I was wondering how many kickstarters (notably for pbta games) used in fact Drivethru to print and deliver their games (or another print on demand service)? Even among KS that do not officially give you a coupon (such as the Sprawl or Pigsmoke)?
Also, how is the global quality? I know Lulu and Createspace, which are acceptable even though not perfect, but for a first publication in the US as an independent, I think I’ll have to do with Drivethru.
If it’s black and white interior I think it’s pretty viable these days. Colour is far more pricey and the colour is fine, not great. You can tell the difference.
Fraser Simons It’s true you have tested both options!
I as also wondering if it was common practice to use this service even when it wasn’t expressively said (because of the kickstarter element)? And if so, if consumers were ok with that.
Usually people tell people it’s fulfilled through Drivethru. There’s an expectation that if it’s not an off set print run, you should tell people since it’s less quality.
Fraser Simons Do you how it works when you print, let’s say, 40 copies of your own game (to send them to a distributor for example)? Do you still have to pay 30% to Drivethru, or do you only pay for fabrication?
Drivethru has a page with information about fulfillment. When you purchase copies for yourself you pay the at-cost price and the more you have printed the better that price is. That page tells you what the bulk discounts are.
Fraser Simons Thx Fraser, I was less thinking about the bulk discount (something like 10% pour 100+ copies) than the share that goes to Drivethru, which is normally the equivalent of what you’d pay to a retailer – 30 % – and a publisher – the printing cost.
It’s ok when you sell directly through their website (they’re the retailer after all), it becomes a drag if you have to also pay another retailer 30%, your own margin becomes ridiculously small.
Just for clarity: with Kindle Publishing, I’d pay 3 dollars to get a copy (maybe to sell it from hand to hand, or even to send it directly to a retailer), but would “lose” 13 dollars if someone bought it directly from the website.
I’m not sure if Drivethru has the same option?
When you order copies of your own book you pay the cost production only. That price varies widely depending on a lot of factors. You don’t make any money off those orders and I assume Drivethru breaks even.
Fraser Simons Ok cool! Just wanted to be sure. Thx a lot Fraser for the kind answers!
No prob!