Print Production · Made it Anyway

The Print Production
Reality Check

9 honest questions before you spend anything on design or production. Most people underestimate what's involved — this will tell you exactly where you are and what to do next.

Your answers are anonymous — we don't collect your details or track who you are. You'll receive your result immediately, with no email required. If you'd like to join the waitlist after seeing your result, that's a separate step and entirely your choice.

Why do you want to create a print product?

I want to build and sell my own branded product range

I want to create something to complement my existing business or services

I need a one-off or limited run for my workplace, organisation, or community group

I want to customise or adapt an existing product I've seen

I'm not sure yet — I just know I want to make something physical

How clear are you on what your product actually is?

Very clear — I know the format, the content, the size, and who it's for

I have a general concept but the details aren't worked out yet

I have a vague idea but I'm still figuring out what it would look like

I've seen something I like and want to create something similar — but haven't defined mine yet

Who is this product for — and what role will it play?

It's a new product I'm creating to sell commercially under my own brand

It's to complement or extend an existing product or service I already offer

It's for an organisation, workplace, or community group — not primarily for commercial sale

It's a gift, keepsake, or one-off commemorative item

I haven't fully defined this yet

Will this be a physical product, a digital product, or both?

Physical only — I want a printed product people can hold

Digital only — I want a downloadable file people can print themselves or use on a device

Both — a physical product with a digital companion version

I haven't decided yet

Do you know who will design your product?

I'll design it myself using professional software — InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop

I'll design it myself using Canva or similar online tools

I know I need a professional graphic designer and I'm in the process of finding one

I have a graphic designer briefed and ready to start

I was hoping to use or adapt an existing design

I haven't thought about design yet

I assumed the printer would handle the design

How many units are you planning to produce in your first run?

Fewer than 500

500–1,000

1,000–3,000

3,000 or more

I have no idea yet

Do you have a realistic sense of what your product will cost to produce per unit?

Yes — I've already received quotes from NZ or overseas suppliers

I have a rough idea but haven't confirmed any numbers yet

I've looked at retail prices of similar products and assumed something similar

I looked at Alibaba or similar platforms and assumed those prices apply

No — I have no idea what production costs look like

Have you thought about how you'll sell or distribute this product once it's made?

Yes — I have a clear channel confirmed (online store, markets, retail, B2B, direct)

I have a rough idea but nothing confirmed yet

I was planning to figure that out once the product exists

No — I hadn't thought that far ahead yet

When do you need this product ready?

Within 4–6 weeks

Within 3 months

Within 3–6 months

Within 6–12 months

I'm not on a fixed timeline — I want to get it right before I commit

The Print ProductionReality Check

The Print Production
Reality Check