A useful DTF quote starts with the shop’s actual job costs. Record film use, ink and powder consumption, artwork preparation, printing, cutting, packing and any garment application work. Then choose a pricing model that reflects the service being sold and review it against completed orders.
Separate the work included in the order
| Cost group | Record from the actual job | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Film | Roll width and used length, with the purchase cost | Blank areas are part of the material consumed |
| Ink and powder | Measured or approved costing method for the print coverage | Consumption depends on the job and process |
| Operator work | Time for source review, layout, printing and handling | Different order patterns can require different effort |
| Finishing | Cutting, sorting, packing and any garment application | The service sold determines the work included |
| Order overhead | Setup, communication, rework and other allocated costs | These costs belong in the complete job review |
Keep area, piece count and order count distinct. Use production records to learn which costs vary with each quantity. When comparing orders, describe whether the product is printed film, cut transfers or applied garments so the same work is being priced. To set DTF against DTG, screen printing and sublimation for the same order, the cost-per-print comparison splits each method into setup and per-piece cost.
Build a quote from measured cost groups
A quoting model can combine an order component, a piece component and an area component:
quoted price = order component
+ pieces × piece rate
+ film area × area rateFill those rates from your own cost records and commercial policy. Time representative work, use actual purchase prices and include the service the customer ordered. Compare the resulting quote with the observed cost after the job is complete.
Keep markup and gross margin clearly labelled in your worksheet. Review the model across different order patterns and adjust it using the shop’s own results. Record the assumptions so the next person quoting a similar job uses the same method.
Check the assumptions that can distort a quote
Area definition. Specify whether the quote uses artwork rectangles, the complete printed sheet or another agreed measure. NestSheet’s fill readout uses item rectangle area divided by total sheet area; the complete sheet width and length describe the film consumed.
Finishing scope. Cutting and sorting a transfer order can require a different workflow from delivering an intact sheet. Include the actual work sold to the customer and measure it consistently.
Batch allocation. If several orders share a sheet, use an explicit rule for allocating film and preparation work. Keep the quantity record so each order’s pieces can be reconciled with the batch.
Rework. Record source corrections and replacement pieces against the job that caused them. Review these observations when deciding which intake requirements need to become clearer.
Comparison method. Use the same output quantity when comparing layouts. The utilisation guide and film calculator help connect measured film area to your actual material price.
Use layout measurements in the cost record
NestSheet lets the operator set artwork sizes and copies, choose roll width and spacing, and review sheet length, area and fill. Keep those measurements beside the production quantities and the shop’s actual cost inputs.
After layout, export the current MainTOP production TIFF and connect its filename to the job record. Use the order-reconciliation worksheet to identify which sheets complete each order. Review the observed material and operator work after production to improve the next quote.
