Open in interactive reader → Keyboard nav · jump menu
list
The Quote Is Never Just “Per Piece”
Every embroidery quote breaks down into:
01 · Setup / digitizing
€30–150 one-time — converts your logo to machine-readable stitches
02 · Sample / mockup
€20–50 — optional, recommended for first orders
03 · Per-piece price
Depends on stitch count, colors, locations
04 · Color changes
€10–25 per change — each color = machine stop, thread change
05 · Rush fees
20–100% if under 2 weeks
06 · Shipping
Often excluded, can be €50–300
07 · Digitizing revisions
€20–50 if you change the logo after approval
compare
Technique-specific setup
Screen print adds
→ Screen fees €25–50 per color
→ Minimum order 50–100 to justify setup
→ Color limit usually max 6–8
DTF / transfer adds
→ Film / setup €20–80 per design
→ No minimums — but per-piece price higher
→ Color unlimited, gradients fine
table
The Hidden Pricing Game
| Strategy | What it means | Where the margin is |
|---|---|---|
| Bundled pricing | Product + decoration in one price | 60–80% on product, 20–40% on decoration |
| Customer-supplied goods (Fremdware) | You supply items, they decorate | Decoration must cover all costs + profit |
| Hybrid | Discounted decoration if you buy the product from them | Product margin subsidizes the work |
math
Real Economics
Cheap caps with 2–3 logos
Cap wholesale€1.50
Target margin30%
Decoration cost€2.50
Margin leftalmost nothing
Supplier can't budge on price — they're already at cost.
Premium jackets with 1 logo
Jacket wholesale€25
Target margin35%
Decoration cost€4
Margin available€8–10
Supplier can discount decoration 50% and still make money on the jacket.
ruleThe Negotiating Rule
- Cheap product, complex decoration
- Don't negotiate hard. They have no room. Pay or simplify.
- Expensive product, simple decoration
- Negotiate. There's product margin that can subsidize the work.
table
The Comparison Trap
| Supplier | Quote | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| A | €800 | €50 digitizing + €5/cap × 150. Cheapest until you add €180 shipping + 3-week queue. |
| B | €1,200 | €80 digitizing + sample + €6.50/cap + shipping. Often the real answer when everything's included. |
| C | €2,400 | €150 + rush fee + €14/cap + “premium guarantee.” For clients who need it Thursday and will pay anything. |
scripts
What to Ask
Q01“Is this price for your product or customer-supplied goods?”
Q02“What's the price if I buy the product from you?”
Q03“What's the all-in delivered price including digitizing, samples, shipping, and timeline?”
▲ Red flag
Supplier pushes hard for “recommended products” but won't explain why. They're hiding margin structure.