Manufacturing & Supply Chain
August 9, 2025
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) can make or break a production run—especially for new and growing brands. This guide covers realistic regional benchmarks, what drives MOQs, an illustrative surcharge scale for sub-MOQ orders (so you can model costs), and the levers that help you land a workable deal. You’ll also see where PLM/ERP slots in to align buys with demand and cash.
Regional MOQ Benchmarks
Baselines for mainstream categories. Complex construction, custom materials, or peak seasons can push higher.
Region / Sourcing Hub | Typical MOQ (per color per style) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Portugal | ≈150 | Premium basics, strong knits/wovens, quick turns. |
China | 300–600+ | Broad capability & finishing; setup economies favor larger runs. |
Turkey | 200–400 | Denim/knits; fast EU access. |
India | 250–600 | Diverse textiles; embroidery/handwork. |
Bangladesh | 500–1,000+ | Scale/value basics. |
Vietnam | 300–600 | Outerwear/active expertise. |
Eastern Europe (RO/BG, etc.) | 150–300 | EU logistics; small/mid runs. |
USA/UK small workshops (CMT) | 50–150 | Low MOQs, higher unit costs; great for capsules/tests. |
Shortlisting locally (e.g., apparel manufacturers in Dallas, TX)? Log each factory’s MOQ and any exceptions in your PLM. See our blog for sourcing checklists.
What Sets MOQs (and How to Influence Them)
Driver | Why it raises MOQs | How to lower it |
|---|---|---|
Fabric & trims sourcing | Mill/trim vendor minimums, dye-lot sizes | Use stock fabrics; consolidate colors; standardize trims |
Product complexity | More panels/finishes = longer line time | Start simple; iterate after demand validates |
Factory size & line planning | High-volume lines need longer batches | Choose smaller/CMT shops; schedule off-peak; share 6–12 mo forecasts |
Print & dye method | Screen setup per color; batch constraints | Use digital print or fewer screen colors; batch colors across styles |
Supplier risk | New brands face conservative policies | Ship a clean tech pack sample; run a paid pilot (sample apparel) |
Sub-MOQ Orders:
Assume the factory’s MOQ = 300 units per color per style. A sliding surcharge scale could look like:
Ordered Quantity | Surcharge on Unit Price |
|---|---|
50–100 pcs | +30% |
101–200 pcs | +20% |
201–299 pcs | +10% |
≥300 pcs (meets MOQ) | 0% (base price) |
Formula: Effective Unit Price = Base Unit Price × (1 + Surcharge%)
Worked example:
Base unit @ MOQ = $8.00.
Ordering 150 pcs (101–200 band) → +20% → $9.60 per unit → $1,440 total vs $2,400 at 300 units.
You pay more per unit, but risk and cash outlay are lower.ase price
High vs Low MOQs (Pick by Risk, Cash, Speed)
High MOQ | Low MOQ (with surcharge) | |
|---|---|---|
Unit cost | Lower | Higher (per agreed scale) |
Cash outlay | Higher | Lower |
Material options | Broader (custom mills/dyes) | Mostly stock |
Inventory risk | Higher | Lower |
Factory priority | Easier | Harder (unless you pay for slotting) |
Negotiation Tactics
Fewer styles, more colors to hit style-level MOQ.
Use stock fabrics to avoid upstream mill minimums.
Pilot first (paid sample apparel run) and negotiate surcharge credit-backs on reorder.
Share a 6–12 mo forecast so the vendor sees repeatability.
Go CMT where needed (you source; factory Cut/Make/Trim).
De-risk with a bullet-proof spec and tech pack sample → Tech Pack Software
Clear Up the Supplier Language
People interchange “supplier,” “vendor,” “manufacturer,” and “wholesaler.” If you’ve ever looked up the difference between supplier and vendor (or variants), remember: the contract is what counts. Define MOQ rules, surcharge scale, QC, rework liability, and timelines.
→ Streamline comms & approvals with Supplier Collaboration.
If you sell B2B as a manufacturer and wholesaler, publish MOQs, surcharge scales, and price breaks in your line sheets.
→ Build assortments with Linesheet Software.
Plan Like a Pro with PLM + ERP
PLM for pre-production: Centralize BOMs, graded sizes, versions, approvals, supplier docs, compliance, and change logs so factories always build from the latest spec. Start with a tech pack sample workflow.
→ Tech Pack SoftwareERP for purchasing & inventory: Turn approved specs into POs, track receipts, landed costs, and stock by location; align buys with demand to avoid over-ordering.
→ Fashion ERP — purpose-built apparel manufacturing ERP softwareTie it together: Sync items, BOMs, suppliers, POs, and status—no double entry, fewer surprises.
→ Supplier Collaboration
