How to compare T-shirt printing quotes in Singapore
Two T-shirt printing quotes only compare fairly when they price the same brief. Line up the nine points below before you look at either total.
The short answer
Compare the brief first and the figure second. A printed price per piece depends on the garment, the print method, the number of print colours and the quantity, so numbers built on different briefs tell you little. The prices on our garment cards are for blanks before printing. The printed order needs a quote for your actual garment and artwork.
Line up each quote on the same nine points
On a phone, swipe sideways to compare all columns.
| Point | What to ask for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Garment | The exact model, material and cut | A cotton tee and a sports tee are different products, even at the same quantity. |
| Quantity and sizes | Total pieces and the count for each size | Confirms both suppliers are pricing the same run. |
| Print positions | Every position, with the actual width and height of each print | A small chest logo and a full back print are different jobs. |
| Print method | The method named for each position | Methods differ in look, feel and suitability for your artwork. |
| Print colours | The number of colours in each print | Colour count can change the method and the price. |
| Names and numbers | Shared artwork only, or individual names, numbers or both | Individual prints need a list and checking piece by piece. |
| Artwork | Who prepares or adjusts the file, and whether you see a proof | A quote that assumes print ready art may not match yours. |
| What the total covers | Whether GST, setup or delivery charges apply and are included; whether sizes or designs can be mixed, and how that is priced | Ask each supplier to state this in writing. Do not assume either way. |
| Timing and handover | The date you need the shirts in hand, and collection or delivery | A quote without a date may not fit your event. |
Example: two briefs that look alike but are not
These are hypothetical briefs with no prices.
On a phone, swipe sideways to compare all columns.
| Point | Brief A | Brief B |
|---|---|---|
| Garment | One cotton tee model | The same model |
| Quantity | 60 pieces, one size split | The same 60 pieces and split |
| Print positions | Front logo only | Front logo and a back print |
| Personalisation | None | A different name on each back |
| Artwork | One logo file | Logo, back design and a 60 name list |
Quotes for these two briefs cannot be compared, even though the garment and quantity match. Ask both suppliers to price the same brief, or ask each to price both.
Before you order
- Choose the exact garment and note its model, material and cut. Check fit on our size charts.
- Count pieces for each size, not just the total.
- List every print position with its width and height.
- Decide on shared artwork only, or names, numbers or both. Prepare the list with exact spelling.
- Run your file through our T-shirt artwork checklist.
- Ask whether GST, setup, delivery and mixing sizes or designs are included, and keep the answer in writing.
- Give the date you need the shirts in hand, and say whether you will collect or need delivery.
How we quote at ButterPrints
Our quote form asks for the garment type, quantity, print colours and positions, your artwork, and whether you need individual names, numbers or both.
Ask us to confirm the accepted quantity and timing for your chosen garment and method before committing to the order. Include the date the shirts must reach you.
Compare options on printing methods, or for a team see corporate uniform printing or the company sports day jersey checklist.
A blank quote comparison worksheet
Record both quotations against the same specification. Leave a field blank when it is not confirmed, and ask the printer before treating the totals as comparable.
Download the blank quote comparison worksheet (CSV)
This sheet contains no customer details. Downloading it submits nothing to Butter Prints and does not place an order. Keep any completed copy private; the fields about charges are questions to confirm, not a statement that a charge applies.
Keep browsing
- Request a quote
- Printing methods
- Size charts
- T-shirt artwork checklist
- Corporate uniform printing
- Company sports day jersey checklist
Sources: Reference 1 · Reference 2
Order planning
Printing quote questions
Send one complete specification so the quote covers the order you need.
Why do T-shirt printing quotes differ so much?
Quotes can price different briefs. Garment, print method, colours, quantity, print positions and individual names change the work. Check the specification and inclusions before comparing totals.
Is there a minimum order for custom T-shirt printing?
Ask us to confirm the accepted quantity for your chosen garment and method. Put the number of pieces and the size breakdown in the quote request rather than assuming one minimum applies to every job.
Does a T-shirt printing quote include GST and delivery?
Ask every supplier, including us, to state whether GST, setup, delivery and mixing sizes or designs are included, and keep the answers in writing.
How do I compare a quote with names and numbers against one without?
You cannot compare them directly. Ask both suppliers to price the same version, or ask each one for both versions, then compare like with like.
Ready to compare your order?
Send your garment, quantity, print positions and artwork for an order-specific quote.