How to read a custom football kit quote — what's included, what's extra, what to question

Custom football kit quotes vary wildly in what they actually include for the headline price. Two quotes at "£30 per player" can hide a £200 difference once you account for what's bundled vs what's extra. Here's the line-by-line checklist we'd use if we were on your side of the table.

The questions every quote should answer

Before you compare prices, make sure each quote answers all of these. If it doesn't, ask. A supplier who won't answer in writing is telling you something.

1. What pieces does the per-player price include?

"£30 per player" usually means shirt + shorts + socks. Sometimes it means just the shirt. Some suppliers price the shirt at a low-looking number then itemise everything else. Confirm the unit.

2. Is the goalkeeper kit included?

Some quotes include a GK kit in the squad price. Others charge for it separately. A 16-player squad with a separately-charged GK kit at £40 is £40 more than a 16-player squad with one included.

3. What's the fabric weight?

GSM is the most useful single spec for comparing match-shirt fabric. Anything below 130gsm is lightweight (not necessarily bad, but worth knowing). Above 170gsm is heavyweight (warmer, less breathable). Peaq's base kit is 140gsm.

4. What badge finish is included?

At the £30 price point, the badges should be sublimated (printed into the fabric). Silicone and holographic finishes are upgrades that cost extra — make sure the quote spells out which is included.

5. How many design rounds?

Two rounds is standard. If the quote says one — or charges for additional rounds — you'll likely end up paying more, because most clubs need at least two rounds before sign-off.

6. What's the artwork ownership policy?

You commissioned the design — you should own it. If the quote doesn't make this explicit, ask. Some suppliers retain ownership and charge a "license" if you want to switch supplier later.

7. What's the lead time, and what's it tied to?

"3–4 weeks" measured from design sign-off is the standard. Lead time measured from order placement includes the design rounds and is misleading. Confirm the clock.

8. Is delivery included?

Domestic delivery is usually free on full-squad orders, but not always. International or expedited shipping varies. Get it in writing.

9. What about replacements and reorders?

Ask: how long is the design held on file after the initial run? Is there a setup fee on single-piece reorders? Lead time on a top-up?

10. What's the sample pack policy?

Cheaper suppliers sometimes skip the sample packstep. That saves them money but pushes the sizing risk onto you. Confirm a sample pack is included.

Common upsells to watch for

• "Setup fee" or "design fee" — usually £50–£200, sometimes hidden in the small print.
• "Number printing" — should be included in the per-player price. If charged extra, that's a red flag.
• "Crest digitisation" — turning a JPEG into a print-ready vector. We do this free; some suppliers charge £30–£100.
• "Rush production" — if you've got a tight timeline, expect a 10–20% surcharge from most suppliers.
• "Required spares" — some suppliers quietly require you to buy spares "just in case", building margin in by default.

Two example quotes, same headline price

These are stylised but realistic:

Quote A — "£30 per player, 16 players, full kit"

• Shirt + shorts + socks: included
• GK kit: included
• 140gsm performance poly fabric
• Sublimated finish included; silicone +£6, holographic +£12
• Two design rounds included
• Sample pack included
• Free UK delivery
• 24-month design retention, no setup fee on reorders
• Total: £480

Quote B — "£30 per shirt"

• Shirt only at £30; shorts £14, socks £6 each
• GK kit charged separately at £42
• 120gsm fabric (lighter, papery)
• One design round included; £25 per additional round
• Sample pack £40 extra
• £15 delivery
• £60 setup fee
• Total: £980+

Both quote "£30". One is twice the price.

The shortest version

Compare quotes on total all-in cost for the same spec, not on the headline per-player number. Get every line item in writing. If a supplier won't itemise, that's the most useful piece of information you'll get from them.