MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
ProductionAlso known as: Minimum Order, Min order qty, Minimum run size
The smallest production run a manufacturer will accept for an order.
What It Means
Minimum Order Quantity is the smallest batch size a contract manufacturer will produce. MOQs vary widely: large CMOs may require 50,000-100,000+ units, while smaller operations accept 1,000-5,000 units. MOQ is driven by equipment setup costs, raw material minimums, and production line economics. Lower MOQ typically means higher per-unit cost.
What It Is Not
MOQ is not a quality indicator. Low MOQ can be good (startups, test runs) or bad (indicates small-scale operation without economies). High MOQ doesn't mean better product — it means the manufacturer targets larger brands. Always ask about MOQ for YOUR specific formulation, not just the company's general minimum.
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