Focused Product

• Choose one design with only a couple features
• Do a small POD digital run and test the market
• Listen to customer feedback and then bulk print

2. Price for Profit

• Factor in all costs (including marketing and overhead)
• Don’t undervalue your product
• Create a premium brand that justifies higher prices

3. Scale Strategically

• Reinvest profits into larger order quantities
• Add complementary products to extend your brand such as branded mailer boxes, affirmation cards, stickers, snap-in whiteboard and marker, etc.
• Build an email list for repeat customers

Remember: The key to profitability in journal printing is finding the sweet spot between quality, quantity, and price point. Start with a solid foundation then scale up as you prove your market fit.