MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The smallest quantity a supplier will accept per order - it shapes how much cash gets tied up in a single purchase. A high MOQ can be the single biggest barrier for a small or new business testing a product idea, forcing a large cash commitment before there's any sales data to justify it.
In practice
MOQs exist because production and shipping have fixed costs a supplier needs to spread across enough units to make an order worthwhile - a new or small business often has to negotiate a lower MOQ or accept tying up more cash than it would prefer in a first order.
A supplier requires a minimum order of 1,000 units per SKU, meaning a new brand testing a product has to commit to that volume even before knowing if it will sell.
Why it matters
A high MOQ can be the single biggest barrier for a small or new business testing a product idea, forcing a large cash commitment before there's any sales data to justify it.
Worth knowing
- Often negotiable, especially in exchange for a slightly higher per-unit price on a smaller order.
- Some suppliers offer a lower MOQ for a first trial order, then require the full MOQ on repeat orders.
- A high MOQ combined with slow sell-through is a common path directly into dead stock.
Start the conversation
Let's talk it through
Tell us where things stand with putting moq into practice and we'll respond with next steps, no forms, no waiting in a queue.
- A specialist replies directly, not a support queue
- Whichever channel is fastest for you, call, WhatsApp or email
- No long-term contract to start the conversation
