Minimum order quantity is one of the first questions every buyer asks, and one of the most misunderstood. The honest answer is that MOQ is driven by setup cost, fabric minimums and decoration efficiency — not by a fixed rule.
Why 50 pieces is possible — but not always economical
At 50 pieces, fabric can often be sourced from stock, embroidery is efficient, but sampling, artwork digitising, and shipping per unit are proportionally expensive. Expect a higher unit price and a narrower fabric selection.
The sweet spot: 100–300 pieces
At this volume, custom dyeing becomes viable for some fabrics, decoration setup is amortised, and per-unit freight drops. Most brand launches sit in this range, often split across 2–4 colourways.
500+ pieces: custom development
Above 500 pieces, custom fabric development, dedicated labels and retail packaging become practical. Unit cost falls, but tooling and lead time increase, so planning matters more.
Costs people forget
- Sample fees, often credited against bulk
- Artwork digitising and print separation
- Custom labels, hangtags and polybags
- Inspection and freight, which scale with carton volume
Ask for a quote at two or three quantities. A good supplier will show how the price breaks down and where volume actually saves money.
