This causes a big problem indeed, especially if you're working on a very limited budget for your marketing strategy. And you end up paying more than you can afford.

So what can you do to avoid this? The very first thing you have to do is to STOP designing your collaterals for printing. You have to understand this point. Because if you start designing your postcard printing for example, again you'll end up paying for more than what you can afford with your limited budget.

It's basic common sense - know first what you can afford before going through with your design process. If you start designing before you know what you have the funds for, how would you know where to start? You need to have a plan before you start any project. And your plan would entail having to know what you can afford.

Asking yourself some questions can make it easier for you to decide on the design of your cheap postcards. How many pieces do you need? How much are you willing to pay for your printed materials? How many colors would you need to print in your collaterals? (Colors require ink, and ink means expense for your printing costs. The more shades you have, the more expensive your printing costs.) What's the purpose of your postcard printing? Will it be mailed or handed out?

The size of your ad, the number of colors, as well as the type of paper stock also makes a huge difference in your printing costs. And as you design your collateral, you need to consider these factors in your design so you can control your expenses. You can create then your collaterals that would fit your budget.

Last step is to make sure that your printer provides you with a written price quote before you proceed with the printing. This is to ensure that you're going to pay only what you have approved. Before you dot the i's and cross the t's, be sure to read everything and discuss all the details with your printer to avoid unnecessary additions later.