Both are fairly inexpensive for the work you are looking at, make sure they are all inclusive meaning there isnt additional screen fees, film fees, flash charges.
Price differences between Screen Printers' quotes
Hey Guys,
Here's my scenario:
Printer 1 Quote: $3.25 per shirt
Printer 2 Quote: $3.80 per shirt
*Both are quoting for the exact same work, which is:
- 3 colors on front only (48 shirts)
- 1 color tag on inside neckline
- I provide the shirts
** Printer 1 is a larger scale operation with over a dozen employees. Printer 2 is a one-man operation.
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My questions:
1. Are there factors other than a) economies of scale, or b) quality that would create a $0.55 price difference? (both printers are located in the same city)
2. If the price difference reflects a difference in printing quality, what factors make up that difference in quality? For example, is it better quality ink? More attention and time spent for precise screening?
3. If I'm looking at t-shirts that each of them have printed, is there a sure tell-tale way to determine the quality of the screening without taking the shirts home and washing them a dozen times?
4. In your professional opinions, if one could even speculate given the limited information in the scenario above, would you attribute a $0.55 price difference more to economies of scale, or to quality?
Thanks a lot folks.
-Uncle Sam
Here's my scenario:
Printer 1 Quote: $3.25 per shirt
Printer 2 Quote: $3.80 per shirt
*Both are quoting for the exact same work, which is:
- 3 colors on front only (48 shirts)
- 1 color tag on inside neckline
- I provide the shirts
** Printer 1 is a larger scale operation with over a dozen employees. Printer 2 is a one-man operation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
My questions:
1. Are there factors other than a) economies of scale, or b) quality that would create a $0.55 price difference? (both printers are located in the same city)
2. If the price difference reflects a difference in printing quality, what factors make up that difference in quality? For example, is it better quality ink? More attention and time spent for precise screening?
3. If I'm looking at t-shirts that each of them have printed, is there a sure tell-tale way to determine the quality of the screening without taking the shirts home and washing them a dozen times?
4. In your professional opinions, if one could even speculate given the limited information in the scenario above, would you attribute a $0.55 price difference more to economies of scale, or to quality?
Thanks a lot folks.
-Uncle Sam
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
prices vary based on a plethora of variables.
Their overhead costs, the amount of shirts they can print per hour, the number of employees the have, the time it takes them to create the screens, time to register the job, etc.
There a ton of factors that could change the price and none of them could have anything to do with the quality of the work.
Their overhead costs, the amount of shirts they can print per hour, the number of employees the have, the time it takes them to create the screens, time to register the job, etc.
There a ton of factors that could change the price and none of them could have anything to do with the quality of the work.
I don't know who in their right mind would do the work you are asking for for that price. You're getting a bargain in either case. One is probably automated (cheaper one) and the other is hand screened (manual). I doubt you'll see much difference in quality.
In my experience the manual operator can turn small quantities out faster than an automated vendor because an automated vendor will work you into larger job runs but the manual guy will consider you one of his standard runs...
Have you seen their work. it's the only way to judge quality differences.
In my experience the manual operator can turn small quantities out faster than an automated vendor because an automated vendor will work you into larger job runs but the manual guy will consider you one of his standard runs...
Have you seen their work. it's the only way to judge quality differences.
That reminds me of the time I wanted to buy some pizza. I went to 2 different pizzerias, and they had different prices!!!
So, I composed a long series of questions and posted them on a pizzeria-owners forum.
Here's a copy of my questions, in case anyone was curious:
So, I composed a long series of questions and posted them on a pizzeria-owners forum. Here's a copy of my questions, in case anyone was curious:
Hey Guys,
Here's my scenario:
Pizzeria 1 Price: $3.25 per slice
Pizzeria 2 Price: $3.80 per slice
*Both are quoting for the exact same work, which is:
- 3 ingredients on each slice (48 slices)
- I provide the napkins
** Pizzeria 1 is a larger scale operation with over a dozen employees. Pizzeria 2 is a one-man operation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
My questions:
1. Are there factors other than a) economies of scale, or b) quality that would create a $0.55 price difference? (both pizzerias are located in the same city)
2. If the price difference reflects a difference in pizza quality, what factors make up that difference in quality? For example, is it better quality ingredients? More attention and time spent for precise baking?
3. If I'm looking at pizzas that each of them have baked, is there a sure tell-tale way to determine the quality of the pizza without taking the pizzas home and eating them?
4. In your professional opinions, if one could even speculate given the limited information in the scenario above, would you attribute a $0.55 price difference more to economies of scale, or to quality?
Thanks a lot folks.
Both are fairly inexpensive for the pizza you are looking at, make sure they are all inclusive meaning there isnt additional topping fees, box fees, delivery charges.
Thanks guys.
When I visually inspect their work, are there certain things I can lookout for to determine their quality?
How about the quality of the ink? Should I ask what type, or brand they use?
When I visually inspect their work, are there certain things I can lookout for to determine their quality?
How about the quality of the ink? Should I ask what type, or brand they use?
If you are asking these type of questions, then you should consider letting someone else do your shirt shopping for you. You should know what to look for in a decent looking print on a shirt and if you dont know this, then having the type of ink or brand would be of no use to you.Thanks guys.
When I visually inspect their work, are there certain things I can lookout for to determine their quality?
How about the quality of the ink? Should I ask what type, or brand they use?
UncleSam,
These are questions that you should ask your printers. Honestly, they can answer them, have answered them many times before and would be happy to tell you about what separates them from the other guys. Most printers are friendly, know that you don't know the printing business, and are generally open to whatever questions you may have.
That's always been my experience with printers.
These are questions that you should ask your printers. Honestly, they can answer them, have answered them many times before and would be happy to tell you about what separates them from the other guys. Most printers are friendly, know that you don't know the printing business, and are generally open to whatever questions you may have.
That's always been my experience with printers.
OK, let's look at this. You are talking about a total of $26.40, In my shop we are busy and I would tell you that we are so busy that if you spend this much time trying to save 26 dollars than you need to go to the cheaper guy. Fact is every printer has their set prices, no particular reason it's just that way. It's not rocket science to apply ink onto a shirt but the wrong printer will mess some up in a hurry. In stead of looking for the best price look for service and quality. As far as quality, look at the feel of the shirts he has printed, the registration of the print, the placement and is it cured correctly these are a starting point for quality and service is another topic. At he end of the day it's just a t-shirt, I know it is special to you but in a month or two you will be washing your car either in it or with it. Good luck.
hahaha, nice perspective!At he end of the day it's just a t-shirt, I know it is special to you but in a month or two you will be washing your car either in it or with it. Good luck.
I agree, though, the price is very low anyway. You are small business, my recommendation would be to go to the manual press operator and check out their quality of work. If it is really good, I would go with them, even if their prices are a little more. It's not even that much of a difference to be concerned about.
I would work up a relationship with them and help build each other up. Loyalty is so hard to come by in this business, but once you have it, you won't regret it! Also, you are helping another small business grow into something bigger.
JMO
Not sure if the price increase is due to quality at all. I think its is more of "Work Load" The company with 12 employees can do many other orders while doing yours and the one man operation can only do yours . So he may make more off per shirt price but is making less per work load
Helping out the little guy is a good notion. But what will it cost you if the little guy does not have the equipment to produce your shirts correctly. We all started out little, and in no way am I saying go with the big shop. Just make sure the little shop has a clue as to what their doing.
This is why I suggested contacting them first. I know a lot of little guys who will remain that way because their quality and production isn't what it needs to be.Helping out the little guy is a good notion. But what will it cost you if the little guy does not have the equipment to produce your shirts correctly. We all started out little, and in no way am I saying go with the big shop. Just make sure the little shop has a clue as to what their doing.
I will just say be wary of someone who prices themselves too low... the quality of someone's work should reflect in their price. Not to say you have to go with the most expensive. Maybe ask for a few samples of work from each first. That may make your decision for you!
Very good responses. Most of you.
To those who question my questions, it is clear that you cannot understand nor appreciate the significance and importance of diligence and planning when starting a new company. To those individuals, I feel sorrow and a sincere desire to bring to your attention the very fundamentals of business which you lack.
But, mediocrity is rampant amongst us and should best be left to their own fate, lest precious time be wasted on that which cannot be affected.
It would be nice if persons of decency, intelligence, and expertise stepped forward and explained what attributes of a screened shirt can be examined to determine quality. And if no significant determination can be assessed with a casual observation, then that opinion should be espoused. It is but a very simple question befitting a very simple response.
Perhaps, however, even the simple escapes members of this forum.
To those who question my questions, it is clear that you cannot understand nor appreciate the significance and importance of diligence and planning when starting a new company. To those individuals, I feel sorrow and a sincere desire to bring to your attention the very fundamentals of business which you lack.
But, mediocrity is rampant amongst us and should best be left to their own fate, lest precious time be wasted on that which cannot be affected.
It would be nice if persons of decency, intelligence, and expertise stepped forward and explained what attributes of a screened shirt can be examined to determine quality. And if no significant determination can be assessed with a casual observation, then that opinion should be espoused. It is but a very simple question befitting a very simple response.
Perhaps, however, even the simple escapes members of this forum.
Very eloquently put. However, to scoff at those that have gently and humorously tried to highlight the stupidity of your question shows your lack of decency and intelligence, It is you my friend that cannot understand nor appreciate the significance and importance of the very fundamentals of business. If you did you would not have asked said question.Very good responses. Most of you.
To those who question my questions, it is clear that you cannot understand nor appreciate the significance and importance of diligence and planning when starting a new company. To those individuals, I feel sorrow and a sincere desire to bring to your attention the very fundamentals of business which you lack.
But, mediocrity is rampant amongst us and should best be left to their own fate, lest precious time be wasted on that which cannot be affected.
It would be nice if persons of decency, intelligence, and expertise stepped forward and explained what attributes of a screened shirt can be examined to determine quality. And if no significant determination can be assessed with a casual observation, then that opinion should be espoused. It is but a very simple question befitting a very simple response.
Perhaps, however, even the simple escapes members of this forum.
You ask questions and then insult those that take the time to answer and call them indecent, unintelligent, and unskilled. This is a friendly forum, in general, that occasionally uses sarcasm and dry wit to make a point. Humility and a sense of humor appear to be non-existent on your part.Very good responses. Most of you.
To those who question my questions, it is clear that you cannot understand nor appreciate the significance and importance of diligence and planning when starting a new company. To those individuals, I feel sorrow and a sincere desire to bring to your attention the very fundamentals of business which you lack.
But, mediocrity is rampant amongst us and should best be left to their own fate, lest precious time be wasted on that which cannot be affected.
It would be nice if persons of decency, intelligence, and expertise stepped forward and explained what attributes of a screened shirt can be examined to determine quality. And if no significant determination can be assessed with a casual observation, then that opinion should be espoused. It is but a very simple question befitting a very simple response.
Perhaps, however, even the simple escapes members of this forum.
I usually wish those starting a business, even those with significant challenges of expertise, intelligence, and decency, good luck, even if they don't recognize the challenges ahead of them. Given your superior grasp of the challenges, admitted your lack of knowledge, and warm and inviting manner of dealing with those who could help you, you need no such luck. Your future is in your hands.
Not one printer is going to have a reason that they are .55 lower or higher than the other guy. Everyone sets their prices differently, as they have different costs, and to be honest, many printers don't have a system for pricing they way they do. Many copy a competitor's list and adjust as they see fit. It might not be the best way to price from a business standpoint, but it works and has done so for many years. Like Mike said, it's just a t-shirt, in the end will just be a rag, sorry to say. A .55 difference should not kill you either way. And as many had said, for what you're getting print-wise, you are getting a good deal. I would have been at $3.33. Is there a reason I'm between the two? No, and it probably does not make a difference print-wise, quality-wise, customer service-wise in the end.
Most printers have their own set of qualifying questions like you have asked here, but are usually asked without being asked directly. We can tell what a customer is getting at when we are asked these types of questions.
Personally, after being asked questions like these, my price would almost double, only because I know that if I'm being asked these questions, I know that there is going to be a much higher than normal level of expectation and need to price accordingly.
Most printers have their own set of qualifying questions like you have asked here, but are usually asked without being asked directly. We can tell what a customer is getting at when we are asked these types of questions.
Personally, after being asked questions like these, my price would almost double, only because I know that if I'm being asked these questions, I know that there is going to be a much higher than normal level of expectation and need to price accordingly.
Customers who make such a large deal over 48 shirts are the reason I do contract work. I am working on an order of 15,000 shirts right now. I spent a total of maybe 5 minutes on the phone with this customer. Someone who comes in and ask 50 questions about a 48 shirt order and trys to haggle me over 55 cents a shirt causes me to lose whatever profit I was going to make. It's a t-shirt. Honestly there is about 50 cents worth of product in a shirt the rest is service. If the printer your talking to can't sell oyu on his quality and service try someone else. If you can't tell the difference between one shirt or another, what difference does it make which. If you purchase from the wrong printer go back to the printer and discuss it with him.
I had a customer a couple of weeks ago ask us to print his shirts within a 3 day turn around. He left no special instructions. Just about 40 shirts, 5 color design. When he picked them up he said one of the colors was off (I was suppose to match a sign he had made for his event). I told him I would replace the shirts at no cost as long as he did not wear the shirts. I was never told about the color match until he picked up the shirts. He wore the shirts anyway and then asked if I would replace them. It is a 40 shirt order, now he will tell everyone about what a sorry printer I am and not about the lack of information he he gave me. The point is, some customers won't be happy, Period. Is it that big of a deal? If the printers your talking to have been in business for a while talk to some of their repeat customers and go on with the order. It's not a $50,000 car your buying, it's t-shirts!
I had a customer a couple of weeks ago ask us to print his shirts within a 3 day turn around. He left no special instructions. Just about 40 shirts, 5 color design. When he picked them up he said one of the colors was off (I was suppose to match a sign he had made for his event). I told him I would replace the shirts at no cost as long as he did not wear the shirts. I was never told about the color match until he picked up the shirts. He wore the shirts anyway and then asked if I would replace them. It is a 40 shirt order, now he will tell everyone about what a sorry printer I am and not about the lack of information he he gave me. The point is, some customers won't be happy, Period. Is it that big of a deal? If the printers your talking to have been in business for a while talk to some of their repeat customers and go on with the order. It's not a $50,000 car your buying, it's t-shirts!
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
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