How to print cheaply
Make many copies, and cut a deal with a photocopy shop. That's all there's to it.
In November 2008, we made 1000 copies of the dictionary (6 sheets of paper, plus one sheet of Manila (stiff) paper, a total of 14 photocopies per dictionary) for 200.000 Ugandan shillings, about 100 US dollars. This is a bit of an investment, but remember that if you sell every single dictionary for 300 shillings, you get 300.000 back. However, there are some other expenses, such as the initial printing and transport/distribution.
If it's possible we recommend that you go to someone you know personally who has access to a photocopier, either at an office or a photocopier shop.
This is a rough estimate for making 1000 copies of a 24 page dictionary with Manila paper cover (based on prices in Uganda 2008).
| Item | Quantity | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| photocopy paper | 12 rims (500 each) | $4,5 | $54 |
| Manila paper | 4 rims (250 each) | $6 | $24 |
| Labour and use of photocopier | $22 | ||
| Total | $100 |
This is only an indication. The point is mainly to show that the paper is not very expensive. The labour you can either do yourself (if you have access to a photocopying machine) or negotiate to a fair price. Stiff paper (Manila) cover can be dropped to push the price down even more.