Pricing Inquiry Scripts
Pricing Inquiry Response Scripts for Print Shops
Pricing calls in a print shop are rarely “just price.” Customers don’t know paper weights, file setup, finishing, or turnaround—and you’re often mid-press or at the cutter and can’t stop to explain. These scripts help you quote fast, protect your margins, and keep the job moving toward an order (even when you can’t talk long).
Standard “How much for business cards?” (fast, on-the-floor answer)
Use when someone asks a basic price and you need to give a real number without a long back-and-forth.
“We can definitely do business cards. For a common setup—500 cards, full color both sides, 16pt cardstock with matte—most orders land around $85 to $140 depending on the finish and turnaround. If you tell me quantity and whether you want matte, gloss, or soft-touch, I can dial it in. Do you already have print-ready artwork, or do you need help setting it up? And when do you need them in hand?”
Tips for this scenario
- -Anchor to a specific, common spec (e.g., 500 qty, 16pt, matte) so the number sounds real—not vague.
- -Always ask turnaround next—rush changes price and production scheduling.
- -Ask “print-ready PDF?” because file cleanup can add $25–$75+ in prepress time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
!Quoting business cards or flyers without confirming quantity, sides, and turnaround—then having to walk the price back when they need it in 24 hours.
!Saying a single number for signage without asking material and finishing (vinyl vs. mesh, hems/grommets, pole pockets), causing surprise add-ons.
!Giving an “exact” price before seeing the print-ready PDF—then eating prepress time fixing bleeds, fonts, or low-res images.
!Not asking how they’re receiving the order (pickup vs. delivery to an event venue), leading to missed deadlines and angry calls.
!Answering pricing calls in the noise of the press room without capturing specs—then losing the lead because you can’t follow up with a written quote.
