Which Catalog Size is Best?

Ahh....you just finished your new release and are feeling as light as a feather! Now, it's time to dive into creating your wholesale catalog. As you sit down and prepare to get to work, the big question pops into your head: What size should my catalog be? Should it be the full 8.5 x 11" size or the half 5.5 x 8.5" size? Let's explore the advantages and considerations of each option to find the perfect fit for your business.

• Visual Impact: When it comes to catalog size, one consideration is the visual impact you want to make. An 8.5 x 11" catalog offers ample space for stunning product imagery and detailed descriptions. It presents your products in a bold and captivating manner, especially if you have intricate or larger-scale products. On the other hand, the 5.5 x 8.5" size may struggle to command the same level of attention and presence. Winner for visual impact: 8.5 x 11" Catalog
  ​
• Portability: Consider how you plan to distribute your catalogs and the convenience they offer to potential retailers. The 5.5 x 8.5" size is more portable and easier to carry, making it ideal for tradeshows, direct mailers, and inclusion in smaller shipping boxes for wholesale orders. The 8.5 x 11" size is a little more cumbersome for retailers to carry around at tradeshows, is more expensive to mail as a direct mail piece, and won't fit into smaller shipping boxes as easily if you plan to include catalogs with your orders. Winner for portability: 5.5 x 8.5” Catalog
  ​
• Budget: Another factor is your budget. Generally, smaller catalogs tend to be more cost-effective as they require less printing material. That being said, a smaller size catalog may mean you need to add additional pages to your catalog in order to fit all of your products which will add to the cost. Before you decide on your final size and start laying out your catalog, estimate the number of pages for each size and get price quotes each. From there you can determine which is more cost effective. Winner for budget friendly: Possibly a tie!
  ​
• Size of Your Product Line: You also need to consider the size of your product line as you determine your catalog size. If you have an extensive range of products, it may be challenging to fit your entire collection within the restraints of the smaller-sized catalog. There is a limit to the number of pages a 5.5 x 8.5" catalog can accommodate before it becomes too thick - usually around 48 pages. At this point you will need to switch to a larger size. Winner for product line size: Larger lines will typically need the 8.5 x 11" Catalog size; Smaller to mid-size lines will be fine with the 5.5 x 8.5" size.

While there may be no black and white answer to the perfect catalog size, the factors above will be a good starting point to determine the catalog size that works best for your own business. At Ramona & Ruth, I have found that the 5.5 x 8.5" catalog size works perfectly with our needs. I love its portability, as it can be easily used as a direct mailer by placing it in an A9 envelope, and it conveniently fits into our shipping boxes when we send out wholesale orders.

As our own product line expands and diversifies, I anticipate that we may need to transition to the 8.5 x 11" size to accommodate the growing number of products. However, for the time being, the 5.5 x 8.5" size works well for us.

The ideal catalog size for your business will depend on a combination of factors, including your specific product offerings, budget constraints, and just your own personal preference. As you are deciding, keep in mind that you can try out one size, and if you don't like it, you can always change it down the road!

If you are looking for a way to take the stress out of setting up your catalog, check out my Wholesale Catalog Templates! Available in both the full and half size. Simply add your products and update the text and you will be on your way to a beautiful wholesale catalog!