How to Outsource Flyer Creation | Design Pricing, Workflow & Best Practices

Flyers remain essential for attracting customers and promoting events. However, creating flyers in-house often means running into obstacles like "we don't have design skills" or "we don't have enough time." That's where outsourcing flyer creation comes in.

This article covers everything you need to know about outsourcing flyer creation: design pricing benchmarks, how to choose a provider, the commission workflow, and tips for keeping costs down. Whether it's your first time ordering a flyer or you're looking to optimize your process, read on for a comprehensive guide.

Benefits of Outsourcing Flyer Creation

The biggest advantage of outsourcing to a professional is a dramatic improvement in design quality. Professional designers know how to create layouts, color schemes, and copy placements that resonate with your target audience. The difference in response rates between a DIY flyer and a professionally designed one can be significant.

Outsourcing also frees up time you would have spent on design, allowing you to focus on core business activities. This time-saving benefit is especially valuable for small businesses and sole proprietors with limited staff.

Flyer Design Pricing Benchmarks

For the most common A4 size (single-sided, full color), freelancers typically charge ¥20,000–¥40,000, while design agencies charge around ¥30,000–¥60,000. Double-sided A4 runs ¥30,000–¥60,000 for freelancers and ¥50,000–¥100,000 for agencies. Larger formats like B3 or double-sided designs can exceed ¥150,000. Simple monochrome designs may be available from ¥5,000–¥20,000.

Beyond design fees, factor in direction fees (10–30% of total production cost), copywriting fees (¥20,000–¥40,000), photography costs, stock image fees (around ¥1,000 per image), and revision surcharges (20–40% of design fee if exceeding the included revision count). Printing costs for A4 flyers run approximately ¥5,000–¥15,000 for 1,000 copies and ¥30,000–¥80,000 for 10,000 copies.

Comparing Commission Options

Freelance designers offer the most cost-effective option at ¥a few thousand to ¥50,000, accessible through platforms like Coconala, Lancers, and CrowdWorks. Design agencies provide end-to-end service from planning to press-ready files at ¥30,000–¥150,000, ideal for brands seeking unique, high-quality output. Print companies offering one-stop design-to-print services eliminate the hassle of coordinating between designers and printers, with template-based plans available for budget-conscious clients.

The Commission Workflow

Start by clarifying the flyer’s goal and target audience. Then obtain quotes from multiple providers, comparing not just price but also scope of work and included revisions. Once you select a provider, share details about size, content, design style, target audience, distribution method, and deadline during the briefing. The designer creates a draft for review, revisions are made, and the final design proceeds to printing and delivery. Most agencies include 2–3 rounds of revisions in their design fee.

Tips for Reducing Costs

Prepare photos, product images, and copy in-house to save on photography and copywriting fees. Order with generous lead times—some providers offer discounts for non-rush jobs, while rush orders often incur surcharges. Consider template-based services for ¥a few thousand to ¥10,000 if a fully custom design isn't necessary. Proofread meticulously before printing to avoid costly reprints. Also explore government subsidies such as the Small Business Sustainability Grant, which may cover 50–75% of production costs.

Key Considerations

Always verify the detailed breakdown of your quote to understand what’s included and what incurs extra charges. Confirm copyright ownership and image licensing before the project starts. Be cautious with AI-generated images for commercial use, as copyright risks have not been fully resolved.

Conclusion

Flyer design typically costs ¥30,000–¥60,000 for A4 single-sided full color. Freelancers are the most budget-friendly, design agencies deliver the highest quality and originality, and one-stop print companies minimize hassle. Clarify your goals, compare quotes, and leverage cost-saving strategies to create high-impact flyers with professional help.