MOQ Explained: Minimum Order Quantities for China Sourcing

What Is MOQ?

MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity — the smallest number of units a factory will accept for a single production run.

Why Factories Set MOQ

Factories set MOQs based on:

• Raw material minimums — fabric suppliers won't sell 10 meters
• Machine setup cost — each production run requires reconfiguring machines
• Profit margin — small runs cost more per unit to manage

Typical MOQ Ranges by Category

• Pet products: 50–500 pieces
• Apparel: 100–1000 pieces
• Electronics: 100–5000 pieces
• Toys: 200–5000 pieces
• Furniture: 10–200 pieces

How to Negotiate Lower MOQ

1. Offer to pay a higher per-unit price for the small run
2. Combine multiple SKUs into one production run
3. Use stock fabrics/materials instead of custom
4. Order during slow season when factories need work
5. Commit to a larger follow-up order to share setup cost

Working With a Sourcing Agent

A good agent has existing factory relationships and can often negotiate MOQs lower than what a foreign buyer could achieve alone. Browse our agent directory to find partners specializing in your product category.