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Pricing & Quotes

Answers to common questions about custom promotional product pricing β€” quantity price breaks, what affects the unit price, free itemized quotes, price matching, and how to hit your budget. Promotional Product Inc. has quoted no-surprises pricing since 1997.

35 questions Β· All FAQ topics

How is promotional product pricing structured?

Promotional product pricing has up to four parts: the unit price (which drops at quantity breaks), a one-time setup fee for new designs, optional run charges for extra colors or locations, and shipping. We itemize all four on every quote β€” no bundled mysteries. Get a free, line-by-line quote from our team, and see how setup fees work.

What are quantity price breaks?

Quantity price breaks are thresholds β€” often 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 β€” where the unit price drops because setup and machine time spread across more pieces. Sometimes ordering up to the next break costs barely more in total, and we will flag those sweet spots. Ask us for a tiered quote before you commit.

Why is the per-unit price lower when I order more?

Ordering in bulk lowers the per-unit price because fixed costs (screens, setup, handling) divide across every unit, and suppliers extend volume discounts on the blanks. Doubling your quantity rarely doubles the cost β€” which is why one consolidated annual order beats four small ones. Tell us your target quantity for a volume quote.

What exactly is included in the listed product price?

Unless noted otherwise, the listed price includes the product plus a one-color, one-location imprint. Setup, additional colors or locations, PMS matching, personalization, and shipping are separate line items, all shown before you approve. For a complete, itemized number, request a quote; see setup fees for the one-time charge.

Are there any hidden fees I should watch for?

No β€” there are no hidden fees here. Your order confirmation shows every charge (product, setup, run charges, shipping, tax), and that total will not change unless you change the order. If a quote elsewhere looks too cheap, check what it leaves out. Our pricing has been no-surprises since 1997 β€” ask us anything.

What is the average price of a custom t-shirt order?

Basic printed cotton tees commonly run about $4–$10 each, depending on quantity, shirt quality, and ink colors; premium and retail-brand styles cost more. A one-color print on 100+ shirts lands at the low end. Browse custom t-shirts or request a quote for your exact specs.

What is the typical price range for logo pens?

Quality logo pens range roughly $0.40–$2.00 each by model and quantity, with our classic logo pen starting around $0.89. Metal and stylus pens run higher, and the price drops at every volume tier. Shop promotional pens or get a bulk pen quote.

How much do custom tumblers and water bottles cost?

Plastic sport bottles start around $2–$4; stainless tumblers commonly run $5–$15 depending on size, insulation, and decoration; retail brands like Yeti or Stanley price at their premium tiers. Quantity breaks apply throughout. Compare tumblers and water bottles, then request a quote.

What should I expect to pay for logo tote bags?

Economy non-woven totes start near $1–$2; standard cotton totes around $2–$5; heavyweight canvas and zippered styles run $5–$15 or more. Imprint size and colors nudge the total, but quantity does the heavy lifting. Browse custom tote bags or get a tote quote.

What's a realistic budget for trade show giveaways?

Most exhibitors plan $1–$3 per general giveaway and $10–$30 for qualified-lead gifts. For a 1,000-visitor show, $1,500–$3,000 covers tiered swag credibly. Tell us your booth traffic and we will build a tiered plan. Explore trade show & expo products or request a tiered quote.

Do you offer discounts for nonprofits or schools?

Yes β€” we work hard on pricing for mission-driven and education buyers; ask your rep about current programs. Tax exemption also applies with a valid certificate. Volume planning often saves more than any coupon. Contact us to talk through your program and confirm tax-exempt status.

Do you offer coupon codes or promotions?

Yes β€” current promotions are posted site-wide, including monthly deals. One promotion applies per order, and sale pricing cannot stack with price-match claims, but we always apply your best eligible deal. Want the lowest number on your specific order? Ask us for a quote.

Is there a discount for first-time customers?

Every first order includes free art, free digital proofs with unlimited revisions, and price matching β€” which often beats a one-time coupon elsewhere. Check our current promotions too. Start your first quote and we will find your best price.

Do you give volume discounts beyond the listed price table?

Yes β€” quantities above the top listed tier qualify for custom volume pricing below the published rate where volume allows. Call 1-888-212-5501 with your target quantity, or request a volume quote online. The bigger the run, the lower the per-unit price.

Can I combine quantities of different colors to reach a price break?

Usually yes β€” splitting one item across its color options keeps the combined quantity at the same price tier. Different products price separately. We will structure your cart for the best legitimate tier. Ask us to build your order for the lowest qualifying price.

Why do prices for the same product vary between websites?

Price differences usually hide in decoration inclusions, setup fees, art charges, shipping, and product authenticity. Compare the all-in landed total for identical specs β€” then send us the link, because we price-match identical items. Submit a price-match request and we will beat or meet it.

Why is the cheapest quote sometimes the most expensive choice?

The cheapest quote often excludes setup, uses thinner blanks, slips deadlines, or skimps on proofing β€” and a misprinted or late order can cost your entire budget. Our quotes are all-in, guaranteed, and deadline-backed. Get an honest, itemized quote before you decide.

How do I get the lowest possible price?

To get the lowest price, pull four levers: order at a quantity break, keep the imprint to one color and location, allow standard production (skip rush), and reorder the same design for free setup. Stack all four and you reach our floor. Ask a rep to optimize your order; see how setup fees work.

What is EQP or "end quantity pricing"?

EQP (end quantity pricing) means receiving the highest-volume column price regardless of how many you order β€” an industry promotion suppliers occasionally extend. When EQP deals are live on items you want, your rep applies them automatically. Ask us which items have EQP right now.

Does the imprint color affect price?

The number of imprint colors matters more than the choice: each additional spot color adds setup and run charges. Standard stock ink colors cost the same as one another, while exact PMS-matched custom inks may add a per-color fee. See how setup and run charges add up, or request a quote.

Does imprint size affect price?

Within a product’s standard imprint area, size does not change the price. Oversized or premium locations β€” full-back prints or wrap formats β€” may price as a larger decoration, itemized on your quote. Send us your artwork and we will confirm the exact decoration cost.

How much does shipping typically add to my order?

Plan roughly 5–15% of product cost for ground shipping within the contiguous U.S., and more for heavy goods like drinkware and ceramics or for expedited service. Your confirmation locks the exact figure before production. Ask for an all-in quote with shipping included.

Can I get a quote that includes everything, landed at my door?

Yes β€” share your zip code and in-hands date, and we return one all-in number covering product, decoration, setup, and freight. Budget approvals are easier with a single clean total. Request your landed quote and we will reply, typically within one business day.

What's the cost difference between standard and rush production?

Rush fees vary by product and how much you compress the timeline β€” commonly a modest percentage or a flat fee per order, always shown up front. If we miss a guaranteed rush date, that fee is refunded. Learn how production time works, then ask for a rush quote.

How do reorders save me money?

Exact reorders skip setup fees entirely, reuse archived art at zero prep time, and often qualify for the quantity history we have built with you. Many customers see meaningful per-unit savings from order two onward. See how setup fees waive on reorders, or start a reorder.

Do prices include applicable taxes?

No β€” listed prices exclude sales tax, which is calculated per your ship-to state’s rules. Tax-exempt organizations can submit a valid certificate and we remove tax before charging. Send your exemption certificate and we will update your quote.

Can you work backwards from my total budget?

Yes β€” give us a number (for example, "$2,000, 300 recipients, healthcare audience") and we return two or three complete options that land on budget, freight included. It is the fastest way to plan. Tell us your budget and we will build the options.

Why did pricing change since my last order months ago?

Pricing changes when blank costs, freight, and supplier pricing move over time; quotes are typically guaranteed for about 30 days. Reorder pricing is re-verified at order time, setup stays free, and we always show any changes before you commit. Ask us to re-quote your last order.

What does "price per impression" mean for promotional products?

Price per impression is your item cost divided by the total number of times it gets seen. A $3 tote viewed thousands of times over its life costs fractions of a cent per impression β€” among the lowest of any ad medium. Explore long-lasting tote bags or ask which items earn the most impressions.

Are samples and proofs included in pricing?

Digital proofs are always free with unlimited revisions. Samples are low-cost or free depending on the item, and pre-production physical proofs are optional, quoted services. Request free samples to feel the quality first, or ask about a pre-production proof.

Do prices differ for residential vs. business delivery?

Carriers charge slightly more for residential delivery, reflected in the shipping line at checkout; product and decoration pricing is identical either way. Tell us your ship-to address for an exact delivered total.

Can I lock pricing for a multi-release annual program?

Yes β€” contracted programs such as uniforms, onboarding kits, and scheduled events can lock unit pricing and release schedules for the term, which also guarantees inventory. Ask about program pricing and we will structure a contract that fits your calendar.

Is it cheaper to buy blanks from you and print elsewhere?

Rarely β€” bundling decoration with blanks captures combined volume pricing, single freight, and one accountability point. Split sourcing usually adds cost, time, and finger-pointing when something goes wrong. Get a bundled quote and compare the real all-in total.

What’s the minimum I should expect to spend on a credible first campaign?

Around $250–$500 buys a respectable single-item campaign β€” roughly 300–500 quality pens or 100–150 totes. Below that, focus on one excellent low-cost item rather than spreading thin. See how minimum order quantities work, then plan your campaign with us.

Do you charge for quotes or design consultations?

Never β€” quotes, product recommendations, and art consultations are completely free with zero obligation, and quotes arrive itemized, typically within one business day. Request your free quote or email info@promotionalproductinc.com to get started.

Need help with a big order?

Our expert staff has been helping customers since 1997. Free quote, no obligation.