Low MOQ manufacturers in China: how to order small

Why do minimums exist?

A minimum order quantity (MOQ, 起订量, qǐdìngliàng) is not a supplier being difficult. Each new run needs machines set up, materials bought (fabric comes in rolls, plastic pellets in bags, printed boxes in print runs) and staff scheduled. Below a certain quantity, that fixed cost is spread over too few pieces for the order to make sense. Our guide to what MOQ means covers the types of minimums in detail.

Seen that way, the question is not "how do I avoid the MOQ?" but "how do I make a small order worth the supplier's time?"

Stock vs custom: the biggest lever

General patterns; actual minimums depend on the product and supplier.

On 1688 and Alibaba, many listings for stock goods show small minimums. Custom versions of the same item usually need more.

Five asks that can lower the minimum

1. Use an existing designPick a design the supplier already makes and add your logo or label.
2. Use stock materials and colorsChoose colors and materials the supplier already holds, so nothing has to be bought just for you.
3. Mix colors or sizesAsk if the minimum can be split across colors or sizes (混批, hùnpī, mixed batch).
4. Accept a higher unit priceOffer to pay more per piece on the first order.
5. Pay the setup costOffer to pay a setup fee, such as a plate fee (版费, bǎnfèi) or mold fee (开模费, kāimú fèi), so the run makes sense.

How to ask: wording in English and Mandarin

Only say you will reorder if you mean it. Suppliers remember. More phrases are in our guide to messaging a Chinese supplier in Mandarin.

Expect a higher unit price on small runs

Fixed costs are shared by fewer pieces, so the price per piece goes up. A worked example with illustrative numbers (not a quote):

Illustrative numbers for a simple printed product, to show the math. Real prices depend on the product, materials and supplier.

In this example the small order costs $1.50 more per piece but ties up about half the cash, which is often the right trade when you are testing a product. Run your own numbers with our landed cost calculator and profit margin calculator.

Which product types tend to flex?

There are no guarantees, but in general:

• Often flexible: printed or embroidered items on stock blanks (bags, apparel, mugs), simple packaging with stickers or stamps, items sold as stock on 1688.
• Often less flexible: anything that needs a new mold, custom-dyed fabric, printed retail boxes, electronics and products that need certification testing.

Sample, pilot, full run

1. SampleOne or a few pieces to check quality and fit. Expect to pay a sample fee (样品费, yàngpǐnfèi).
2. Pilot orderA small paid run to test the market and the supplier's consistency.
3. Full runOnce it sells, reorder at a quantity that brings the unit price down.

A copy-ready message

Hello [name],

We are a small brand in [country] and would like to start with a small first order of [product].

Could you make [quantity] pieces? We are happy to:
- use one of your existing designs and add our logo
- use materials and colors you already have
- accept a higher unit price for this first order

If sales go well, we plan to reorder in larger quantities.
What is the lowest quantity you can do, and the price?

Thank you,
[your name]

您好！
我们是[国家]的一个小品牌，想先小批量试单[产品]。
请问能做[数量]个吗？我们可以：
- 用你们现有的款式，加我们的logo
- 用你们现有的材料和颜色
- 第一单单价高一点也可以接受
如果卖得好，我们会返单，数量会更大。
请问最少能做多少个？价格多少？
谢谢！

Let us ask several factories for you

Small orders are easier when you ask several suppliers the same way. Send us what you want made and the quantity you have in mind. We reach out to factories in Mandarin and email you what they told us about their minimums. Asking is free.

Frequently asked questions

General information as of October 15, 2026. Prices in the worked example are illustrative. Minimums, prices and flexibility vary by supplier and product; confirm in writing.