Lamination per page is influenced by page size, lamination thickness, finish, and volume. Typical costs hinge on whether the service is done in-house or by a print shop, as well as whether color or simple clear lamination is used. Cost ranges below give buyers a practical budgeting frame for standard letter-sized sheets.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamination per Page (letter) | $0.25 | $0.60 | $1.40 | Clear 3mil to 5mil film; single-sided |
| Higher Volume Discount (per page) | $0.20 | $0.40 | $0.90 | Bulk jobs (100–500 pages) |
| Color Front/Back Lamination | $0.50 | $1.00 | $2.00 | Color film on one or both sides |
| Setup/Artwork Adjustment | $0 | $0.05 | $0.15 | Includes file prep for a batch |
| Minimum Service Charge | $0 | $0 | $5.00 | Applies to very small jobs |
Typical Cost Range
Overview of costs shows a broad scope: for standard letter pages, most projects fall between $0.25 and $1.40 per page, depending on film thickness and color requirements. For a 100-page job, expect $25 to $140 before discounts. If color on both sides and higher-thickness film are used, the range shifts upward to roughly $50–$200 for 100 pages.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $25 | $60 | $140 | 3–5 mil film; standard letter size |
| Labor | $10 | $25 | $60 | Per 100 sheets; faster with bulk |
| Equipment | $0 | $5 | $15 | Depreciation or per-job usage |
| Taxes | $0 | $3 | $9 | State/local |
| Contingency | $0 | $2 | $6 | Overruns or edge-work |
| Total (per 100 pages) | $35 | $95 | $230 | Assumes standard processing |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
What Drives Price
Key price factors include page size, lamination thickness (mil), color coverage, and volume. For lamination, letter-sized sheets with 3–5 mil film are baseline; larger sizes or ultra-gloss finishes add cost. A typical threshold: color-front-only vs color-front-and-back can double the per-page price.
Factors That Affect Price
Other influences include turnaround time, machine vs. hand lamination, and any required finishing (trimming, corner rounding). Volume discounts usually apply after a minimum quantity, while rush jobs may incur a surcharge.
Ways To Save
Strategies to reduce costs include batching pages, opting for single-sided lamination when possible, and selecting standard thickness film. Bulk ordering and pre-approved file formats can streamline processing and reduce setup fees.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market: Urban centers may charge higher labor and facility fees, while Rural shops can offer lower base rates. Typical deltas range from -15% to +20% when comparing urban, suburban, and rural areas for the same specs.
Labor & Time Considerations
Labor costs reflect per-page handling plus any setup time. For 100 pages, labor often accounts for 20–40% of total; fast-turnaround orders may add 10–30% to labor costs. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Additional & Hidden Costs
Possible extras include misfeed remediation, edge trimming, or special adhesives on film. Some shops impose a small minimum order or a one-time setup fee, even if the page count is low.
Real-World Pricing Examples
- Basic: 100 letter-size pages, 3 mil, front-only, standard order flow; 1–2 hours setup, 0.25–0.60 per page; total $25–$60.
- Mid-Range: 250 pages, color front and back, 5 mil, moderate trimming; 3–5 hours, $0.70–$1.20 per page; total $175–$300.
- Premium: 500 pages, double-sided color, specialty film, rush service; 5–6 hours, $1.40–$2.00 per page; total $700–$1,000.
These scenario cards illustrate how thickness, color, and volume shape the budget. Assumptions include standard letter sheets and typical shop margins.