Upfront printing costs are the costs associated with the initial setup and operation of a printing press or other copying equipment. These costs can include the purchase price of the equipment, the cost of installation and maintenance, and the cost of supplies such as paper and ink. Upfront costs are typically fixed costs, meaning they do not vary with the amount of printing that is done.

Hidden printing costs are the costs associated with the use of a printing press or other copying equipment that are not immediately apparent. These costs can include the cost of energy, the cost of waste generated by the printing process, and the cost of labor required to operate the equipment. Hidden costs are typically variable costs, meaning they increase as the amount of printing that is done increases.