Once you’ve completed the concept and design stages of preparing your board game, the next step is to request a manufacturing quote.
Sending a quote request can seem simple — just send your files and wait for a number — but the reality is that the more detailed and organized your quote request is, the quicker, more accurate, and more actionable your quote will be.
Whether you’re reaching out to us or another manufacturer, a complete and clear quote request can shave days or even weeks off your production timeline, help you avoid costly problems, and ensure your game is produced to your expectations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you should include in your game manufacturing quote request to help you achieve smooth, successful communication with your choice of game manufacturer.
If you’d like to get a quote request for your game, contact us and our team will give you pricing and more information about the production process.
Why Details in Your Quote Request Matter
Before we get into the checklist, it’s important to understand why this matters. Board games are complex products, made from different materials, printed with different techniques, packaged in different ways, and shipped across the world.
The cost of your game is affected by lots of variables, including your box size, component count, material choices, and even your design and color choice for your cards.
Leaving out key information means your manufacturing quote will be based on assumptions. If those assumptions are wrong, you could be hit with unexpected price changes or delays that affect your production when these assumptions need to be revised.
A good quality quote request helps your manufacturer:
- Understand your game in full
- Give you an accurate and timely price
- Advise you on potential cost-saving options
- Prevent mistakes during production of your game
Essential Information to Include in Your Quote Request
Game Overview
Start with a short summary of your game. This helps your manufacturer quickly understand what kind of product you’re making.
Include your game name (a working title is fine), the type of game you’re making (for example, a card game, light board game, heavy tabletop RPG, party game, etc.), your target audience, your game’s player count, and the expected playtime).
Not only is this a good practice for manufacturing — it also helps you define your game well as a commercial product, which is important for reaching your target audience.
Order Quantity
Manufacturers need to know how many copies you plan to order. You can request quotes for multiple quantities to compare.
Our contact form includes a field for order quantity. When you request a quote, we’ll send you pricing for several quantities so you get a full understanding of which manufacturing option is the best value for your game.
If you’re interested in pricing for specific quantities, let us know what breakpoints you’d like to compare when you submit your quote (e.g. 1,000 units vs. 2,000 units vs. 5,000 units).
Pricing per unit usually decreases as quantity increases due to economies of scale. If you’re confident you can sell many copies of your game, manufacturing in volume can give you an advantage in terms of pricing and value.
Target Budget
This is optional but helpful. If you have a target budget you’re aiming for, such as a per-unit price target or total budget, sharing it with your manufacturer can help them recommend the most effective way to achieve your pricing goals.
Component List
This is the heart of your quote request. To get the most accurate pricing as quickly as possible, try to provide a detailed breakdown of everything that goes inside your box (as well as the box itself).
Include the following in your component list:
- Component type (e.g., cards, dice, miniatures, board)
- Quantity (per game box)
- Size (in millimeters or inches)
- Material (if you have preferences)
- Printing info (full color, single-sided, etc.)
- Finish (e.g. linen finish, UV coating)
The more specific you are, the more accurate your quote will be. If you need help preparing a component list for your game, contact us and our team will help you select components using our component guide.
Packaging Details
Your packaging affects both the cost and process of producing your game, as well as shipping for your game to your target market and, once in your target market, the fulfillment process to your customers.
Include the following information with your component list:
- Box type (e.g. telescoping rigid box, tuck box, magnetic closure)
- Box size (L x W x H in mm or inches)
- Box artwork type (e.g. full-color with spot UV, matte laminate)
- Insert or tray (plastic, cardboard, vacuum-formed, or none)
- Shrink wrap or sealing options
Rulebook Specifications
Your rulebook will have an impact on your game’s pricing and production, so it’s important to put it in your quote request. Include the number of pages, size, color or black and white, paper type, and binding type.
As always, if you need help with this or want to compare pricing for multiple rulebooks, feel free to message our team and we’ll assist you.
Artwork Status
It’s important to let your manufacturer know how far along you are in your design process. We don’t need your final art to give you a quote, but it’s helpful to let us know what’s ready and to give as much information as you can about your expected timeline and progress.
Shipping Details
Shipping is one of the biggest expenses in creating and receiving your game. To quote shipping for your game, we need to know your delivery address (or, if not possible yet, your country and city), whether you’re delivering to your home, business or a fulfillment center, and your choice of delivery method.
We offer hybrid production in China and, with our upcoming US-based facility, in the US. Using our hybrid manufacturing approach can shorten your distance from manufacturing to your final fulfillment center, assisting with logistics for your game.
Certifications & Compliance Requirements
Do you need your game to meet specific safety or environmental standards? If you’re selling in the EU or USA, you may need specific certifications to show that your game is fit for sale in the markets you’re planning to target.
You don’t need to know all of the regulatory requirements for your game when you reach out to request a quote. However, it’s best to let our team know where you plan to sell your game so we can inform you about any important compliance requirements.
Your Timeline
If you have a deadline, such as a Kickstarter delivery promise or a planned event you’d like to launch your game at, let us know. The clearer you make your timeline, the better we can work around your schedule and ensure your game is ready on time.
Try to let us know when you’ll be ready to start production, as well as the ideal delivery window for your game. For example: “We want to begin mass production starting in October and deliver to backers by March.”
Photos or Prototypes
If you’ve made a physical prototype or have detailed images of how you want components to look, include these in your request. Even a rough mockup helps us visualize your game and spot potential issues early.
Contact Information and Communication Preferences
By default, we’ll work with you via email to help you go through all of the key steps to get your game ready for production. However, if you have specific availability times or prefer to talk via another channel, it’s important to let your manufacturer know when you reach out to them.
Include your full name, your company or publisher name, your preferences for communication (e.g. email, WhatsApp, or your phone number), your time zone, and if you have limited time to communicate, a basic overview of your availability.
A Few Extra Tips for a Smooth Quote Process
- Use a spreadsheet for your components. Creators usually find it helpful to put all of their components into a spreadsheet for clarity. As a manufacturer, we appreciate it too, as it makes the data easy to work with.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions. If you’re unsure about the best material, box size, or insert type, just say so. We are happy to help you work out the best materials, choice of components and other things for your game. There is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to preparing for manufacturing.
- Expect some back-and-forth. Even with a detailed quote request, your manufacturer may follow up with clarifying questions. This is because we’re trying to get it right early and identify any potential issues before starting production.
Get a Quote for Manufacturing Your Board Game
Requesting a quote for your board game isn’t just a pricing task — it’s also the first step towards a potential partnership that will have a big impact on the quality and success of your game. The more detail you provide, the better this partnership will be.
We’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re preparing for your first print run of your first game or reaching out about a reprint or new game in your portfolio, we can tailor your quote and production to your needs.
When you’re ready, reach out to us with your quote request, and use the list above to make sure it’s complete.
As always, if you have any questions about preparing your quote, or about any other aspect of manufacturing your game, feel free to contact us.
