Compare custom bag quotations

Key takeaways

Compare quotes only on the same reference bag, a dated specification and the same style/colour quantity breakdown.
A complete quotation names unit and extended prices, the Incoterm with its delivery point, payment terms, estimated shipping date and a validity date.
Mark every cost line as included, separate, excluded or pending; a blank cell is a question, not an assumed inclusion.
LinHord’s minimum is 100 pcs per style per colour: two colours at 100 pcs each is a 200-piece order, while 100 pcs split across two colours does not qualify.

Why do custom bag quotes differ so much?

Begin a quotation comparison with a written reference bag, a dated specification and an explicit quantity breakdown. A tote with a lining, larger print and individual gift packaging is a different proposal from a plain, unlined version. Record the differences before treating two unit prices as competing offers for the same product. A supplier can help identify alternatives, but those alternatives need their own clearly labelled specifications.

For a LinHord enquiry, choose a named catalogue reference or send your own drawing. Mark what stays as shown and what you want changed. If you compare a canvas tote with a knit or felt bag, keep them as separate product choices, then compare the benefit and purchase commitment of each. Sharing the word “tote” does not make their materials, construction or artwork preparation equivalent.

Match quantities at style and colour level

State the number of bags for every finished style and colour. LinHord’s bulk minimum is 100 pcs for each style and colour; different colours cannot be combined. For example, one style in two colours at 100 pcs each is a 200-piece order. A total of 100 bags split between those two colours does not meet the minimum. Make this breakdown visible beside the quoted unit price and line total.

For a knit design, also distinguish the yarn colours within one pattern from separate finished colourways. Ask which material, artwork, label or packing elements can be shared, and what remains a separate order item. If comparing several quantities, keep the bag specification fixed for each quantity option so a cost-saving construction change does not disappear into the price comparison.

Use one specification-and-cost comparison sheet

Request a clear included, separate, excluded or pending answer for each important item. A blank cell should become a question, not an assumed inclusion. Compare references and sample evidence as well as descriptions: “heavy fabric” or “premium logo” leaves room for different interpretations. The sheet below is a proposed buying tool, not a list of charges that apply to every LinHord project.

A quotation comparison sheet
Line	Keep comparable	Ask explicitly
Body and dimensions	Fibre/material reference, weight or thickness, finish, measurements	What exact material and dimensional tolerances are quoted?
Construction and trims	Handles, gusset, lining, pockets, closures and hardware	Are proposed additions priced and sampled separately?
Branding	Artwork size, locations, colours and method	Which preparation or setup items are included or separate?
Samples and verification	Sample purpose, revisions and agreed checks	What are the agreed fees, conditions and release steps?
Packing	Unit packing, labels, carton plan and packing method	What packing information or trial remains to be confirmed?
Delivery and payment	Currency, named delivery place, term, schedule and payment milestones	Which transport and other costs are included, estimated or excluded?

What should a custom bag quotation include?

Ask for the bag line total and any separately quoted sample, artwork, tooling, inspection, packaging or transport amount to be identified. Some items may already be included or may not apply. State the currency and the quotation’s validity period, and ask which assumptions would trigger a revised quote. If an amount depends on final packing measurements or a confirmed destination, keep it visibly provisional until those inputs are agreed.

Use the delivery-term guide to record the agreed term and named place beside the included transport scope. An EXW factory quotation and a proposal including delivery to another location have different scopes. Compare them only after the relevant additions and exclusions are clear. Ask the supplier or logistics partner to explain the parts they are actually quoting rather than filling gaps with a guessed percentage.

Ask for changes one variable at a time

When a proposal is outside the budget, request alternatives tied to visible changes: a different cloth, fewer decoration positions, a revised handle or a simpler packing plan. Ask for each alternative’s specification and price impact together. This keeps the purchasing decision concrete and lets the team judge whether the changed product still serves the intended retail, gift or event use.

Keep sampling arrangements specific to the product family. LinHord’s confirmed knit offer includes free artwork preparation and a free pre-production sample for knit orders of 100 pcs or more, with arrangements discussed directly. Do not transfer that offer automatically to canvas, felt or velvet, and do not assume sample shipping or additional revision terms. Ask for the actual conditions in the quotation.

Close the comparison with an accepted version

Before placing the order, reconcile the selected quotation with the current drawing, material references, artwork and sample decision. Record the remaining questions and who will resolve them. When a material, quantity or construction item changes, ask whether the quotation needs revision, then keep the accepted documents together. A clear quote comparison should end with one identifiable purchase specification rather than a collection of partly matching messages.

Reference bag or drawing, current revision and actual intended use.
Each style/colour quantity and a common specification sheet.
Artwork and sample requirements, including any alternatives to compare.
Packing, destination, delivery scope, currency and required quotation validity.

Frequently asked questions

Why are custom bag quotes from different suppliers so different?

They often price different products or scopes: another fabric, a lining, a larger print, individual packing or a different delivery term. Put each quote on one comparison sheet and record what changed before comparing unit prices.

What should a quotation include?

The US International Trade Administration lists items quoted, unit prices and extended totals, weights and dimensions, discounts, the terms of sale or Incoterm with delivery point, payment terms, estimated shipping date and validity date. For custom bags, also tie the quote to the drawing, material references, artwork and quantities per style and colour.

Can I compare an EXW price with a delivered price?

Not directly. An EXW factory quotation and a proposal including delivery to another place have different scopes. Record the agreed term and named place beside the included transport, then compare once additions and exclusions are clear.

How can I lower the price without losing control of the product?

Change one visible variable at a time — a different cloth, fewer decoration positions, a revised handle or simpler packing — and ask for each alternative’s specification and price impact together.

Are samples free?

It depends on the product family. For knit orders of 100 pcs or more, LinHord offers free artwork preparation and a free pre-production sample. For canvas, felt, velvet and other bags, ask for the sample conditions in the quotation. Typical sampling takes 7–10 days.

Send the common specification and quantity breakdown through the RFQ form. If a detail is undecided, mark it as a question and ask LinHord to propose clearly separated alternatives. Bulk MOQ remains 100 pcs per style per colour, without combining colours.

Compare custom bag quotes on the same specification