Where to Print Board Games in Australia for Commercial Use

Printing board games in Australia for commercial purposes involves a unique set of challenges and considerations. Unlike personal or hobbyist projects, commercial printing requires careful planning and often a substantial initial investment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.

Welcome to the World of Board Game Printing

For those eager to turn their board game designs into a commercial reality, the journey begins with a thorough sampling of your game. This initial step is crucial to ensure the game is well-received and worthy of production. Sampling typically involves ordering a small batch of the game for play testing and feedback. While there are websites that offer sample printing services, the costs can be quite substantial—often around AUD 400 for a standard board game, and sometimes even higher.

DIY: Off-the-Shelf Solutions and Trial

During my own forays into game design, I often turned to Officeworks for sample printing. This involved cutting out cards and assembling prototypes to play test the game thoroughly. This approach was cost-effective and allowed for adjustments and improvements before proceeding with a full production run. However, securing the necessary investment to fully sample and promote the product remained a significant hurdle.

Those seeking to break into the crowdfunding scene might consider platforms like Kickstarter. According to my experiences, launching a campaign on Kickstarter for a board game might require an initial investment of around AUD 2000 per game. This amount covers everything from designing prototypes to marketing and production setup.

Printing in Commercial Quantities

For commercial quantities, the process becomes more complex and costly. If you are looking to print board games in larger quantities for sale, it’s wise to consult professional printers or specialized manufacturers. They will typically offer different pricing structures based on the quantity ordered, materials used, and design intricacies.

Local Printing Solutions for Mock Boards

If your intentions are more casual—creating a mock board just for friends or family to play with—you might consider Snap Printing or other local printing services. These services cater to smaller, ad-hoc print jobs and can help bring your board game designs to life. They often provide quality materials such as cardstock and even custom lamination to ensure the board is durable enough for repeated use.

Conclusion

Whether you are a hobbyist looking to advance your board game designs or a commercial enterprise aiming to bring your creations to market, the process of printing board games in Australia requires careful planning and research. From sampling to commercial printing, each step carries its own set of considerations and costs. By leveraging local printing services and taking a methodical approach, you can bring your board game visions to life.

If you need further assistance or have specific questions about the printing process, feel free to reach out to professional printers or consult with experienced board game designers.