Apples to Oranges

Apples to Oranges: Why the Details of a Quote Matter

"How much do t-shirts cost?" It is the most common question and seems simple, but it is not always cut and dry.

When it comes to ordering custom apparel and promotional products, it’s tempting to compare quotes side by side and go straight to the bottom line. After all, a lower price looks like a better deal—right?

Not always.

Just like with any other industry, two quotes that seem similar on the surface can be completely different once you look at the details. If you’re not comparing the same specifications, you’re not comparing apples to apples—you’re comparing apples to oranges.

Here’s why the details matter more than most people realize.

1. Not All Shirts Are Created Equal 

One of the biggest pricing differences comes down to brand and garment quality.

For example:

• A basic promotional tee and a premium retail-fit tee may look similar in a mockup.
• One might be a 5.3 oz cotton shirt.
• Another could be a softer 4.2 oz ringspun cotton blend with a retail cut.

They print differently.
They feel different.
They last differently.

And they are priced differently.

If one quote is based on a budget-friendly brand and another is based on a premium name-brand garment, the pricing will naturally reflect that. That doesn’t mean one company is “more expensive.” It means you’re looking at two different products.

Before comparing prices, ask:

• What brand is being quoted?
• What fabric content?
• What weight?
  

Those details make a real difference in how your apparel looks, feels, and performs.

 

 

2. Decoration Method Matters

In our industry, the decoration technique can dramatically affect pricing.

Common methods include:

• Screen Printing
• Embroidery
• Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing
• UV Printing
• Laser Engraving

Each method has its own setup, production process, durability level, and price structure.

For example:

• Screen printing may be most economical for larger quantities with simple designs.
• DTF can be ideal for small runs with full-color artwork.
• Embroidery adds a premium, professional look—but requires thread instead of ink and takes more time.
• UV printing or laser engraving on hard goods requires different equipment and setup entirely.

If one quote is for screen printing and another is for embroidery, the prices will never match—and they shouldn’t.

Always confirm:

• What decoration method is being used?
• How many colors are included?
• Is there a setup fee?
• Is artwork included?

3. Number of Print Locations

This is one of the most common quote comparison mistakes.

A shirt with:

• One front chest logo is very different from
• A full front design + sleeve print + full back design.

Each additional print location:

• Requires additional setup
• Requires additional production time
• Uses more materials
• Increases labor

Even a small left chest print versus a full front print can affect cost due to size and ink usage.

If you’re comparing two quotes, double-check:

• How many print locations are included?
• What size is each print?
• Is the back included?
• Are sleeve prints included?

One quote may include everything. Another may not.

4. Quantity Breaks and Minimums

Pricing in the apparel and promotional product space can be heavily driven by quantity.

Ordering 24 shirts is priced very differently than 144 shirts.

Some quotes may reflect:

• Tiered pricing
• Bulk discounts
• Minimum order requirements

If one quote is based on 48 pieces and another is based on 72 pieces, the per-piece price won’t align.

Make sure you’re comparing:

• The exact same quantities
• The same size breakdown (extended sizes can affect cost)
• The same total order volume

5. Turnaround Time and Service

Speed matters—and it affects pricing.

A standard production schedule may be a little over a week. A rush order may require:

• Overtime labor
• Production reshuffling
• Expedited shipping

That convenience comes at a cost.

Additionally, service levels vary. Some quotes include:

• Artwork revisions
• Mockups
• Webstore setup
• Individual bagging
• Delivery

Others may not.

These services add value—even if they’re not always visible on the first glance at a quote.

How to Truly Compare Apples to Apples

When requesting multiple quotes to review, make sure to specify or ask for:

• Brand and garment style
• Fabric content and weight
• Decoration method
• Number and size of print locations
• Number of colors in the design
• Setup fees
• Quantity and size breakdown
• Turnaround time
• Included services

When all those details match, then you can confidently compare pricing.

Final Thoughts

In the custom apparel and promotional product world, details drive pricing. Two quotes may look similar at first glance, but small differences can significantly impact cost, quality, and final results.

Before deciding based on price alone, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples—not apples to oranges.

Because in this industry, the details aren’t just technical—they’re everything.