Question on POD options

[HalWhitewyrm]

I'm doing some long-term planning for HMP, and I want to start gathering info on POD options.

Now, RPGNow.com offers a POD option that to my untrained eyes seems good. I know a few publishers (Ronin Arts and LPJ, off the top of my head) use LULU.com for their print material, while someone also suggested to me Cafepress.com.

What is the inherent difference between using RPGNow's POD vs using Lulu, for example? I know RPGNow requires an initial payment for 10 copies (at least last time I checked), and Lulu seems to be a true POD system, but I figured I'd ask here and perhaps get some answers from people who have used POD in the past, perhaps even various options, so as to make a better informed decision.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

 

[FoolishFrost]

Hal, talk to me at

thefool (at) ancient-awakenings (dot) com

I'll let you have some info I've gathered.

 

[Prest0]

We've used the service thru RPGNow, but two days ago I received a proof copy of an adventure we uploaded to Lulu. Let me start by saying that we were quite pleased with the quality of work we got back from RPGNow. We thought it stood up against many other works we've seen in FLGS. However, I wanted to try Lulu precisely because of the no minimum order. As a PDF publisher without the muscle of a distributor, it made better sense to keep our captial out of physical inventory as much as possible. Now that I have our proof copy, all I can say is WOW. The quality is even better. Not only is the cover heavier and glossy, but the tonal range on the interior greyscale illustrations is better. Over the next few months we'll be moving all our POD work over to Lulu.

On the other hand, what we'll be missing out on is the direct link from our product page on RPGNow to RPGMall. We *did* sell out our tiny print run through them, so it does have certain value.

 

[HalWhitewyrm]

Thanks for the replies. John, I'll be emailing you.

 

[madelf]

On the other hand, what we'll be missing out on is the direct link from our product page on RPGNow to RPGMall. We *did* sell out our tiny print run through them, so it does have certain value.

I believe RPGmall will sell product printed elsewhere. So you could bulk order a few copies from lulu.com and ship them to RPGmall to sell through the central location.

You'd have to run the numbers to see if it was cost effective though. I don't know if the bulk discount would be enough to offset the extra expense or not.

 

[GMSkarka]

I believe RPGmall will sell product printed elsewhere.

Yup.

So if you really prefer the quality of lulu, print it there, and ship 10 copies or so to RPGMall.

 

[Prest0]

Yes, I've considered it. As madelf pointed out, we'll have to look at shipping costs since we'd have to pay for shipping twice. Since we just got our first copy on Wednesday, I haven't really had time to look into it.

 

[madelf]

Yes, I've considered it. As madelf pointed out, we'll have to look at shipping costs since we'd have to pay for shipping twice. Since we just got our first copy on Wednesday, I haven't really had time to look into it.

Also don't forget to check and see if lulu.com can ship direct to RPGmall. That might save a bit & as long as you gave the folks at RPGmall a heads up so they know it's coming I doubt it would be a problem (though it would obviously be advisable to discuss it with them before you place the order).

 

[rpghost]

I own RPGMall.com ... it's not a problem if you send us a book from another printer directly or not. But remember shipping eats a lot of profits. Also if you list your products at RPGMall.com you'll get exposure at our game store www.Game-Universe.com too.

Lastly, don't send more then 10 books. 5 is usually plenty unless it's a hit. We have limited storage space now that we share the store's floor.

James