How Much Does It Cost to Print a Tarot Deck?

How Much Does It Cost to Print a Tarot Deck?

Creating your own tarot deck is a powerful way to share your spiritual vision, artwork, or brand. Whether you're a tarot reader, illustrator, or entrepreneur, printing a custom tarot deck brings your creative ideas into physical form. But how much does it really cost to print a tarot deck?

This guide breaks down the key cost factors involved in tarot deck printing, highlights customization options that influence pricing, and offers tips to help you manage your budget—while showcasing how Sese Printing can help bring your tarot deck vision to life.

1. Key Factors That Affect Tarot Deck Printing Cost

Quantity Ordered

Like most printing projects, the more decks you print, the lower the cost per unit. Small batch runs (e.g., 100–300 decks) typically have higher unit costs, while larger orders (500–1000+ decks) benefit from bulk pricing.

Card Size and Number of Cards

Common tarot card sizes include 70 x 120 mm (2.75" x 4.75") and 88 x 126 mm (3.5" x 5").

Standard decks typically have 78 cards, but oracle decks may include 44, 52, or custom quantities.

Larger cards or decks with more cards require more printing time and higher material costs.

Material & Card Stock

The thickness and quality of the card stock influence both durability and cost. Common options include:

Standard options include 300gsm, 350gsm, or 400gsm art paper.

Black core, blue core, or plastic core for enhanced opacity and sturdiness.

PVC or plastic for waterproof decks (usually more expensive).

Printing Techniques

The printing method also influences cost. Most tarot decks are printed using full-color CMYK on both sides.

Additional custom techniques include:

White ink printing (on black or colored paper)

Spot UV coating (to highlight certain design areas)

Metallic ink for a subtle shimmer effect

These techniques can add visual appeal but come at a higher cost.

Coating & Finish

Protective coatings not only enhance the visual finish but also protect your cards from wear and tear.

Matte lamination offers a smooth, non-glare surface

Gloss lamination adds shine and enhances color vibrancy

Soft-touch or linen finishes provide a luxury feel

Special coatings may slightly increase the cost but are often worth the investment for quality and customer satisfaction.

2. Customization Options That Influence Cost

Custom tarot deck printing offers a wide range of premium enhancements that elevate your product's appearance and value. While these options can help your deck stand out, they also contribute to the overall production cost. Here are the most common customization choices and how they affect pricing:

Foil Stamping (Gold, Silver, Holographic)

Foil stamping adds a reflective, metallic finish to specific areas of your cards or packaging, such as titles, borders, or symbols.

Gold and silver foils are the most popular choices.

Holographic foil adds a multi-color shine for a magical effect.

Foil stamping requires additional tooling and setup, making it a premium feature that increases production cost—especially when used across multiple areas or with multiple foil colors.

Gilded Card Edges

Gilded edges involve applying foil (gold, silver, rose gold, holographic, etc.) to the sides of each card in the deck.

This luxurious finish enhances visual appeal and perceived value.

Gilding is a time-intensive process that adds to the per-deck price.

While optional, gilded edges are a popular feature for collectors or premium retail editions.

Custom Tuck Box, Rigid Box, or Magnetic Box

The packaging style you choose plays a major role in your tarot deck's presentation and cost:

Tuck Box – a simple, cost-effective option for standard decks.

Rigid Two-Piece Box – provides better protection and a high-end look.

Magnetic Closure Box – a premium packaging style often used for luxury editions.

Each box style can be further customized with foil stamping, spot UV, embossing, or interior printing, which all increase the price.

Printed Booklets or Guide Inserts

Many tarot decks include a guidebook or instruction sheet. Options include:

Black and white or full-color printing

Staple-bound booklets or folded inserts

Multiple page counts (8, 16, 32, etc.)

Adding a printed booklet increases printing and assembly costs, especially if it includes full-color images or extensive text.

Shrink Wrapping or Sealing

Packaging your decks with shrink wrap, tear strips, or custom seals can enhance product protection and retail readiness.

Shrink wrapping is affordable and protects from moisture and dust.

Tamper-proof seals add professionalism and security.

Though minor in cost, these finishing steps are important for e-commerce and resale.

Custom Inserts or Foam Tray Packaging

To create a more secure and elegant presentation, many creators opt for:

Die-cut paperboard inserts

Custom foam trays to hold the cards and booklet in place

These features improve the unboxing experience but add extra material and labor costs.

3. Packaging Options and Their Cost Impact

Packaging is more than just protection—it shapes your tarot deck's first impression, perceived value, and user experience. The choice of packaging has a direct impact on production cost, and selecting the right style depends on your budget and branding goals.

Below are the most common packaging options for custom tarot decks, along with their cost implications:

               

Tuck Box

               

Two-Piece Rigid Box

               

Magnetic Closure Box

               

Shrink Wrapping

Tuck Box (Standard Option)

A tuck box is a compact, foldable cardboard box that holds the cards snugly inside.

Most economical packaging style

Lightweight and space-saving for shipping

Can be customized with full-color printing, foil stamping, or matte/gloss lamination

Best choice for budget-conscious creators or mass-market decks.

Two-Piece Rigid Box

Also known as a “lid and base” box, this packaging is made from thick cardboard and offers a sturdier, more premium feel.

Stronger and more durable than tuck boxes

Ideal for higher-end or collectible decks

Can include custom inserts or compartments

Allows for luxury finishes like embossing, spot UV, and foil accents

More expensive than tuck boxes, but provides greater protection and visual appeal.

Magnetic Closure Box

This upscale option features a hinged lid with a magnetic flap for closure, offering a luxurious unboxing experience.

High-end appearance, perfect for special editions or gift sets

Supports advanced customization: soft-touch lamination, inner printing, foil, or spot UV

Can include foam trays or custom inserts for a professional interior layout

Premium packaging style with the highest cost among common options, but ideal for luxury branding.

Custom Printed Interior

Adding artwork or text to the inside of the box enhances the storytelling or branding of your tarot deck.

Applies to rigid and magnetic boxes

Adds cost due to extra print surfaces, but boosts user experience

Minor cost increase, but valuable for immersive or themed decks.

Packaging Add-Ons That Affect Cost

Sleeves or belly bands – paper wraps printed with logos or design

Shrink wrapping – protects the box and cards from dust and damage

Custom stickers or seals – adds branding and a tamper-proof finish

Ribbons or pull-tabs – functional and elegant finishing touches inside rigid or magnetic boxes

By choosing packaging that aligns with your target audience and pricing tier, you can maximize both presentation and profit. While basic options are more affordable, investing in premium packaging can significantly elevate your product's appeal and perceived value.