Working with a factory or supplier, one of the first terms you will hear is MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity. This number tells you the smallest amount you must order for production to be possible and cost-effective. Many new buyers feel confused or pressured by MOQs, but in reality, they are simply a tool that keeps production running smoothly for both sides. By understanding how MOQs work—and why suppliers set them—you can plan better, manage costs, and avoid surprises during production. This article will guide you through every major factor behind MOQs so you can make confident decisions for your business.
What Does MOQ Mean?
MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity. It is the smallest number of units a supplier or manufacturer requires a buyer to purchase in one order. Suppliers set an MOQ to make sure production is profitable, efficient, and easy to manage. Buyers often get better prices when they meet or exceed MOQ levels.
Table of Common MOQ Levels in the Garments Industry:
| Item Type | Typical MOQ |
|---|---|
| Basic T-shirts | 800 – 1,000 pcs per color |
| Polo shirts | 500 – 800 pcs per color |
| Hoodies | 800 – 1,200 pcs per color |
| Pants / Jeans | 600 – 1,000 pcs per color |
| Uniforms | 500 – 800 pcs per color |
| Jackets | 1,200 – 2,000 pcs per color |
| Women Dress | 400 – 800 pcs per color |
Why Suppliers & Manufacturing Use MOQ
Production Efficiency
When a factory begins producing a new order, it needs to prepare the machines, train employees using the sample, and make pattern adjustments prior to sewing. These preparations require time and work regardless of the order’s size. As a result, producing very small batches is slow, expensive, and inefficient for the supplier. Setting a minimum order quantity (MOQ) allows the production team to operate longer, more efficient runs with fewer stoppages. This maintains a steady workflow and minimizes time loss.
Factories need time and labor to:
- Set up machines
- Adjust patterns and markers
- Prepare materials
- Run QC steps
- Clean and reset for the next order
Running only 100 pcs takes almost the same setup time as running 1,000 pcs, but generates very little revenue. So MOQs help suppliers avoid small, inefficient runs.
Cost Control & Profitability
Every order has fixed costs, such as labor, electricity, cutting, sewing, QC, and packing. If the supplier accepts a very small order, these fixed costs may be higher than the actual profit. That is why suppliers set an MOQ to make sure the revenue covers their expenses. When the order meets the minimum, both sides benefit from fair pricing. This helps suppliers stay stable and provide better service to buyers.
Suppliers have many fixed costs per order:
- Worker wages
- Electricity
- Machine time
- QC (IPI, DPI, FRI)
- Packing
- Admin and paperwork
If the order is too small, the supplier may lose money. An MOQ ensures the sale covers both fixed and variable costs.
Fabric & Material Constraints
In the garment industry, fabric mills also have their own minimums, especially for custom colors and special materials. Even if a buyer needs only 100 pieces, the supplier may still need to purchase 300–1,000 meters of fabric. Trims such as buttons, zippers, labels, and prints also require bulk ordering. Because of these material constraints, suppliers set an MOQ that matches fabric and trim purchase requirements. This keeps the supply chain smooth and prevents leftover materials.
In apparel, fabric mills often have their own MOQs:
- 1 color = 1 roll minimum (approx. 70 – 120 meters)
- Custom dyeing often requires 300 – 1,000 meters per color
- Accessories (buttons, zippers, labels) also have their own minimums
If a buyer only needs 50 pcs, suppliers still must buy fabric in bulk — which is why they set higher MOQs.
Inventory & Logistics Efficiency
Handling many small orders can slow down a factory’s workflow and add unnecessary administrative work. Warehousing, packaging, shipping, and paperwork all take time, even for tiny orders. MOQ helps suppliers reduce low-value, high-effort orders so they can focus on stable production. This makes their logistics planning more organized and predictable. As a result, buyers also enjoy faster communication and smoother timelines.
Handling many small orders increases:
- Warehouse space
- Admin time
- Packaging
- Shipping coordination
MOQs help suppliers reduce low-value orders that do not justify the workload.
Why Buyers Care About MOQ
Price Per Unit
When buyers meet the supplier’s MOQ, they usually receive better prices per unit. The supplier can buy fabric in bulk, run machines more efficiently, and reduce cutting waste. These savings are passed on to the buyer, making each piece more affordable. That’s why ordering at or above MOQ often gives brands a stronger profit margin. Larger orders also allow suppliers to plan production more confidently.
Larger orders usually mean:
- Lower price per piece
- Better material prices
- Better production planning
- Smoother QC
- Faster throughput per unit
Meeting MOQ often unlocks bulk pricing.
Negotiation Opportunities
MOQ is not always fixed; many suppliers can adjust it if the buyer has clear needs. Buyers may request a smaller batch with a surcharge, shared fabric, or in-stock materials. Open communication helps both sides find a solution that works. This flexibility is especially helpful for new brands testing the market. By negotiating smartly, buyers can reduce risk without hurting their relationship with the factory.
Buyers can negotiate:
- Smaller MOQs with surcharge
- Shared fabric with other customers
- Using in-stock materials
- Ordering 2 colors but same fabric to reduce risk
- Placing a “pilot run” first (e.g., 100 – 200 pcs)
A good supplier is flexible if you communicate openly.
Inventory & Cash Flow Challenges
A high MOQ can be difficult for small brands that don’t have much demand or storage space. Buying more than needed ties up cash and increases the risk of leftover stock. That’s why some buyers prefer smaller runs when launching new products. MOQ can create pressure, but planning and communication help reduce the impact. A balanced approach lets buyers grow without overstretching their finances.
High MOQs can create pressure for buyers:
- They may need more storage space
- Higher upfront cash investment
- Slower inventory turnover
- Risk of left-over stock if a product fails
This is why many brands prefer 300 – 500 pcs per color for testing new markets.
Practical Tips for Buyers
- Talk to your supplier early: Share your target quantity from the beginning. When suppliers understand your budget and plan, they can suggest fabric options, shared colors, or small-batch solutions that fit your needs.
- Ask about in-stock materials: Using available fabric, trims, or leftover rolls can help you reduce MOQ and speed up production. This is a smart way to test new designs without big risks.
- Request a pilot run: If you are unsure about demand, ask for a small pilot order (100–200 pcs) before moving to full production. Many factories will allow this if the style is simple.
- Be flexible with colors and sizes: Keeping colors standard and limiting size ranges (for example, XS–XL instead of XS–XXL) can reduce fabric waste and help you reach MOQ more easily.
- Combine styles when possible: If several designs use the same fabric, you can combine them to meet the factory’s minimum fabric purchase. This keeps your cost lower and reduces material leftovers.
- Accept small surcharges when needed: Sometimes paying a dye-house surcharge or cutting fee is cheaper than producing hundreds of extra units you don’t need. A small fee can save you from big inventory risks.
- Plan your inventory carefully: Buy only what you can sell within a reasonable timeline. Good forecasting helps you avoid overstock and keep your cash flow healthy.
- Build a long-term relationship: Suppliers usually offer better flexibility, pricing, and lower MOQs when they trust you. Consistent communication and repeat orders build strong partnerships.
Final Words / Conclusion
Understanding MOQ is important for both buyers and suppliers, because it helps keep production smooth, costs fair, and planning simple. When both sides communicate clearly, MOQ becomes a helpful tool instead of a barrier. It allows factories to work efficiently and gives buyers better prices and stronger control over their business. Whether you are ordering a small test run or a full bulk order, talking openly about MOQ will help you find the best plan. In the end, the goal is the same: create good products, save time, and build a long-term partnership that benefits everyone.
