Order too few and you reorder, paying setup again and risking a slight color or batch difference. Order too many and you pay for and store product you will not use.
Why quantity matters
Print pricing drops per unit as quantity goes up. But ordering "a little extra" can mean hundreds of unused pieces. Under-ordering forces a second run, which often costs more per unit than the first.
How to estimate
Base quantity on real use: distribution count, event attendance, or shelf life. Add a small buffer for spoilage or last-minute need, but name the buffer so you are not guessing.
Before you lock quantity
• Confirm distribution or use count (how many will actually go out).
• Add only a defined buffer (e.g. 5–10%) if you need spare.
• Consider reorder cost vs over-order cost for your case.
Common mistake
Rounding up to a "nice" number (e.g. 1,000 instead of 600) without a use for the extra. You pay for and store the surplus; if the design or copy changes, the extra is obsolete.