Printing customers usually request quotes before ordering and often compare two or three shops on price and turnaround. Quotes are sent for custom or larger jobs, any run that needs special stock or finishing, and recurring work such as monthly newsletters or menus. Customers compare price per piece, paper quality, turnaround time, and whether proofs and delivery are included.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Price depends heavily on run length and trim size, and a change in either changes the quote.
A switch from 80 lb text to 100 lb gloss, or adding UV coating, changes cost and the final look.
Full color, spot color, and one-sided versus two-sided printing all have different costs.
Folding, scoring, die cutting, lamination, stapling, and drilling add labor and should be named.
State file format, resolution, and bleed needs, and say whether design or file fixes cost extra.
Specify digital or hard-copy proof and how many rounds are included, so changes do not become unpaid work.
The production clock usually starts at proof approval, not at order time, and freight can be a significant cost.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Business cards (full color, 16 pt, two-sided) | per 500 cards | $40-100 |
| Flyers (8.5x11, 100 lb gloss, full color) | per 500 flyers | $90-200 |
| Brochures (tri-fold, 100 lb gloss text) | per 500 brochures | $200-450 |
| Vinyl banner (13 oz, hemmed with grommets) | per sq ft | $6-12 |
| Posters (18x24, digital print) | per poster | $10-30 |
| Black and white copies / digital prints | per page | $0.08-0.25 |
| Prepress / file cleanup and layout | per hour | $45-95 |
| Saddle-stitched booklet (20 pages, full color) | per booklet | $2-6 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Show prices at three quantities, such as 250, 500, and 1,000. Customers often choose the middle or higher option once they see the per-piece price drop, which raises order size.
Check current paper and substrate prices before quoting. Paper costs can change, so set a quote expiration of 14 to 30 days.
If a customer may take the quote to another printer, a separate design line lets them compare the print cost fairly and lets you get paid for layout work you did.
Offer a standard turnaround price and a rush price on the same quote so the customer sees the cost of speed upfront.
Fourteen to thirty days is typical. Paper and material prices change, so state an expiration date on the quote.
Simple quotes are normally free. For complex jobs, custom samples, or mockups, many shops charge a fee and credit it toward the order if the customer proceeds.
Re-quote at the new quantity, since unit price and setup costs shift. State on the quote that pricing applies only to the listed specs and quantity.
Show shipping as its own line when known. Tax rules vary by state and customer, so list it separately or state that applicable tax will be added on the invoice.
Use the Printing Services invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Printing Services invoice template