The lowest quote is not always the lowest total cost. Cheap printing can mean wrong specs, reprints, missed deadlines, or product that fails in use. Those costs add up.
Where cost hides
Reprints double the job cost. Delays can cost you a launch or an event. Product that fails outdoors or in use forces replacement. Your time chasing fixes has value. Compare total cost of a successful outcome, not just the first invoice.
What you are paying for
Reliable printers invest in prep, quality checks, and the right materials. They quote what it takes to do the job correctly. A quote that is suspiciously low often reflects shortcuts or inexperience.
Before you choose by price
• Compare like-for-like: same specs, quantity, and turnaround.
• Factor in rework risk and your time.
• Ask what is included (proof, revisions, quality checks).
Common mistake
Choosing the lowest bid without checking what is included or how errors are handled. When something goes wrong, the cheap option often has no process to fix it quickly.