A good quote is transparent. Every cost element is visible and labeled. Here's what those line items mean and what to look for.

Garment cost: The wholesale price of the blank shirt. Usually listed separately from the print cost. This number varies by brand, style, and color (dark garments often cost more due to pretreatment requirements).

Print cost: The per-unit cost to apply the design. May include setup fee amortized across the quantity. Larger quantities = lower per-unit print cost.

Setup/digitizing fee: One-time fees for creating screens (screen printing), digitizing for embroidery, or loading a new design. Usually waived for repeat runs of the same design.

Rush fee: If applicable, this should be clearly stated as a percentage or flat fee. Ask what it buys you: a specific completion date, or just "faster than standard."

Shipping: Some quotes include shipping; some don't. Ask explicitly if the quote is to your door or for pickup only.

Questions to ask: Is the quote binding for how long? What happens if the garment I want is out of stock? Is the design print-ready or does it need modification?