One thing our customers often ask us is ‘What is the difference between leaflet printing and flyer printing? That’s perhaps not surprising when you consider how often the terms are used interchangeably.
And that’s probably understandable when you think that both types of printed document share a number of features – both are printed promotional materials, used to boost business trade for a specific offer, event or product, and both are very cost-effective print methods to market your business.
Technically from a printing perspective a flyer is printed on a heavier weight paper stock which is measured in GSM (Grams per Square Metre) typically the product would be described as a leaflet until the paper weight used reached 200gsm. Including and beyond this weight paper we would re-classify the job as a flyer.
Having said that some (although few) printers would classify leaflet printing when the product is folded and flyer printing when it’s flat and only trimmed to size, so even in the industry there is no rule of thumb.
What are the other differences between a leaflet and a flyer? Well, Both are equally quite disposable in that neither a printed leaflet nor a printed flyer is graphically designed too or printed to be kept for ever.
That said, a flyer typically has a shorter lifespan than a leaflet once the promotion in question is finished. Flyers are also usually printed in bright colours, often at A6 size and often with not much in the way of design or graphics think nightclub invitations etc…
A leaflet generally has a more professional graphic design, and its contents more carefully thought out. Often leaflet printing is on A4 or A5 paper.
Because of the difference in the weight of the paper, it is often more expensive to print flyers. Equally, the combination of colours and the more elaborate design will also contribute to the slightly higher cost. A flyer is generally a single sheet of paper printed on either one or both of its sides and weighing between 200gsm to 350gsm. Leaflets may weigh 130, 150 or 170gsm.
In terms of deciding which option to go for, much will depend on the type of business you are promoting.
Pizza shops, nightclubs, local traders and cab firms will all benefit from flyer printing, while leaflet printing is ideal for businesses looking for something a little more corporate.
However, that’s not always the case, and there may well be instances where a printed leaflet will work just as well for something like a pizza shop or nightclub.
But it’s important that you understand the differences between the two promotional tools, not least because VAT can be affecting, according to which you choose.
If you want to go your business checkout one of our previous articles: Well Designed And Printed Flyers Give Sky High Returns
And, whichever tool you go for, you’ll need to select a quality company to do your printing. At Print UK, we offer affordable online design and printing for all your promotional leaflets, flyers and brochures.