The eight price drivers
| Driver | How it affects price |
|---|---|
| Quantity | Setup is spread across more pieces, so the unit price falls as the quantity rises. |
| Cap construction | Structured, unstructured, five or six panels and special fabrics have different costs. |
| Fabric | Cotton twill is the baseline. Corduroy, washed or technical fabrics usually cost more. |
| Decoration method | Flat embroidery, 3D embroidery, patches and prints each cost differently. |
| Stitch count and size | A bigger, denser logo takes more stitching time. |
| Number of placements | Front, side and back each add work. |
| Colours | More thread or ink colours add handling and setup. |
| Trims and packing | Woven labels, hang tags and individual bags add cost. |
What a quote should show
A clear quote lists these lines separately, so you can compare suppliers fairly:
- Unit price for the cap itself (blank).
- Decoration cost per piece, and the method.
- One-off setup, such as digitising the logo for embroidery.
- Sample cost, if you want one.
- Packing and labels.
- Shipping, and who pays customs and VAT.
- Production time and the minimum quantity.
How to lower the cost without losing quality
- Keep the logo simple. Fewer colours and fewer stitches mean a lower decoration cost.
- Use one placement. A clean front logo often looks better than three busy ones.
- Choose a standard colour. Stock colours are easier than a custom dye.
- Order one bigger run. Two small runs cost more than one larger one.
- Avoid rush. Plan your date early, because speed costs money.
- Start with flat embroidery. Upgrade to 3D or patches only if the design needs it.
Cost per wear
A cap that a guest wears twice a week for a year is worth more than a cheaper one that goes in a drawer. A slightly better cap with a smaller, nicer logo is often the better use of a limited budget.
What to send for an accurate quote
- Your logo, ideally as a vector file.
- Quantity, and whether you may reorder.
- The style you want, or a photo of one you like.
- Where it will be delivered and the date you need it.
See how to choose a cap and how to brief a supplier.
Send your logo, quantity and delivery date. We will reply with a clear, line-by-line quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for custom caps?
It depends on the cap and decoration method. Your quote will state the minimum for your specific cap, and we will tell you what is possible below it.
Does a bigger logo cost more?
For embroidery, yes. A larger or denser logo takes more stitching. A cleaner, smaller logo is usually cheaper and often looks better.
Is a sample included in the price?
A sample is usually a separate cost, because it is made specially. It is often worth it for a new product or fabric.
Why does a quote sometimes differ between suppliers?
Different blanks, decoration methods, setup fees, shipping and taxes. Compare the line items, not only the total.
