Member magazine cost calculator

For most associations the biggest cost is staff time: planning, chasing writers, editing, proofing, approvals and publishing. It rarely shows up on an invoice, so it rarely shows up in a budget. Print and postage, if you print, are usually the largest cash cost, because they grow with your membership.

A yearly total sounds large in a meeting. The same money as a small amount per member, per issue, is much easier to discuss, and you can compare it with what members already pay. The calculator shows both, so you can pick the one that suits the conversation.

The three example set-ups are there to show how the sum works, using figures we made up. They aren't benchmarks and they won't match your costs, so replace them with your own quotes and hours before you show this to anyone.

What is the biggest cost of a member magazine?

For most associations it's staff time, followed by design and, if you print, printing and postage.

Is a digital magazine cheaper than print?

Usually, because there's no printing or postage. Design and editorial costs are much the same. Turn print on in the calculator to see the difference with your own figures.

Can a digital magazine be free to produce?

The cash cost can be close to zero with volunteer writers and free tools. Someone's time still has to be paid for, either as salary or as goodwill.

Should I count staff time if they're already on salary?

Yes. Those hours could be spent on something else, and the number tells you whether the magazine is sustainable. The calculator shows time and cash separately, so you can show either one.

Do you see the numbers I type in?

No. The sums run in your browser and nothing you type is sent to Zeenly. Your figures are saved in this browser so they're still here next time.