Cost Drivers & Quote Preparation
Prepare a Comparable
Deck Quote Scope.
Separate Known from Unknown.
Pricing requires a current supplier quote. Use this guide to define the inputs, comparison rows, inclusions, exclusions, and supplier questions behind a written quote.
Specification Inputs
Comparable Quantity Rows
Inclusions & Exclusions
Supplier Confirmation
Cost DriversInputs that change quote scope
Quantity RowsCompare complete scopes by quantity
Build ScopeSeparate components and processes
Quote BasisRecord inclusions and exclusions
Open QuestionsKeep unknowns explicit
What Affects the Price?
These inputs change quote scope. Their price impact requires confirmation for the exact supplier and configuration.
- Card Stock & SizeRecord cut size, target handling, opacity, stock, core, finish, and supplier-specific material mapping.
- Printing & ArtworkRecord print sides, unique fronts and backs, color workflow, and any requested print effects.
- Finishes & EffectsList each requested coating or effect separately and ask about compatibility, tooling, tolerances, and availability.
- Packaging & Box TypeDefine box structure, material, insert, closure, decoration, and packing method as separate quote fields.
- Guidebook & InsertsRecord trim size, page count, color, paper, binding, placement, and any other supporting print.
- QuantityRequest the same complete specification at relevant quantities and compare the full basis of each quote.
- Assembly & PackingIdentify collation, inserts, wrapping, labeling, cartons, and any manual packing steps in scope.
Fields Required for a Comparable Quote
Keep each requested quantity on the same complete specification, then record what the supplier includes, excludes, substitutes, or leaves unknown.
| Quote section | Project records | Supplier confirms |
|---|---|---|
| Deck specification | Card count, cut size, artwork mapping, stock target, finish | Available construction, tolerance, substitution |
| Quantity rows | Requested comparison quantities | MOQ, unit basis, setup, overrun or underrun terms |
| Packaging | Box, insert, closure, decoration, packing method | Materials, compatibility, assembly, carton basis |
| Guidebook & inserts | Page count, size, color, paper, binding | Print method, placement, packing, file template |
| Proof or sample | Purpose and acceptance questions | Scope, charge, freight basis, lead time, credit terms |
| Freight & destination | Country, postal code, delivery context | Mode, Incoterm and named place, transit, duties and taxes |
| Commercial basis | Currency and requested scope | Inclusions, exclusions, validity, payment terms, unknowns |
No public rate card is presented here. MOQ and pricing require confirmation per configuration and supplier.
Component Questions
Treat every requested component as a scoped question, not a confirmed capability or fixed add-on.
Stock & FinishWhich supplier stock maps to the requested handling, opacity, thickness, core, and surface?
Print EffectsWhich effects are compatible with the artwork, stock, finish, tolerances, and run quantity?
Card EdgesWhat process, color limits, tolerances, sample route, and packing precautions apply?
Box ConstructionWhat board, wrap, insert, closure, tolerance, and assembly method are included?
GuidebookWhat page, paper, binding, color, placement, and file-template limits apply?
Proof RouteWhat will the proof represent, what will it not represent, and how is approval recorded?
Freight BasisWhat mode, destination, Incoterm, named place, carton data, and tax basis are quoted?
Build a Complete Quote Scope
Use one component list across every supplier and quantity comparison.
The image is illustrative. Materials, construction, compatibility, and availability require supplier confirmation.
| Component | Confirmation needed |
|---|---|
| Cards | Stock mapping, print scope, finish, cut, collation, tolerances |
| Box | Structure, board and wrap, insert, decoration, assembly |
| Guidebook or insert | Page scope, materials, binding, placement, file requirements |
| Tooling and setup | Dies, plates, molds, effect setup, reusable or one-time basis |
| Proof or sample | Representation, approval purpose, charge, freight, timing |
| Packing and cartons | Unit wrap, labels, cartons, dimensions, weights, pallet basis |
| Freight and import scope | Mode, Incoterm, named place, destination, duties and taxes |
Comparison Guidance
Preserve the same scope while testing alternatives, then compare the complete written basis.
- Ask suppliers to price standard and alternate sizes against the same complete scope.
- Request supplier material mappings instead of assuming stock names transfer between factories.
- Price each finish or effect as a separate line with tooling, setup, and compatibility stated.
- Keep guidebook page count, size, color, paper, and binding explicit in every comparison.
- Compare packaging structures with the same card and supporting-print specification.
- Separate known specifications, customer decisions, supplier confirmations, and exclusions.