Quotes for 3D printing: how to get one and what it should contain

What a quote is

A quote is a supplier's offer for specific goods or a service, with a price, a quantity and a deadline. It is also described generally on Wikipedia. A quote should make three things clear: what exactly you get, for how much and by when.

With 3D printing it is not enough to write "how much does it cost to print this model". The price depends on the material, the infill, the number of pieces and on how the part is arranged on the bed. More in the entry on 3D printing price.

How you get a quote from us

You do not have to wait for a reply. You upload the model in the calculator and after a moment you see the price per piece, the total price and the lead time. We calculate them from the real preparation for printing, not from an estimate. If you change the material, the strength or the quantity, the price is recalculated at once.

When everything is in order, you receive a proforma invoice with a QR code and production starts after payment. So the quote does not sit in an email, it is right there with the order.

What to send for a custom quote

Some orders do not fit the calculator, for example several different parts at once or a part larger than 246 × 246 × 256 mm. Write to us at jakub.novak@boostello.com and send the model, the quantity and the deadline you need. It also helps to add what the part will be used for, since that affects the choice between PLA and PETG.

We do not promise anything in advance, we have to see the model first. We do not print materials such as ASA, nylon or TPU.

What to watch for when comparing quotes

• What is in the price. With us supports are included. Elsewhere they may be charged separately.
• VAT. Find out whether the price is with or without VAT. Our minimum order is 15 € excluding VAT.
• Lead time. A cheap quote with a long lead time may not be a good deal. With us the lead time is derived from the real capacity of the printers, see lead time.

For an order from a company, also check whether the invoice will include VAT. Companies from other EU countries with a valid VAT number receive an invoice without VAT, more in the entry on the reverse charge.