TL;DR
MOQ (minimum order quantity) is the smallest number of units a manufacturer will produce per design. MOQs exist because setup — molds, calibration, plating baths — has fixed costs. Low-MOQ partners let brands launch small, validate demand, then scale.
What is an MOQ?
A minimum order quantity is the fewest pieces a factory will make of a single design in a single run. It is usually set per style (and sometimes per material or finish), not across your whole order.
Why manufacturers set MOQs
Every design has fixed setup costs — cutting a mold, calibrating stones, preparing plating baths, and QC setup. Spreading those costs across too few pieces makes the per-unit price uneconomical for both sides. MOQs keep unit costs sensible.
Low MOQ ≠ no MOQ
A low-MOQ partner lets you start with a small first run to test the market. As a style sells through, you reorder at higher volumes and better unit pricing.
How to work with MOQs as an emerging brand
- Launch a tight capsule (a few hero styles) rather than a huge range
- Negotiate MOQs per style and confirm reorder pricing tiers
- Use sampling to validate before committing to a full run
- Plan your cash flow around deposit-with-order terms