Understanding the Two Pricing Models #
Commercial printing platforms typically offer two ways to price orders:
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Instant pricing, where specifications are selected online and prices are calculated automatically.
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RFQ (Request for Quote), where requirements are reviewed manually before pricing is issued.
Both models exist because print production involves varying levels of complexity. Standardised products with predictable workflows can be priced automatically, while customised projects require technical assessment before costs and schedules can be confirmed.
Knowing which model applies to your project helps set expectations for turnaround times and order processing.
What Instant Pricing Is Designed For #
Instant pricing is used for products that follow fixed production paths and rely on:
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Standard sizes
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Common paper stocks
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Predictable quantities
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Established finishing options
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Routine imposition methods
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Automated workflows
Typical instant-price products include:
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Business cards
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Flyers
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Posters
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Simple brochures
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Standard booklets
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Stickers in common shapes
Because these items are well-defined, the system can calculate material usage, press time, and finishing automatically.
How Instant-Priced Orders Move Into Production #
For instant-priced jobs, the process usually follows this sequence:
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Specifications are selected online.
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Artwork is uploaded.
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Files are checked.
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Payment is made.
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The job is scheduled.
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Production begins.
If files are print-ready and payment clears before the cut-off, production can proceed quickly.
However, even instant-price orders may be routed to manual review when:
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Artwork is unusual
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Finishing is complex
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Quantities are high
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Files fail preflight checks
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Custom sizing is requested
In such cases, timelines may pause while details are verified.
What RFQ Is Used For #
RFQ workflows are required when specifications fall outside standard configurations or when production methods must be reviewed manually.
RFQs are commonly used for:
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Offset print runs
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Large volumes
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Custom sizes
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Special paper stocks
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Die-cut shapes
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Spot UV or foil stamping
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Perfect-bound books
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Packaging
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Multi-item campaigns
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Split deliveries
These projects involve technical decisions that cannot be automated reliably.
How RFQ Projects Are Evaluated #
When an RFQ is submitted, production teams assess:
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Final artwork files (if available)
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Quantity
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Paper stocks and thickness
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Finishing requirements
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Colour expectations
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Tooling needs
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Delivery schedules
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Packaging and logistics
This review determines:
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Feasible production methods
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Estimated timelines
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Press allocation
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Finishing capacity
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Cost structure
Only after these factors are confirmed is a formal quotation issued.
Turnaround Differences Between RFQ and Instant Orders #
Instant-price products usually have:
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Published turnaround options
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Fixed cut-off times
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Predictable delivery schedules
RFQ jobs often have:
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Custom timelines
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Variable production start dates
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Extended planning stages
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Tooling lead times
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Material procurement periods
Because RFQ projects are customised, turnaround clocks typically start only after:
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Specifications are finalised
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Artwork is approved
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Payment or purchase orders are confirmed
Why Some Orders Switch From Instant to RFQ #
Occasionally, an order that begins as instant-priced may be routed to RFQ if:
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Artwork includes complex finishing
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Quantities exceed system thresholds
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Non-standard paper is requested
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Tight registration is required
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Edge-to-edge finishing is specified
In these cases, pricing and schedules must be recalculated to ensure technical feasibility.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Project #
Instant pricing is suitable when:
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The product configuration matches standard options
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Quantities are moderate
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No special tooling is needed
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Artwork is straightforward
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Timelines are fixed and published
RFQ is more appropriate when:
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Specifications are customised
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Finishing is complex
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Volumes are large
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Delivery is staged
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Colour accuracy is critical
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Production methods need confirmation
Selecting the correct model early reduces delays and avoids rework.
Summary #
Instant pricing is designed for standardised print products with predictable workflows and fast scheduling. RFQ pricing applies to customised or technically complex projects that require manual evaluation before production can proceed.
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right ordering path, plan timelines realistically, and avoid last-minute changes to your project.
