You get a number from a factory. You call it a quote. You order. Final bill jumps 25%. A Miami swimwear brand learned this hard last summer. They trusted a “quote.” Paid $18,000 extra. I own Fumao Clothing in Shanghai. I label clear. Quote means fixed. Estimate means close.
A quote is a binding price you pay exact. An estimate is a close guess that can shift. Know the gap. Save cash.
I price for US brands daily. This guide breaks the two apart. Let’s dig in.
How Is a Quote Binding in Apparel?
Quotes lock costs. No wiggle.
We sign quotes for 30 days. Price fixed.
Why Quotes Need Full Specs?
Tech pack. MOQ. DDP. All set. A polo brand sent complete. Quote $7.20. Final $7.20.
How Long Do Quotes Stay Valid?
30 days standard. We honor. A jacket client ordered week 4. Same rate.
What Makes an Estimate Flexible?
Estimates guess. Costs float.
We give estimates without tech packs. Range given.
Why Estimates Use Ranges?
Cotton $2.10-$2.60 yard. We bracket. A shorts brand got $6.80-$7.40. Final $7.10.
When Do Estimates Turn Quotes?
Add specs. We lock. A kids’ wear client upgraded. Estimate to quote in 2 hours.
| Type | Binding? | Accuracy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quote | Yes | 100% | Full specs |
| Estimate | No | 85-95% | Early planning |
How Do Quotes vs Estimates Affect Budgets?
Quotes plan retail. Estimates sketch.
Use quotes for final budgets. No shocks.
Why Quotes Cut Risk?
Fixed landed cost. A blouse brand quoted DDP $9.50. Retail $39. Margin safe.
How Estimates Help Early?
Test ideas cheap. A hoodie label estimated $12-$14. Picked style. Then quoted.
Why We Offer Both at No Charge?
Both free. Both fast.
Start estimate. End quote. Smooth path.
How We Shift Estimate to Quote?
Send missing specs. We update. A sportswear brand added YKK zippers. Estimate $8.20-$9.10 became quote $8.75.
Why Free Builds Trust?
No paywall. A denim client started estimate. Signed quote. 10,000 units.
Conclusion
Quotes bind. Estimates guide. Know which you hold.
I give both daily. Last month, a Texas activewear brand started estimate $11-$13 per hoodie. Sent tech pack. Quote $12.10. Produced 4,000. Sold out. Reordered.
Stop mixing terms. Get the right number.
Need a free estimate or quote? Contact our Business Director Elaine at elaine@fumaoclothing.com. Send specs. We label clear. Reply in 24 hours.
