What Should I Do When Minimum Order Quantities Are Too High?

Minimum order quantity (MOQ) is one of the biggest barriers, especially for newly established or small-scale brands. Many manufacturers demand high minimums to maintain profitability and run their production lines efficiently. However, for brands working with limited budgets, looking to test a new product, or serving a niche market, these quantities can be prohibitively high.

There are solid economic reasons behind manufacturers setting high MOQs. Factors such as bulk purchase discounts on fabric and raw materials, spreading machine setup costs across order volume, and labor efficiency prevent manufacturers from going below a certain minimum. For a garment manufacturer, the unit cost difference between a 50-piece order and a 500-piece order can be fifty percent or more.

This creates a serious dilemma for brands: either accept the high MOQ and face inventory risk and cash flow pressure, or postpone production and miss the market opportunity. This is especially critical for seasonal collections, capsule collections, or new product launches. Overproducing leads to unsold inventory sitting in warehouses and eventually being sold at a discount.

There are several strategies for dealing with the high MOQ problem. First, you need to find manufacturers who are willing and specialized in working with small batches. Not all manufacturers are the same — some focus on serving smaller brands and have optimized their production lines accordingly. Second, you can increase your total order volume through creative solutions like producing multiple styles from the same fabric.

A third strategy is the shared order model: different brands producing similar items can pool their fabric or material orders, collectively surpassing the individual MOQ threshold. Fourth, sourcing raw materials and fabric yourself so the manufacturer only handles the cut-and-sew operation can also alleviate the MOQ issue.

However, all these strategies are difficult to implement without access to the right supplier network. Knowing which manufacturer accepts low MOQs and which specializes in small batch production requires deep market knowledge. Digital platforms allow you to filter manufacturers by MOQ, discover small batch specialists, and quickly find the best match for your specific needs.

If you want to overcome the high MOQ barrier and get production done at the right scale for your brand, leave your email address. Our team will match you with verified manufacturers who can work with lower quantities.