Ready to turn your board game into a physical product? Before a manufacturer can estimate the cost, they need a clear picture of what goes into each copy.
To request a board game manufacturing quote, prepare a component list with quantities and dimensions, your expected production quantity, packaging preferences, artwork status, and delivery destination. If you have a target budget or arrival date, include those too.
You do not need to have every detail finalized. Share what you know, mark undecided specifications clearly, and ask for recommendations where you need guidance.
This checklist explains what to prepare and includes a copy-and-paste inquiry template to help you get started.
1. Prepare a Complete Component List
Start by listing everything included in one finished game. For each component, provide the quantity per game, dimensions, and material or construction details where known.
Here is an example:
| Component | Quantity per game | Dimensions | Material / Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playing cards | 100 | 63 × 88 mm | 300 gsm cardstock, full-color printing on both sides |
| Game board | 1 | 400 × 400 mm unfolded | Printed paper mounted on greyboard; folding layout to be confirmed |
| Punchboard tokens | 20 individual tokens | To be confirmed | 1.5 mm greyboard |
| Dice | 4 | 16 mm | Plastic D6; color and markings to be confirmed |
| Rulebook | 1 | A5, 16 pages including covers | Full-color printing; paper and binding to be confirmed |
| Game box | 1 | To be recommended | Rigid two-piece box |
| Insert | 1 | To fit the box and components | Cardboard insert |
These specifications are examples, not required production standards.
Be clear about what each quantity refers to. For example, “20 individual tokens” is different from “20 punchboard sheets.” For cards, specify the total number of cards and whether they share one back design or use multiple back designs.
If a specification is undecided, mark it as “TBC” (to be confirmed) or “please recommend.” This helps the manufacturer identify open questions without making assumptions.
2. Include Dimensions, Materials, and Finishes
A component name alone does not provide enough information for an accurate quotation. Different sizes, materials, and finishing options can affect the manufacturing process and final cost.
For cards, useful details include:
- Finished dimensions and number of cards per game.
- Cardstock weight or preferred core material, if known.
- Printing on one or both sides.
- Smooth or linen-textured finish.
- Coating or lamination preferences.
- Rounded corners and any special effects.
For game boards, include the unfolded dimensions, thickness, and preferred folding layout. For punchboards, provide the number of individual tokens, their approximate dimensions, and the board thickness if known.
For wooden pieces, dice, miniatures, acrylic standees, and other custom components, provide dimensions and explain whether you need standard shapes or custom designs. Reference photos, dimensioned sketches, and 3D models can help clarify your requirements.
You do not need to choose every material yourself. Describe your priorities, such as a premium feel, durability, or a lower target cost, and ask the manufacturer to recommend suitable options.
3. Specify Your Target Production Quantities
State the number of complete games you want to manufacture.
If you are still deciding, request a comparison at several quantities, such as:
- 300 copies
- 500 copies
- 1,000 copies
Ask the manufacturer to confirm which quantities are feasible for your component specifications.
Production volume affects unit pricing because setup, tooling, and other fixed costs may be spread across the order. Custom plastic pieces, for example, may involve tooling costs that should be quoted separately.
For a useful comparison, request the same specifications at each quantity. If the manufacturer suggests a lower-cost alternative, ask them to list it separately so you can compare the costs and trade-offs.
4. Describe Your Box, Insert, and Packing Requirements
Packaging is part of the product specification and can significantly affect the quotation.
Tell the manufacturer:
- Your preferred box style, such as a rigid two-piece box or folding carton.
- Approximate box dimensions, specifying internal or external measurements if known.
- Whether you need an insert, dividers, or separate component bags.
- Whether cards need to fit inside the box when sleeved.
- Whether all components should be assembled and packed.
- Whether you need shrink wrapping, seals, or barcode labels.
If the box dimensions are undecided, provide the component list and ask for a recommended size. A reference image can also help communicate the style you want.
The box, insert, and components need to fit together properly. Sharing the full component list helps the manufacturer recommend packaging that accommodates the finished game.
5. Explain Your Artwork Status
Print-ready files are helpful, but they are not always necessary for an initial estimate.
Tell the manufacturer whether your artwork is:
- Finalized and ready for file review.
- In progress, with component dimensions confirmed.
- Preliminary, with dimensions or component counts still changing.
- Not started.
Attach reference images, sample layouts, or a draft component spreadsheet where available. If you have finished artwork, ask which file formats and production templates the manufacturer requires.
A quotation based on preliminary specifications may need to be revised after the artwork, dimensions, and construction details are confirmed.
If you also need graphic design, illustration, or 3D modeling, describe those tasks separately so the manufacturer can confirm whether they are available and whether additional costs apply.
6. Share Your Budget and Delivery Deadline
A target budget helps the manufacturer recommend practical materials and construction options.
You can provide either a target manufacturing cost per game or an approximate total production budget. Specify the currency and whether the budget includes sampling, tooling, testing, and shipping.
Also share your required arrival date, not just your preferred production completion date.
Mention any fixed milestone, such as a Kickstarter fulfillment deadline, trade show, or retail launch. Your schedule should allow time for artwork review, sampling, approvals, mass production, and transportation.
If your deadline is fixed, include it in your first inquiry so the manufacturer can assess feasibility early.
7. Provide Your Shipping Destination
A factory price and the total cost to receive your games are different figures.
For a shipping estimate, provide:
- Destination country.
- City and postal code.
- Delivery location type, such as a business address, warehouse, or fulfillment center.
- Any receiving, labeling, or appointment requirements.
If you have a preferred quotation basis, such as EXW, FOB, or DDP, include it. Otherwise, ask the manufacturer to explain the available options and specify which charges are included or excluded.
For multiple destinations, list the estimated quantity going to each location. If you use a fulfillment provider, share its packing and receiving instructions when available.
8. Identify What Is Confirmed and What Is Still Open
You can contact a manufacturer before your project is fully finalized. The key is to separate confirmed requirements from decisions that still need guidance.
For example:
“The game includes 100 cards at 63 × 88 mm and four wooden player pieces. The card count and dimensions are confirmed, but we need recommendations for the card finish, box size, and insert.”
This gives the manufacturer a useful starting point while making the remaining decisions clear.
For an initial estimate, try to provide at least:
- A component list with quantities per game.
- Dimensions and material preferences where known.
- Your target production quantities.
- Packaging requirements, if known.
- Delivery destination and required arrival date.
If some details are missing, explain what you need help deciding. A manufacturer may be able to provide a preliminary estimate based on the information available, then refine the quotation once the specifications are confirmed.
9. Board Game Manufacturing Quote Request Template
Use this request for quotation (RFQ) template when contacting a board game manufacturer. Complete as many fields as possible and mark anything undecided as “TBC” or “please recommend.”
Project Information
- Project name:
- Brief game description:
- Intended age group:
- Target market or country of sale:
Component Specifications
For each component, specify the quantity per game, dimensions, material, printing, and finish where known.
| Component | Quantity per game | Dimensions | Material / Printing / Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cards | |||
| Game boards | |||
| Punchboard sheets / individual tokens | |||
| Dice | |||
| Wooden pieces / meeples | |||
| Miniatures / other custom pieces | |||
| Rulebook / other printed materials | |||
| Other components |
Packaging
- Preferred box style:
- Approximate box dimensions:
- Insert or divider requirements:
- Assembly and packing requirements:
- Other packaging requirements:
Production Quantity
Please quote the same specifications at the following quantities:
- 300 complete games
- 500 complete games
- 1,000 complete games
Please confirm availability at each quantity and list any recommended alternatives separately.
Artwork and Development
- Artwork status: Finalized / In progress / Not started
- Prototype or pre-production sample required: Yes / No / To be discussed
- Design or technical recommendations needed:
Budget and Other Requirements
- Target manufacturing budget and currency, if available:
- Costs included in the budget:
- Product testing or certification requirements:
- FSC-certified materials or other material requirements:
- Other special requirements:
Shipping and Timeline
- Destination country:
- City and postal code:
- Delivery address type: Business / Warehouse / Fulfillment center / Other
- Preferred shipping terms: EXW / FOB / DDP / To be discussed
- Required arrival date:
- Special receiving or labeling instructions:
Files Attached
- Component list.
- Reference images or sketches.
- Artwork or print-ready files.
- 3D models or technical drawings, if applicable.
- Other supporting documents.
Quotation Details Requested
Please show the following separately, where applicable:
- Unit price and total manufacturing cost at each quantity.
- Sample fees.
- Custom mold or tooling charges.
- Testing costs.
- Shipping costs and delivery terms.
- Estimated sampling and production lead times.
- Payment terms, quotation validity, and exclusions.
You do not need to complete every field before sending your inquiry. The purpose of this template is to make your requirements clear and identify the information still needed for a reliable quotation.
10. Final Checklist Before Sending Your Inquiry
Before contacting a manufacturer, check that you have:
- Listed all components included in one complete game.
- Specified quantities per game and dimensions where known.
- Provided your expected production quantities.
- Explained your packaging requirements or asked for recommendations.
- Identified which specifications are confirmed and which are undecided.
- Provided your shipping destination and required arrival date.
- Listed any special testing, material, or packing requirements.
- Attached available component lists, artwork, or reference images.
When quotations arrive, check that they cover the same specifications and services. A lower unit price may reflect different materials, packaging, or excluded charges. Clarifying these differences will help you compare your options more accurately.
A clear inquiry does not need to be long. It needs to contain the information that affects manufacturing.
Ready to Get a Quote for Your Board Game?
At Dobeta Games, we manufacture custom board games, card games, and board game components for independent creators, publishers, and businesses.
Whether you are preparing your first prototype or planning a larger production run, send us your current component list, reference images, and estimated production quantity. If some specifications are still undecided, let us know where you need guidance.
Our team can review your requirements and help identify the details needed to move your project toward production.
Email info@dobetagames.com to request your board game manufacturing quote, or visit Dobeta Games to learn more about our manufacturing services.