

Within the PaperbackOnly benchmark framework, an average shipping cost of approximately €50 per 30 kg parcel is assumed for intra-European delivery, with a representative range of €35 to €70 depending on distance and shipping zone. Typical delivery times within Europe are approximately 2–3 working days.
The benchmark configuration used across all providers is:
• A5 paperback portrait
• 160 pages
• black & white interior
• full-color matt cover
• 90 g/m² interior white paper
• perfect bound binding
• production quantity: 100 copies
Print on demand (POD) is often associated with platforms like Amazon KDP, where books are printed only when an order is placed. In Europe, however, most “print on demand” providers actually operate as short-run digital printers, producing small batches instead of single copies.
On PaperbackOnly, we compare POD-style book printers that offer low print runs, fast turnaround times, and author-friendly services. For many self-publishers, this approach provides more control over quality, pricing, and distribution.