Not all print shops use the same equipment, materials, or quality checks. A quote from one vendor is not directly comparable to another without understanding what is included and how they work.
Where printers differ
Prep standards, file checks, proofing, and press calibration vary. So do substrate choices and finishing. Two "same" quotes can produce different results if one skips checks or uses lower-grade materials.
How to compare
Ask what is included: file review, proof, quality checks. Ask what substrate and finish are quoted. Request samples if the job is critical. Past performance with a vendor is useful; first jobs with a new vendor carry more risk.
Red flags
• No prep or proof step mentioned.
• Vague or unspecified materials.
• Unwillingness to put specs in writing.
Common mistake
Switching to a cheaper vendor and expecting the same outcome without asking how they work. When the job fails or looks different, the savings are lost.