Best Budget Binding Covers for Schools & Students

School budgets are about the cost of each finished book, not the sticker price of a cover. So let us do the maths first. This is part of our binding covers guide.

Step 1: Work out your true cost per book

The formula is simple:

True cost per book = (cover cost + wasted covers + machine cost per use) ÷ books bound

Example for illustration only: if a pack of covers costs $30 for 25, each cover is $1.20. If two are wasted by wrong-sized spines, the 23 usable ones cost about $1.30 each.

Step 2: Choose the cover that matches the job

•       Class projects and workbooks: a soft cover is light, economical and fast to bind.

•       Portfolios and capstone projects: a Flex cover gives a more polished look at a modest step up.

•       Yearbooks and memory books: a hard cover keeps the book as a keepsake for years.

Step 3: Avoid waste

•       Count the pages before choosing the spine size.

•       Keep a spine capacity chart near the binding station.

•       Bind in batches, so the machine is already warm and every cover is used.

•       Standardise on one or two covers for the whole school.

Step 4: Think in years, not just terms

A thesis or portfolio is judged on how it looks at the end of the programme. Spending slightly more on a cover for those pieces is smarter than reprinting. See the premium options in our executive covers guide for the top end.

Which cover for which task?

Large order for a district or department? Contact our team about your volume. You can also browse the thermal binding collection and read our buying guide for sizing advice.

Keep reading

•       how binding covers work: Start here if you are new to covers.

•       leather, poly, cardstock and linen covers: Compare feel, durability and cost by material.

•       best binding covers for real estate listing books: Pick a cover for each stage of a listing.

•       lay-flat photo book covers: Choose covers for weddings, baby books and travel.

•       our binding cover buying guide: Answer five questions and pick the right cover.