A one-line “how much for this die?” produces at least three rounds of questions. Send the right information pack in a single message and the quote usually settles the same day. This guide lists the items a die workshop actually uses to price a job, plus a message template that works.

The core pack: file, dimensions and material

Three items form the backbone of any quote. First, the file: a 1:1-scale vector PDF, AI or DXF gets the fastest answer; without one, a clearly dimensioned sketch or a measured photo of the existing product is enough to start. Second, dimensions: outer dimensions and the critical inner ones in millimetres, with a note on which dimension carries a tolerance.

Third, the material: “board” is not enough — give type and caliper together, such as 350 gsm coated board, E-flute corrugated, 2 mm gasket sheet or 0.3 mm PET. Rule height, rule thickness and rubbering are all chosen from this line.

  • A vector file at 1:1 scale cuts quote time to hours.
  • Critical dimensions are written in mm with their tolerance notes.
  • Material type and caliper are the precondition for rule selection.

Production context: machine, run length and job type

The same drawing means a different die on a BOBST automatic line, a semi-automatic platen or a hand press — so the machine model or chase size belongs in the pack. Expected run length matters too: a 5,000-impression job and a 500,000-impression job are not quoted with the same rule durability.

State the job type explicitly: cutting only, or creasing and perforation as well? Kiss-cut for labels? Stripping required? Each of these changes the construction of the die.

  • The machine details determine the die board size and construction.
  • The expected run length changes the rule grade and durability budget.
  • Cutting, creasing, perforation and kiss-cut needs are listed separately.

Deadline and delivery preference belong in the pack

The delivery expectation shapes planning as much as price. Instead of “urgent”, an hour-level target like “must be on the machine by Thursday 14:00” lets the workshop plan its queue realistically — and filters out empty promises.

Write the delivery method up front as well: pickup, courier or intercity cargo. On a tight schedule, pickup can win back a full day; on shipped jobs, packing and cargo cut-off times are part of the lead time.

  • State the deadline as a date and hour, not as an adjective.
  • Choose the delivery method early; shipping time is part of the lead time.
  • On repeat orders, the old die or file number shortens everything.

A single-message template

In practice this layout gets a quote in one round: “1:1 PDF attached. Outer size 250×180 mm, critical inner window 80×80 mm. Material: 350 gsm coated board, laminated. Machine: BOBST 102. Quantity: first run 20,000, ~100,000/year. Cutting + creasing, no perforation. Delivery: Thursday June 18, 14:00, pickup.”

Every sentence in that message closes one quote item. Every item left out comes back as a question — and the quote waits for the answer.

  • The six template items: file, dimensions, material, machine, quantity, deadline.
  • Each missing item costs one question-and-answer round.
  • The same template works for repeat orders, with the file number added.

Quote details we clarify together

When the file, material, quantity and deadline are clear, the quote conversation moves faster and with less back-and-forth.

  • Current revision file
  • Material and quantity details
  • Critical dimensions or production notes
  • Deadline expectation and delivery preference