Apples to Apples

Most of us are familiar with the term “Apples to Apples”.  I’m willing to bet you’ve used it yourself from time to time when you were trying to decide between two similar options for a product or service.  Maybe you were considering a new vehicle.  Hopefully, before you started comparing, you had at least decided if you wanted a compact car, a full-size pick-up truck or something in between.  If you didn’t, it would have been a much bigger task than it needed to be.  It becomes much simpler when you make a decision that you want, for example, an SUV.  Now you can compare the features of similar products from different brands and come to the best decision based on your wants and needs.

Promotional products and apparel are no different.  As Promotional Products Professionals we understand that sometimes, because of budget or other factors, you are required to obtain more than one quote.  The promo products world is very detail oriented.  There are what feels like an endless number of options even after you decide the type of product you want.  Information is power and the more specifics you share, the higher the chances of getting what you really want. 

Let’s use t-shirts as an example since they are such a popular item.  If you are asking two companies for a quote on t-shirts you should tell them enough specifics so that when your quotes come in, they are for similar products. 

*Do you need a cotton or polyester t-shirt?  (Poly is moisture wicking and great for sports)

*How many do you need?  (Quantity plays a big part in price)

*What size range do you need?  (A different price for larger sizes is common)

*What locations are you printing?  (Each location has a cost attached to it)

*How many colors are you printing?  (A multi-colored print is more expensive than one color)

*Do you have an event date?  (Shipping options will impact price)

When your request for a quote is received and all the pertinent information is given, the two companies may quote you on different brand names of t-shirts but they should both be comparing “apples to apples”.  If you leave out any information it may result in the quote being inaccurate.  The bidder that knows you best may know that your logo is two colors and the other bidder may make the assumption that you need a one-color print.  If you look at the total dollar amount on the quote to make your decision, the company that knows you best will have a higher price and you will have issues with the other company when you submit your two-color artwork.  It benefits everyone to know the details in advance and you won’t get a quote for an orange when you really want an apple!