Commodity stock

The commonly used paper that is used by a printer in the majority of its output. It can be a coated or uncoated paper that the printer always has in stock and is often at a lower cost because it is ordered in bulk.

PUBLISHING TIP Sometimes specifying a particular paper stock won’t make a lot of sense – not economic sense or design sense.  A paper that might be just a couple of GSM heavier might double the price. A paper with just a fraction less ‘tooth’ might delay the print project significantly especially if the paper needs to be sourced and especially if the paper needs to be imported. A printer’s commodity stock is indented meaning significant supplies are on hand bought at good prices. Often getting a quote on a brand name paper, especially if supplies in Australia or  China are difficult to source creates cost and time blowouts. If you want an Australian brand but printed in China the problem is obvious. You might like to ask for this in quoting ‘Sovereign Silk or similar‘ and ask for a paper sample to be posted for the ‘similar’ paper stock. Then sit down and make the comparison without letting the book designer’s ego get in the way. Note – often when seeking a comparative quotation, a publisher might specify a boutique or uncommon commodity stock that has been indented by the printer initially quoting. For this reason asking for ‘or similar’ makes a lot of sense.