Printing and Signage Quotation Guide

In print, one missing detail can ruin a whole batch. Your quotation must capture the exact specification, and your approval process should make clear who's responsible for the final artwork.

Capture the specification

For each item, note:

• Quantity, including price at other quantities
• Finished size
• Material, such as paper weight, vinyl or acrylic
• Colours and printing method
• Finishing: lamination, folding, binding, eyelets, or a frame

Quoting price breaks, such as 500, 1,000 and 2,000 units, can encourage larger orders since the unit cost falls as volume rises.

Handle artwork

Say who provides artwork, and in which format. Design services should be a separate line. State: "Print-ready PDF with bleed required. Design work is charged separately."

Require proof approval

This protects you from costly reprints:

"The client approves the final proof before printing. Errors found after approval are the client's responsibility."

Keep the approval message on record.

Set colour expectations

Colours vary between a screen and print, and between batches. Note a reasonable tolerance: "Printed colours may vary slightly from on-screen colours." Offer a hard-copy proof for jobs where colour is critical.

Signage extras

Signage adds height and structure. Cover the site survey, permissions, structure, access equipment, electrical work and installation. State who obtains permits for outdoor signs. Those regulations vary by area.

Quantity tolerance and delivery

Commercial print runs can be slightly over or under the requested quantity, so state your policy if relevant. Include production time from approval, not from the date of the quotation, as well as delivery charges and a deposit, especially for custom items.

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