Tiered pricing and volume discounts
50, 100 or even 500 items? Anyone ordering promotional items, staff gifts or custom-printed products for their business will, sooner or later, be faced with this question. After all, the order quantity affects not only the total price, but often the cost per item as well.
Tiered pricing and volume discounts can make larger orders more economically attractive. However, the cheapest quantity is not automatically the best choice. If you want to shop smart, you should keep an eye on your actual requirements, any potential follow-up orders and the total cost.
Particularly as the year draws to a close, it is worth taking a joint look at planned purchases, upcoming events and requirements for the next financial year. We explain what companies should bear in mind when placing larger orders – and how careful planning can help avoid unnecessary costs – and when digital printing may be the better choice.
Tiered pricing and volume discounts can make larger orders more economically attractive. However, the cheapest quantity is not automatically the best choice. If you want to shop smart, you should keep an eye on your actual requirements, any potential follow-up orders and the total cost.
Particularly as the year draws to a close, it is worth taking a joint look at planned purchases, upcoming events and requirements for the next financial year. We explain what companies should bear in mind when placing larger orders – and how careful planning can help avoid unnecessary costs – and when digital printing may be the better choice.
Do you have any questions or need advice? We are just a click away!
Our team will assist you with all aspects of printed drinking bottles – from design ideas to ordering.
What are tiered pricing and volume discounts?
The terms ‘tiered pricing’ and ‘volume discounts’ are often used interchangeably. However, they refer to two different types of pricing.
Volume pricing means that the unit price varies depending on the quantity ordered. For example, a product may be cheaper per unit when ordering 100 items than when ordering 50 items.
Volume discounts are price reductions granted by a supplier once a certain purchase quantity has been reached. The discount may be expressed as a percentage or as a reduced unit price.
Both models operate on a similar principle: ordering in larger quantities can offer cost savings. This is particularly relevant for customised products, as, in addition to the actual product price, there may be costs associated with pre-press preparation, set-up, customisation or dispatch.
Why ordering in larger quantities can reduce the unit price
Why does a custom-printed water bottle often cost less per item when ordering in larger quantities?
One of the reasons lies in the distribution of certain production costs.
With custom-printed products, preparatory work is required depending on the printing method and design. This includes, for example, checking the print data, setting up the machines or preparing the printing process.
Some of these costs are incurred regardless of whether 50 or 500 bottles are subsequently produced.
One of the reasons lies in the distribution of certain production costs.
With custom-printed products, preparatory work is required depending on the printing method and design. This includes, for example, checking the print data, setting up the machines or preparing the printing process.
Some of these costs are incurred regardless of whether 50 or 500 bottles are subsequently produced.
For larger print runs, certain fixed costs can therefore be spread across more products. Material procurement, production processes and packaging can also be organised more efficiently in some circumstances.
However, it is important to note that not every cost item automatically decreases as the quantity increases. Additional customisation, special packaging or different print designs can affect the cost calculation.
If you’d like to understand more clearly what role the printing process plays in this, you’ll find further information on the various options in our guide to screen printing or digital printing.
However, it is important to note that not every cost item automatically decreases as the quantity increases. Additional customisation, special packaging or different print designs can affect the cost calculation.
If you’d like to understand more clearly what role the printing process plays in this, you’ll find further information on the various options in our guide to screen printing or digital printing.
Do you have any further questions?
We have summarised all relevant information for you in a clear and concise manner.
Minimum order quantity: Why does it exist in the first place?
When it comes to bespoke products, companies often come across the term ‘minimum order quantity’. This refers to the smallest number of items required for a product to be ordered or manufactured under the relevant conditions.
There are various reasons for such minimum quantities: production set-up, material procurement, technical requirements or cost-effective manufacturing processes.
At Flaschenfreunde, for example, glass bottles with screw caps can be customised from as few as 50 units. The specific options available depend on the product chosen and the desired customisation.
It is therefore particularly worthwhile for smaller businesses, clubs or individual departments to check the minimum order quantity at an early stage. This makes it easier to assess which products and design options fit within the planned budget.
There are various reasons for such minimum quantities: production set-up, material procurement, technical requirements or cost-effective manufacturing processes.
At Flaschenfreunde, for example, glass bottles with screw caps can be customised from as few as 50 units. The specific options available depend on the product chosen and the desired customisation.
It is therefore particularly worthwhile for smaller businesses, clubs or individual departments to check the minimum order quantity at an early stage. This makes it easier to assess which products and design options fit within the planned budget.
Group orders: When several departments purchase items together
In many companies, promotional items and staff gifts are not planned centrally. The HR department needs gifts for new staff, the marketing department orders giveaways for the next trade fair, and senior management plans gifts for business partners.
This often results in several small orders – even though all departments require similar products.
This is where consolidated orders can be beneficial.
Instead of processing each order individually, the requirements of different departments or sites can be combined at an early stage.
This can increase the total order volume whilst reducing the coordination and administrative effort involved.
This often results in several small orders – even though all departments require similar products.
This is where consolidated orders can be beneficial.
Instead of processing each order individually, the requirements of different departments or sites can be combined at an early stage.
This can increase the total order volume whilst reducing the coordination and administrative effort involved.
A real-life example:
A company is planning the following for the coming year:
80 welcome gifts for new employees
150 water bottles for a corporate event
120 gifts for customers and business partners
This amounts to a total requirement of 350 water bottles.
If these products can be produced using a common basic design with matching customisations, it may make sense to place a combined order.
However, it is important to take the specific production conditions into account. Different bottle models, printing methods or designs cannot automatically be grouped together under a single pricing structure.
80 welcome gifts for new employees
150 water bottles for a corporate event
120 gifts for customers and business partners
This amounts to a total requirement of 350 water bottles.
If these products can be produced using a common basic design with matching customisations, it may make sense to place a combined order.
However, it is important to take the specific production conditions into account. Different bottle models, printing methods or designs cannot automatically be grouped together under a single pricing structure.
Can you still customise your order despite ordering in larger quantities?
A common concern with larger orders: does standardised production mean that individuality is lost?
Not necessarily.
With personalised water bottles in particular, a common basic design can be combined with individual elements.
For example, all staff members can receive the same bottle shape and the same corporate design, whilst each bottle is also personalised with a name. This ensures a consistent look without the gift appearing generic.
This solution is particularly appealing for companies that are kitting out larger teams or planning personalised gifts for various occasions.
We explain in more detail how different designs, names and order quantities can be implemented in practice in our article ‘Designing water bottles’.
Not necessarily.
With personalised water bottles in particular, a common basic design can be combined with individual elements.
For example, all staff members can receive the same bottle shape and the same corporate design, whilst each bottle is also personalised with a name. This ensures a consistent look without the gift appearing generic.
This solution is particularly appealing for companies that are kitting out larger teams or planning personalised gifts for various occasions.
We explain in more detail how different designs, names and order quantities can be implemented in practice in our article ‘Designing water bottles’.
Smart end-of-year shopping:
Start thinking about next year now
For many companies, the end of the year is a time for planning.
Budgets are reviewed, events are organised and initial purchases for the coming financial year are discussed.
This is precisely where it can be worth taking a look at future requirements.
Perhaps there is a major trade fair coming up in the spring. A company anniversary is due to take place in the summer. And new staff are also to receive a personalised welcome gift again next year. By taking these occasions into account at an early stage, you can plan order quantities more realistically and explore possible opportunities for bundling.
However, this does not mean that companies should order as much stock as possible.
After all, storage costs, tied-up capital and potential changes to the company’s design are all factors to be considered when making an economically sound purchasing decision.
Our tip: It’s better to work out your actual annual requirements accurately than to be tempted into placing an unnecessarily large order simply because of an attractive unit price.
Timely planning is also particularly important when it comes to seasonal promotions. Customised design, approval of print files, production and delivery all take time.
Anyone planning Christmas presents for staff, for example, should therefore not wait until just before the Christmas party to place their order. After all, December always seems to take us by surprise – at least for some purchasing departments.
Budgets are reviewed, events are organised and initial purchases for the coming financial year are discussed.
This is precisely where it can be worth taking a look at future requirements.
Perhaps there is a major trade fair coming up in the spring. A company anniversary is due to take place in the summer. And new staff are also to receive a personalised welcome gift again next year. By taking these occasions into account at an early stage, you can plan order quantities more realistically and explore possible opportunities for bundling.
However, this does not mean that companies should order as much stock as possible.
After all, storage costs, tied-up capital and potential changes to the company’s design are all factors to be considered when making an economically sound purchasing decision.
Our tip: It’s better to work out your actual annual requirements accurately than to be tempted into placing an unnecessarily large order simply because of an attractive unit price.
Timely planning is also particularly important when it comes to seasonal promotions. Customised design, approval of print files, production and delivery all take time.
Anyone planning Christmas presents for staff, for example, should therefore not wait until just before the Christmas party to place their order. After all, December always seems to take us by surprise – at least for some purchasing departments.
What businesses should check before placing a large order
A good purchasing decision takes more than just the unit price into account.
Before placing an order, it is worth asking yourself a few basic questions:
1. What are the actual requirements?
In addition to the current occasion, events that have already been planned or recurring purposes should also be taken into account.
2. What are the total costs?
Depending on the offer, costs for customisation, pre-press, packaging or postage may be added to the product price.
3. Is the design suitable for long-term use?
A timeless corporate design may also be suitable for future events. In contrast, specific years or one-off campaign motifs are often of limited use.
4. Is there sufficient storage capacity?
Storage also involves additional work. In the case of glass bottles, safe packaging and suitable storage conditions are also important.
5. When are the products required?
Particularly in the case of larger or bespoke orders, internal approvals and production lead times should be factored in at an early stage.
If you take these points into account, you will be able to plan order quantities and budgets on a much more sound basis.
Before placing an order, it is worth asking yourself a few basic questions:
1. What are the actual requirements?
In addition to the current occasion, events that have already been planned or recurring purposes should also be taken into account.
2. What are the total costs?
Depending on the offer, costs for customisation, pre-press, packaging or postage may be added to the product price.
3. Is the design suitable for long-term use?
A timeless corporate design may also be suitable for future events. In contrast, specific years or one-off campaign motifs are often of limited use.
4. Is there sufficient storage capacity?
Storage also involves additional work. In the case of glass bottles, safe packaging and suitable storage conditions are also important.
5. When are the products required?
Particularly in the case of larger or bespoke orders, internal approvals and production lead times should be factored in at an early stage.
If you take these points into account, you will be able to plan order quantities and budgets on a much more sound basis.
Transparent pricing makes it easier to plan your purchases
Particularly when it comes to customised products, it is helpful to be able to compare different options directly with one another.
How does the price change if 250 water bottles are ordered instead of 100? What impact do the chosen bottle model, the cap or the customisation options have?
These questions should be answered as early as possible in the ordering process.
At Flaschenfreunde, businesses can customise their water bottles and see the price for the selected quantity and features straight away. This makes it possible to compare different configurations and better align them with the available budget.
This transparency is particularly helpful for companies with multiple levels of decision-making and approval. After all, a clear and traceable cost breakdown often saves more time than the third Excel spreadsheet named ‘Budget_final_really_final.xlsx’.
How does the price change if 250 water bottles are ordered instead of 100? What impact do the chosen bottle model, the cap or the customisation options have?
These questions should be answered as early as possible in the ordering process.
At Flaschenfreunde, businesses can customise their water bottles and see the price for the selected quantity and features straight away. This makes it possible to compare different configurations and better align them with the available budget.
This transparency is particularly helpful for companies with multiple levels of decision-making and approval. After all, a clear and traceable cost breakdown often saves more time than the third Excel spreadsheet named ‘Budget_final_really_final.xlsx’.
Frequently asked questions about tiered pricing and volume discounts
What is the difference between a tiered price and a volume discount?
With tiered pricing, the unit price varies depending on the quantity ordered. A volume discount is a price reduction granted when a certain order quantity is reached. Both models can result in lower unit prices for larger orders.
Is it always worth ordering a larger quantity?
No. Whilst the unit price may fall for larger quantities, the total cost often rises at the same time. The key factor is whether the additional quantity is actually needed and what further costs are involved.
Can different products be grouped together to qualify for a volume discount?
That depends on the terms and conditions of the respective supplier. Different products, printing methods or designs may require separate production processes. Companies should therefore assess on a case-by-case basis whether a joint quotation is possible.
Can personalised water bottles be ordered in larger quantities?
Yes. Custom-printed water bottles are also ideal for larger teams, events and corporate campaigns. Depending on the design, it is possible, for example, to combine a shared basic design with individual names.
When should companies plan to place larger orders?
As early as possible, particularly for bespoke products. In addition to production, factors such as design, approval of print files, packaging and delivery may also need to be taken into account.
Conclusion: Ordering smartly doesn’t automatically mean ordering more
Tiered pricing and volume discounts can help businesses optimise their purchasing costs. Particularly in the case of bespoke products, careful order planning can yield financial benefits.
However, the largest order quantity is not necessarily the best.
The key factors are actual demand, the total cost and whether the products ordered can be put to good use in the long term.
By planning ahead, grouping orders sensibly and comparing prices transparently, you can lay a solid foundation for cost-effective purchasing decisions – at the end of the year and beyond.
Are you planning to have custom-printed water bottles made for your business?
Discover the design options available at Flaschenfreunde and compare different models, features and order quantities directly in the configurator.
However, the largest order quantity is not necessarily the best.
The key factors are actual demand, the total cost and whether the products ordered can be put to good use in the long term.
By planning ahead, grouping orders sensibly and comparing prices transparently, you can lay a solid foundation for cost-effective purchasing decisions – at the end of the year and beyond.
Are you planning to have custom-printed water bottles made for your business?
Discover the design options available at Flaschenfreunde and compare different models, features and order quantities directly in the configurator.