How much does it cost to print a small batch of tarot or oracle cards?

There's no single price for a custom deck, because no two decks are alike. At Inkwattle we design in Melbourne and print small batches made to order, then ship them worldwide with tracking. Every deck is quoted on its own specs. This guide covers each part of the price and how it moves the total, so you'll know what to expect before you ask for a quote.

Quantity

Quantity has the biggest effect. Much of the setup work is the same whether you print a handful of decks or a full small run. That work gets shared across every deck, so the per-deck cost falls as your quantity goes up. Ordering a single deck is perfectly fine. A few more usually brings the cost of each deck down noticeably.

Card count, size and card stock

• Card count: more cards per deck means more printing and more material, so the price rises with the size of the deck. A full tarot deck costs more than a compact oracle deck.
• Card size: standard tarot and oracle sizes are the most efficient. Oversized or unusual shapes use more material and can need extra cutting.
• Stock and finish: thicker card, linen texture, matte or gloss lamination and soft-touch coatings all change the cost. Ask us to recommend a stock if you're unsure. We'll match it to how your deck will be used and shuffled.

Foil, gilded edges and special finishes

Finishes add the most character, and they also add cost:

• Foil stamping on card backs, faces or the box needs its own setup and an extra production step.
• Gilded edges are applied after cutting and are quoted separately.
• Spot gloss, embossing and similar effects each add a step.

Use one statement finish or combine several. We'll show you how each choice moves the quote.

Box and packaging

Your deck's packaging is part of the experience:

• Tuck box: a simple, light classic and the most economical option.
• Lid-and-base box: a sturdier two-piece rigid box that feels like a gift.
• Magnetic box: a premium rigid box with a magnetic closure, ideal for collector or launch editions.

Rigid boxes cost more to make and add weight, which can also affect shipping. Guidebooks and inserts are quoted as add-ons.

Design

Where your artwork stands makes a real difference:

• Your own print-ready files: usually no design fee. We check your files and send a proof.
• Light edits: we adjust your existing artwork, for example sizing, bleed, colour or layout, for a one-off design fee.
• New design or AI-assisted illustration: we create the deck with you, for a one-off design fee that reflects the amount of work.

Every design job includes three free rounds of revisions. If you go ahead with printing, the design fee is fully credited against your print order, so you only pay the difference. We'll always quote the design fee before any work starts.

Shipping

Every order ships worldwide with tracking. Shipping depends on the parcel's total weight and on where it's going, so heavier boxes, larger quantities and more distant destinations all raise the shipping cost. We quote shipping for your confirmed specs, and we re-quote if anything changes.

Duties and taxes

Import duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility. For some countries and order values, Etsy collects import taxes at checkout; otherwise, any duties or taxes are paid by you on arrival. The rules depend on the country, so check your local customs authority if you're unsure.

How to get an accurate quote

Send us these details and we'll come back with a clear, itemised quote:

• Card count: how many cards in each deck
• Card size: standard or custom
• Stock and finish: if you know them, or tell us the look and feel you want
• Special finishes: foil, gilded edges or others
• Box style: tuck box, lid-and-base or magnetic
• Quantity: how many decks
• Destination: the country and city it ships to
• Artwork status: print-ready, needs light edits, or a new design

Request a quote

FAQ

Can I print just one tarot or oracle deck?

Yes. We print small batches, and a single deck is fine. The per-deck cost drops as you order more.

Do I have to pay a design fee if I already have artwork?

If your files are print-ready, there's usually no design fee; if they need tidying or new artwork, we'll quote the design fee first, and it's fully credited against your print order. Three revision rounds are included.

Does the box style change the price?

Yes. A tuck box is the most economical. Lid-and-base and magnetic rigid boxes cost more and weigh more, which can also raise shipping.

Who pays import duties on my deck?

The buyer does. For some countries and order values, Etsy collects import taxes at checkout; otherwise, any duties or taxes are paid by you on arrival.

Custom tarot & oracle decks · Tarot & oracle printing guide · FAQ · All guides