How to Read a Sticker Quotation: Tax-Inclusive or Not, MOQ Tiers, and Mold Cost Separated

The same “$0.03/pc” can differ by 2x. Tax-inclusive or not, MOQ tiers, mold cost separated or bundled — a factory walks you through each line.

When you get a quotation, do not only stare at the “unit price.” What really sets your cost is the basis behind that number. If the following are not aligned, later add-ons cause the most disputes.

Tax-inclusive or not

Domestic quotes often exclude tax (invoicing adds a point). Export quotes are usually FOB/EXW ex-tax. Ask “does this include the 13% VAT” — otherwise the final tally differs by ~10%.

MOQ tiered pricing

Trial 500 pcs: high unit price, tooling and setup not amortized
MOQ 2000-3000 pcs: standard unit price
Mass production 10k+: tiered discount, volume shows the real edge
Multi-version combined order often prices at the total quantity tier

Mold cost separated or bundled

Die / HF tooling is usually listed separately, with ownership belonging to you (confirm in the contract). Some factories “bundle the mold into the unit price” — looks cheap but the more you reorder, the more you lose. Always ask: “how much is the mold, who owns it, is it charged again on reorders?”

Other lines easily missed

Die-cut / custom shape: extra cutting fee?
Spot color / foil / laser: priced by color count or process
Special adhesive: removable, strong-tack, temperature-resistant cost more
Packaging: loose / on card / blister — affects labor
Sampling fee: charged separately? credited on reorder?

How to compare quotes fairly

Lay two quotes on the same MOQ, same tax basis, same packaging, mold separated — then compare. Comparing unit prices on mismatched terms is comparing apples to oranges.

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