BUYER TOOL — FREE, NO SIGNUP
Supplier comparison checklist.
Put two suppliers against the same artwork and score them on the ten dimensions that predict how the order will actually go. Everything stays in your browser; print it when you're done. The framework is explained in the full guide.
Quote completeness
Full spec sheet in writing — or just a number?
Price at 3 quantities
Unit price at 100 / 300 / 500 — the curve, not one number
MOQ & mixed designs
Per design or per order? Penalty for mixing?
Sample policy
Physical sample of YOUR design — cost, time, credited back?
Communication
Reply speed; do they flag artwork problems unprompted?
Lead time + freight
Production AND shipping, to your door, honest about both
Packaging
OPP standard? Backing cards? Retail options and cost
Proof & approval
What exactly gets your sign-off before the run
Repeatability
How will reorder #2 match order #1? Kept sample? Batch records?
Failure handling
Ask directly: if the run is wrong, what happens?
Total (max 30)
BEFORE YOU SCORE
Scoring only means something if both suppliers answered the same brief: one design, one spec, three quantities, one destination. If you haven't sent that yet, start with what to send for an accurate quote. And remember a tied score isn't a failure — it means the decision moves to price, or to who you enjoy working with.