The Future of Estimating: How Wide Format Print Shops Can Quote Faster, Smarter, and More Profitably
In the world of wide-format printing and flatbed production, speed and accuracy aren’t just nice-to-have—they’re business-critical. A single miscalculation in material usage, labor, or margin can mean the difference between a profitable project and one that erodes your bottom line.
That’s why modern print shop business management software has evolved beyond spreadsheets and guesswork. Today’s leading shops are adopting cloud-based estimating tools that keep them competitive, profitable, and efficient.
Why Accurate Estimating Matters in Wide-Format Printing
Estimating in wide-format and flatbed environments isn’t simple. Unlike standard print jobs, projects often involve:
- Custom materials (roll stock, rigid substrates, laminates).
- Multiple finishing steps (mounting, laminating, trimming).
- Complex layouts with waste factors and bleed requirements.
When you’re producing 50 custom signs, a large wall mural, or a multi-step display project, even small errors in calculation can snowball:
- Underquoting eats into margins.
- Overquoting risks losing the job to a competitor.
- Manual processes slow down turnaround, frustrating clients.
5 Features Every Print Shop Should Demand in Their Estimating Software
If your shop is still relying on manual spreadsheets or outdated tools, here are five must-have features to look for in a modern business management system for print shops:
- Custom Material Databases – Easily define roll stock, rigid substrates, laminates, and more with your own naming conventions and pricing.
- Real-Time Layouts – Instantly see how designs fit across roll or sheet stock, including bleeds, margins, and material waste.
- Automatic Bill of Materials (BOMs) – Behind the scenes, your software should track ink, labor, substrates, and finishing steps for accurate costing.
- Margin Visibility – Every estimate should display subtotal cost, subtotal price, and profit margins in real time.
- Mobile Optimization – The ability to quote from a phone or tablet ensures sales teams can respond quickly, whether on-site with a client or working off the shop floor.
