It can be really tricky to find a clothing supplier that offers a low minimum order quantity (MOQ). Most suppliers require a high MOQ, which can make it difficult for small businesses to get started in the fashion industry. In this blog post, we’ll explore why finding a low MOQ supplier is so hard, and offer some tips for how to overcome this obstacle. Stay tuned!
What is MOQ?
MOQ is a three-letter word. The acronym MOQ stands for “minimum order quantity.” It indicates the smallest amount of items that a manufacturer will accept for a production order.
For example, if a clothing manufacturer has an MOQ of 100 pieces per style, you’ll need to purchase at least 100 items in that style to fulfill a supplier’s MOQ standards for a single production run. Almost all suppliers have a MOQ. Each supplier’s quantities will vary considerably based on their type of factory, what they are manufacturing, and where they are located.
Why MOQ is important in the clothing industry?
In the clothing industry, MOQs are critical because they ensure that buyers are ordering a minimum number of items per style that justify the cost to set up the machines and produce the Clothing.
If you were to order only one piece of clothing, it would be costly because, even though the setup costs are fixed, the variable costs (like fabric, trims, and labor) would be very high. That’s why sample cost is always much more expensive than bulk order price.
As a result, the MOQ of some small factories is around 50pcs per style, while most clothing manufacturers have MOQs that start at around 200-300 pieces per style. However, some big factories have MOQs as high as 1,000 or more.
While these large minimums may seem daunting, it is essential to remember that you are not required to purchase the full MOQ for each style. You can mix and match sizes and colors to reach the required number of pieces for the minimum order quantity.
The MOQ affects you in a few ways:
- First, it is important to know the MOQs of the factories you are considering to make sure you’re ordering the minimum number of items per style.
- Secondly, it is essential to factor in the cost of the MOQ when you are calculating your per-unit costs.
- Lastly, if you are working with a new factory, you may be required to purchase a higher MOQ to offset the factory’s risk by working with a new buyer.
By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can ensure that you are Manufacturing Clothing the most efficiently and cost-effectively possible.
Why finding a supplier with a low MOQ is so tricky.
Today, I will show you why finding a low MOQ clothes manufacturer can feel like looking for a unicorn. Variable costs can significantly impact the bottom line of any company. Especially in these difficult economic times when we are all suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 when profit margins are being squeezed.
First of all, we need to know how factories work.
The garment factories don’t make everything themselves. For example, fabrics, accessories, prints and embroideries, all these things have to be sourced. Those upstream suppliers of the garment factory have their own MOQ from 100pcs to 1000pcs too.
For example, why most of the China factories’s MOQ of t shirt is 100pcs or multiples of 100? That’s because the fabric supplier’s MOQ is 1 roll each type and each color. And 1 roll of fabric is enough to make about 100pcs of short sleeve t-shirt.
Working in apparel manufacturing is a chain reaction, so first, understand that everything is connected. When one link within the process is damaged, the entire system reacts. For example, if your zipper are late to be delivered, it’s not as simple as just sewing the whole jacket and adding the zipper later. It all needs to be done in one go throughout the flow.
Efficiency is significantly increased by doing it that way, and businesses make their money by learning to be as efficient as possible.
The reality is, when a clothing manufacturer tells you that they have a minimum order quantity of 500 pieces per style, what they are saying is that their minimum order quantity is 500 pieces per everything.
It is not just 500 shirts. It is 500 shirts + all of the pattern pieces + all of the grading + all of the markers + all of the labels + all of the hangtags, + all of the packaging.
The paper pattern is critical and often overlooked because it is the first step in manufacturing clothing. The paper pattern is what tells the factory how to cut out each piece of the garment.
This might not seem like a big deal, but it is a massive investment for the factory. They need to spend time and money to develop the paper pattern, which includes several steps like making a mockup (or sample) of the garment, grading the pattern (making it in multiple sizes), and then creating a marker (a flat layout of all the pieces that will be cut out of the fabric). Don’t forget that factory also need to hire a sales team to talk with you and offer you you a free consultation service. ( Click to see the whole process of clothing manufacture)
Factory become more efficient with the time.
The good news is that once the paper pattern is made, the factory can use it repeatedly to produce multiple garments for the same size and style. So, the more you order, the lower your per-unit costs.
However, if you are working with a new factory or a small MOQ clothing manufacturer, they may require you to purchase a higher MOQ to offset the risk they are taking on by working with a new buyer.
It is essential to factor in the cost of the MOQ when you are calculating your per-unit costs so that you can make sure you are ordering the minimum number of items per style.
How to find a supplier with a low MOQ?
“Why is finding a low MOQ clothing supplier so hard?”
If you are in the clothing business, you know how important it is to find a supplier with a low minimum order quantity (MOQ). After all, no one wants to buy more inventory than they need, and having too much stock can tie up valuable resources.
The problem is that low MOQ suppliers are often hard to find. Many manufacturers require high minimum orders to make a profit, and they are not always willing to negotiate on price or quantity.
So how can you find a low MOQ clothing supplier? Here are a few tips:
- Try contacting small, independent clothing manufacturers. They may be more willing to work with you on minimum order quantities.
- Ask other businesses in the clothing industry for recommendations. They may know of low MOQ suppliers that you have not been able to find on your own.
- Use an online search engine to find suppliers that offer low MOQs. Try searching for “clothing manufacturing” or “low MOQ clothing suppliers.”
- Negotiate with potential suppliers. They may be willing to lower their minimum order quantities if you are a good fit for their business.
- Order more styles from the same supplier to ask for a lower quantity. When the total quantity of an order is large, your negotiations will be more favorable.
- Increase the unit price appropriately to attract them to lower the MOQ for you.
Finding a low MOQ clothing supplier can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By following these tips, you should be able to find a supplier that meets your needs and helps your business succeed.
The benefits of working with a supplier that has a low MOQ．
There are several benefits to working with a clothing manufacturer with a low MOQ. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that you will be able to order smaller quantities of clothing, which can save you money. If you are starting in the clothing business or are unsure how successful your clothing line will be, working with a low MOQ supplier can help you manage your inventory and cash flow more effectively.
Another benefit of working with a low MOQ clothing manufacturer is that you will have more flexibility regarding the styles and sizes of Clothing that you can order. If you are just starting, you may not know what styles and sizes will be famous, so working with a low MOQ supplier can help you experiment and find the right mix.
Finally, working with a low MOQ clothing manufacturer can make your life easier. Ordering smaller quantities of Clothing is generally less complicated and more straightforward than ordering larger quantities, so if you are not ready to commit to a large order, working with a low MOQ supplier can be an excellent way to get started.
Important tips: When working with supplier who offer you a very low MOQ and cheap price, please pay more attention of being scams. You must first order a sample to check quality in person. For the first bulk order, use PayPal to proetct your money is necessary.
The risks associated with working with a supplier that has a high MOQ.
There is the obvious financial risk of tying up a large amount of money in inventory that may not sell, but there are also other risks. For example, if you are working with a new supplier, there is always the risk that the product quality may not meet your standards. With a high MOQ, you are likely to be stuck with many sub-par products.
Another risk is that the supplier may not be able to meet your delivery timelines. This can leave you in a difficult position if you have already committed to selling the product to your customers.
Finally, there is always the possibility that the supplier will go out of business before you can re-order. This can leave you in a difficult position, as you may not be able to find another supplier who can meet your needs.
In conclusion, working with a supplier that has a high MOQ can be risky. There are financial risks and the risk of receiving a sub-par product. There is also the risk that the supplier may not be able to meet your delivery timelines or that they will go out of business before you have a chance to re-order.
If you consider working with a supplier with a high MOQ, be sure to weight the risks carefully before deciding.
It can be hard to find a supplier that offers low MOQs for clothing. This is because many suppliers are looking for larger orders, and they don’t want the hassle of dealing with small quantities. However, at Lezhou Garment, we understand the importance of offering our customers a variety of options. That’s why we offer as little as 100 pieces MOQ per style and per color for simple designs.So whether you need just one piece to see the quality and our service or enough inventory to last you through the year, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a quick quote so you can get started on your new project!