Competition in the print industry is highly underestimated. With advanced technology, innovative tools, and user-friendly solutions, the print industry is growing, so opening an online print shop is now one of the most lucrative businesses if you are thinking about one.
But, for a print shop to become successful, certain crucial tools are a must, and among them is Print Estimating Software, which we will be putting under the microscope today to determine why it is important and which are the top 5 ones in the market.
Best 5 Print Estimating and Quoting Software Comparision
The 5 best print estimating software are DesignNBuy, PrintIQ, Ordant, EFI Printsmith Vision, Cura for generating quotes to streamline the printing process. Compare the best print quotation software by feaures and benefits.
1. Print Estimating Feature in Web to Print Software of Design'N'Buy
The Design’N’Buy web to print platform enables enterprises of all sizes and types to sell customizable products online through web-to-print (W2P). It offers both B2B and B2C customers a range of options to create, customize, and order printed and non-printed products, including apparel, promotional items, business cards, signs, and more.
Design’N’Buy is known for its wide variety of printing solutions that cover everything from print management, designing, customizing, and ordering. One of its innovative and revolutionary features coming with our web-to-print is Print Estimating which is the most advanced and appreciated by all kinds of printers i.e. commercial, trade, and garment printers, and personalized promo suppliers.
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Key Features and Functionalities:
Design’N’Buy offers different pricing controls for all sorts of print on demand products whether narrow or wide format. Hence its pricing features are divided into three categories under which one gets multiple benefits.
a) Custom Options-Based Print Pricing:
Used mostly by commercial and wide format printers as it allows them to configure a multitude of pricing options for each print product, allowing for extensive customization. It also allows print estimating of large format products where pricing depends on factors like material and size. It also offers the option to add one-time fees to orders regardless of the quantity ordered. Further, it helps set up tier-based pricing for products such as business cards that are sold in specific quantities like 100, 250, 500, etc.,
b) Printing Method-Based Pricing:
Ideal for garment decorators and personalized merchandise suppliers as it allows the configuration of various printing methods in the system and helps set up products with single/multiple printing options. One can also control print pricing based on three options: quantity, number of colors, or artwork size. Under this pricing, businesses can also benefit by putting up additional charges like top-up fees for image uploads, one-time artwork setup fees, and define-up charges for printing name/number per item for group orders
c) Pricing Based on Customer Groups:
Allows businesses to categorize customers into groups based on their requirements, such as retail customers, wholesale customers, or resellers, and sets up custom pricing and promotional discounts for specific customer groups. printing companies can also run time-bound offers and promotions and define special pricing discounts for specific customer groups during the offer period under this pricing structure as well as offer Tier pricing for quantity discounts to specific customer groups.
Further, to maintain price consistency and brand integrity, the software helps define a Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) across various sales channels.
USPs or Benefits for Print Businesses:
- Custom pricing options for different print and personalized products
- Simplified and streamlined quoting process
- Numerous pricing options for each product, considering factors like quantity, paper type, single or double-sided printing, corner radius, and finish.
- Allows to set up fixed quantity options with associated prices.
- Allows definition of various printing methods, each with its own pricing structure based on quantity, number of colors, or artwork size.
- Enables setting of promotional prices and tiered pricing based on customer categories.
- Allows to add one-time pricing options, top-up fees for image uploads and one-time artwork setup fees, etc.
Visit the official website or contact the web2print expert to receive a personalized price quote and a demo of DesignNBuy. Depending on the size and scope of your business, pricing will vary.
Don’t wait any longer to optimize your printing processes! Request a demo of DesignNBuy’s web to print software today and unlock new levels of efficiency.
2. PrintIQ
PrintIQ is a web-based print management software platform that offers a comprehensive print estimating software named IQcore – Quote Intelligence, designed to streamline and optimize print management processes. Developed by IQ Global, PrintIQ has gained recognition in the industry for its capabilities and innovative approach to print management.
Key Features:
- Simplified estimating and quoting with PrintIQ’s IQcore Quote Intelligence
- Ideal for individuals new to estimating
- Integration of company-specific business rules into pricing logic engine
- Quotes seamlessly linked to file uploads, job bags, production details, and shipping logistics for consistency and traceability throughout workflow
USPs
- Simplified and streamlined quoting process
- Increased accessibility to produce detailed and accurate quotes
- Generated quotes integration with operations
- Consistent pricing throughout the organization
3. Ordant
Ordant is a web-based print estimating and order management software designed for print companies. Its Print Estimating Software is aptly named “Ordant Print Estimating” as it serves as a digital hub for print companies to streamline their operations, enhance customer interactions, and boost profitability.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface, reducing the learning curve for estimation.
- Detailed cost breakdowns provided for each line item in estimates.
View job costs categorized by processes, materials, labor, and profit margins. - Customization options available for terms, conditions, deposit requests, and estimate expiration dates within the estimating module.
USPs
- Can easily incorporate various elements into their estimates.
- Ordant facilitates understanding of each customer’s order history.
- Ordant further boosts productivity by enabling the creation of templates for frequently re-ordered items.
Maximize profitability with DesignNBuy! Analyze job costs categorized by processes, materials, labor, and profit margins to make smarter business decisions.
4. EFI Printsmith Vision
EFI Printsmith Vision developed by Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI), is a sophisticated software solution that empowers print shops, large or small, to manage their operations with precision and ease and hence has earned its reputation as a reliable and innovative tool for the print industry.
Key Features:
- Robust estimating tools ensure accurate quotes.
- Seamless integration with job ticketing, scheduling, production tracking, and invoicing.
- Customizable templates ensure professional quotes and invoices.
- Flexible licensing options cater to diverse needs and budgets of print service providers.
USPs
- Job costing and pricing tools.
- Workflow automation and job tracking.
- Customer relationship management (CRM).
- Inventory management and reporting.
5. Cura
Cura is again a well-developed print estimating software by Ultimaker, a leading 3D printing technology company that has gained a reputation as a go-to solution for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Key Features:
- Supports various 3D printers, offering versatility for individuals and businesses.
- Its slicing engine delivers precise control over print settings.
- The print simulation feature provides users with a visual representation of the printing process, enhancing usability and accuracy.
USPs
- Sustainable tracking and reporting, that helps businesses make eco-friendly choices while estimating costs.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Popular for 3D printing slicing
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore DesignNBuy’s features! Request a demo and take the first step towards transforming your printing operations.
Conclusion: Best Print Estimating Software
In conclusion, the right print estimating software can significantly benefit print businesses by optimizing pricing, reducing errors, and enhancing customer satisfaction. DesignNBuy stands out for its seamless integration and user-friendly interface. However, the choice of software ultimately depends on your specific business needs. Explore these options further and reach out to providers for detailed pricing and demos to make an informed decision.
FAQs of Print Estimating Software
Most Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers
Print estimating software is a specialized tool used in the printing industry to calculate the cost of a print job. It helps printers and print shops determine the production cost of a project based on various factors like material costs, labor, equipment usage, and other overhead expenses.
Various software applications are used in the printing press for various purposes. However, for the print estimate, Design’N’Buy’s print estimating software is the best so far.
- Cost estimation for print jobs.
- Material and ink usage calculations.
- Labor and equipment time estimation.
- Integration with design and production software.
- Reporting and tracking capabilities.
- Uses include accurately pricing print orders, optimizing resource allocation, managing inventory, and improving overall efficiency in print production.
Print estimating software streamlines the estimating process, reducing the time required to calculate costs manually. It provides accurate cost estimates, reducing the risk of underpricing or overpricing, which can result in lost revenue or customers.
When choosing an integrated print estimating system, consider the following:
- Accuracy and reliability of cost estimates.
- Compatibility with your existing software and hardware.
- User-friendliness and ease of integration into your workflow.
- Reporting and analytics capabilities.
- Scalability to accommodate your business growth.
- Support and training options are provided by the software vendor.
To choose the best print estimating software for your needs, follow these steps:
- Identify your specific requirements and budget.
- Research and compare software options.
- Request demos or trials to evaluate usability.
- Consider customer reviews and recommendations.
- Assess the software’s scalability and support options.
- Ensure it integrates seamlessly with your existing tools and processes.
- Select a reputable vendor with a track record in the printing industry.
Do you have any more questions? Contact our experts
*This post has been updated on Mar 2024.
