Card Game Printing RFQ Checklist: What Publishers Should Send a Manufacturer

Introduction

Card game printing is a process that, whilst not particularly complex, encompasses a wide range of intricate product categories. Many publishers, brand buyers and project managers who already have product plans or are preparing to request comparative quotations may already have the details of your project, but may still be unclear on how to obtain a quotation more quickly and accurately. This article will therefore guide you on How do incomplete specification details affect the accuracy of quotations and production planning and how to prepare before card game printing begins, so that you can secure the best possible quotation!
The key points covered include: the number of decks per design and the number of cards per deck; dimensiones, paper stock and thickness; production processes; cajas, inserts and rulebooks; language versions; destination; delivery lead times; and the scope of proofing and acceptance. En este artículo, we will provide some sample quotation request templates for your reference, as well as examples of how our sales team compiles and communicates quotations to clients once they have received their project plans.

Ahora,let’s begins!

Why You Should Align Specifications Before Comparing Quotes

Let’s start with a simple example.

A basic card game, such as a standard deck of playing cards, usually contains 52 o 54 cards and measures approximately 2.5 × 3.5 pulgadas (63.5 × 88.9 mm). This is a common playing card size. The cards are typically packed in a folding tuck box, with a textured finish available for the card surface or selected areas, depending on the desired look and feel.

For this type of standard card product, manufacturers generally have established production processes and relatively predictable price ranges.

Sin embargo, more elaborate card games, such as a 72-card tarot deck, often have different requirements. Since these products may be designed for premium presentation or collectible value, customers may prefer rigid magnetic-closure boxes or two-piece lid-and-base boxes instead of standard tuck boxes. These premium packaging options naturally cost more than ordinary folding cartons.

The cards themselves may also be larger than standard playing cards. Inside the box, there may be a custom insert designed to hold the cards and a tarot instruction booklet.

More complex products, such as tabletop board games, may include numerous additional components: dados, player screens, wooden game pieces, and sometimes even drinking glasses. Each additional component affects the overall product configuration and quotation.

This does not necessarily make the quotation process complicated. It simply means that there is no single standard template that can cover every card game project.

That is why it is important to clearly list your project requirements when submitting an RFQ (Request for Quotation).

The same number of cards does not necessarily mean the same production cost. Your cards may use different paper stocks, espesores, and surface finishes, all of which can affect the final price.

When submitting your project to different card game printing manufacturers, do not simply compare the quoted prices. Make sure each quotation is based on the same product specifications.

In many cases, manufacturers may also offer materials and production options of different quality levels. You should evaluate the overall value for money based on your product requirements, rather than choosing a supplier based on the lowest price alone.

What Should Be Included in a Complete Card Game BOM?

If you are already sufficiently familiar with printing, or have previously undertaken similar card game printing procurement projects, please provide the following details ,Let’s draw up a table to have a look!

The parameters for some of the cards are as follows:

CARDS: 63 incógnita 88 mm, esquinas redondeadas, 300-310 gsm black core, CMYK both sides, one shared back. About 100 base cards (45 common, 30 uncommon, 18 rare, 7 epic) plus about 30 chase cards.

This level of detail helps the manufacturer understand your product structure and calculate the production requirements more accurately.

Some card products also have special functional requirements. Por ejemplo, educational cards designed for children may need to be used with erasable markers.

In this case, you should specify that you need a repeatedly wipe-clean surface compatible with wet-erase, non-permanent, or dry-erase markers.

You can ask the manufacturer to quote different options, such as a film-free finish or a validated write-and-wipe laminate. Keep in mind that ordinary matte varnish should not be assumed to provide an erasable surface.

Sin embargo, not every customer is familiar with printing materials, finishing techniques, or manufacturing terminology. If this is your first card game printing project, or you are not sure about the technical specifications, you do not need to worry.

en la mayoría de los casos, you can start by telling us:

• How many cards are included in each deck?
• What type of packaging box would you prefer?
• What additional components or accessories does your game require?

You can also send us your artwork files, reference images, or product mockups so that we can better understand your project and its requirements.

You do not need to know every printing detail before requesting a quotation. Our team can help you review the specifications and recommend suitable production options.

Flexible Solutions to Help Optimize Your Budget

The quotation process does not have to be complicated.

Por ejemplo, if using one of our existing standard die-cut sizes can reduce production costs, we can provide an alternative quotation based on that size, clearly indicating the dimensions and potential cost savings.

We also look for practical ways to optimize your project and help you avoid unnecessary production expenses while maintaining the quality you need.

Please note that the quoted product price covers the card game and its specified components, but does not include shipping costs. If you would like us to calculate shipping, please also provide your delivery address or destination postal code.

Missing Information That Can Affect Your Printing Quote

Among all the information required for a card game printing quotation, three factors are particularly important:

1. Card Specifications

Card dimensions, the number of cards per deck, cardstock type, espesor, and finishing requirements directly affect material consumption and production costs.

2. Cantidad de pedido

The total number of decks or complete game sets has a significant impact on unit pricing. If you are still deciding on your order volume, you can request quotations for multiple quantities to compare.

3. Shipping Information

Your destination country, city, and postal code help the manufacturer estimate transportation costs and recommend suitable shipping methods.

Other details are also helpful, but not all of them need to be finalized before you request a quotation.

If you are unsure about certain specifications, simply mark them as TBC (To Be Confirmed). This helps the manufacturer identify which details still need clarification instead of making assumptions about your product.

Card Game Printing RFQ Template

Below is a simple card game printing RFQ template that you can copy and modify according to your project requirements.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

• Cartas por mazo: 70 unique cards per deck.
• Preferred Finished Size: 72 × 100 mm.
• Cartulina: 350 gsm premium cardstock.
• Impresión: Full-color CMYK printing on both sides, con 70 unique card fronts and one shared branded back design.
• Esquinas: Esquinas redondeadas.
• Embalaje: Custom-printed rigid magnetic-closure box, sized to fit the 70 tarjetas.
• Embalaje: Shrink-wrapped, fully assembled, and retail-ready.
• Additional Requirements: No booklet, no gilded edges, no foil stamping, and no velvet bag.

ORDER QUANTITY

• 1,000 mazos
• 2,000 mazos
• 3,000 mazos

OTHER INFORMATION

• Artwork Status: [Ready / In Progress / Not Yet Available]
• Target Delivery Date: [Your Expected Date]
• Shipping Destination: [País / Ciudad / Postal Code]

Feel free to add or remove items based on your project. If you are unsure about a particular material or finishing option, you can leave it open for the manufacturer to recommend.

How to Compare Card Game Printing Quotes

When comparing quotations from different manufacturers, look beyond the final price. Several factors can make a significant difference in the actual value of an offer.

1. Compare Cardstock and Thickness

Different paper weights, espesores, and core materials can result in different prices. Make sure the manufacturers are quoting based on comparable materials and card specifications.

2. Check What Is Included in the Quotation

Confirm whether the quoted price includes all packaging and accessories. Also check whether sampling fees, plate-making fees, tooling fees, or other setup costs are charged separately.

3. Compare Production Lead Times

If your project has a tight deadline, production time is particularly important. Ask each manufacturer about their estimated sampling and mass production schedules.

4. Consider Shipping Costs and Logistics

Shipping costs can vary depending on the manufacturer’s location, available logistics options, transportation method, and delivery destination. Compare the total landed cost rather than looking at the product price alone.

5. Evaluate Quality Control and After-Sales Support

Ask about the manufacturer’s quality inspection procedures, sample approval process, and how production issues are handled.

If you are located near the factory, an on-site visit can also be helpful. Seeing the production facilities and checking samples in person gives you a better understanding of the manufacturer’s capabilities.

After-sales service and communication support are also worth considering before making your purchasing decision.

The lowest quotation does not necessarily mean the lowest overall purchasing cost.

A reliable manufacturing partner should offer a reasonable balance of product quality, production efficiency, precios, and service.

Ready to Submit Your Card Game Project to a Manufacturer?

Ready to discuss your card game project? Contact Xinyi Card Printing and let our team help you turn your ideas into a finished product.