DriveThruRPG Print-on-Demand Prices Skyrocket in the US

A significant shift is coming to the world of print-on-demand (POD) publishing, particularly for creators using DriveThruRPG. The platform has announced substantial price increases for its US-based printing services, effective April 1st, 2025, leaving many creators scrambling to adjust.

The Breakdown: Stark Price Hikes in the US

DriveThruRPG, which utilizes Lightning Source for its printing needs (with facilities in both the US and UK), has attributed the price changes to rising supply costs within the United States. The impact is far from uniform, with black-and-white printing seeing the most dramatic increases.

Here’s a snapshot of the changes:

• Black-and-White:
  • Hardcover: Expect a 20-50% price surge in the US, depending on page count.
  • Softcover: Even steeper increases than hardcover in the US.
  • UK: Minimal 3-4% increase.
• Standard Color:
  • US: Prices will rise by 12-13%.
  • UK: A modest 3% increase.
• Premium Color:
  • US: Surprisingly, prices will see a slight decrease.
  • UK: A small increase.

Concrete Examples of the Impact:

To illustrate the magnitude of these changes, consider these examples:

• A 100-page black-and-white hardcover will jump from $8.60 to $11.14 in the US.
• A 300-page black and white softcover will increase from $8.32 to $13.73 in the US.
• Conversely, a 180-page premium color hardcover drops from $32.10 to $27.80 in the US.
• The same 180-page premium color hardcover in the UK, will rise from £20.23 to £20.93.

The Kickstarter Crunch: A Potential Disaster for Crowdfunders

While US-based customers will directly bear the brunt of these price hikes, the ripple effects extend far beyond. Creators currently running Kickstarter campaigns that plan to fulfill orders via DriveThruRPG after April 1st face a potentially devastating scenario.

The unexpected 50% increase in black and white POD costs could significantly erode, or even eliminate, profit margins for these campaigns. Many creators budget their projects based on current printing costs, and this sudden change could lead to substantial financial losses.

What This Means for the Industry:

This price adjustment from DriveThruRPG raises concerns about the stability and predictability of POD services. Creators relying on these platforms for their publishing needs may need to reassess their pricing strategies and budgeting models.

The significant disparity between US and UK printing costs also highlights the volatility of supply chains and the importance of diversifying printing options when possible.

Key Takeaways:

• US-based creators and customers will experience substantial price increases for DriveThruRPG’s POD services, particularly for black-and-white printing.
• Kickstarter creators fulfilling after April 1st face a significant financial risk.
• The industry must adapt to fluctuating costs and explore alternative printing solutions.

As the April 1st deadline approaches, creators are urged to carefully review their pricing and fulfillment plans to mitigate the impact of these changes.