Saddle stitching vs. perfect binding on a 96-page catalog

Answered by Dick Gorelick


Question:
What are the relative merits of using saddle stitching and perfect binding on a 96-page catalog?

Answer:
Obviously, price is a major consideration. All other things equal, perfect binding will usually be the more expensive alternative. However, think in terms of the cost-benefit relationship, not simply cost. In our culture, a stitched product is associated with "promotion." The catalog or publication is used once, then destroyed. On the other hand, perfect binding signals permanence. The product is likely to be retained, potentially it will serve as the source of several orders. Thus, repeat usage is likely to justify the extra expense of perfect binding.

If you doubt this logic, think about National Geographic and Smithsonian magazines. The former is perfectly bound and seems to appear at every garage sale.
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