Key takeaways
- MOQ is the smallest quantity per order or per design.
- Setup costs make very small runs expensive.
- Digital printing allows very low minimums.
- Larger orders reduce the unit price.
- Our minimums start from [100] units for most styles.
What does MOQ mean?
The minimum order quantity is the smallest number of units a supplier will make in a single order. For custom printed boxes, MOQs commonly range from about 100 to 1,000 units per design, depending on the supplier, box style and printing method.
Why suppliers set minimums
Every production run has fixed setup costs: printing plates, a cutting die, machine setup, colour matching and waste sheets while the press gets up to speed. These costs are the same whether you order 100 boxes or 10,000, so they are spread across the order. Very small orders would otherwise have extremely high unit prices.
How quantity affects price
Unit prices fall as quantities rise:
| Quantity | Relative unit price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | Highest | Testing, launches |
| 250 to 500 | Lower | Small businesses |
| 1,000 | Much lower | Growing brands |
| 5,000+ | Lowest | Established products |
Why MOQs vary
Large factories built for long runs have high minimums; short-run and digital specialists accept much smaller orders. Complex boxes with several finishes often have higher minimums because of extra setup. Some suppliers apply the MOQ per design, others per order, so always ask how it is counted if you have multiple products.
Custom packaging with low or no minimum
Digital printing needs no plates, so some suppliers can produce very small runs or single samples. Stock box sizes with custom stickers or labels are another low-minimum option. For startups, a small first run lets you test the market before committing to large quantities.
Balancing MOQ and storage
Ordering more lowers unit cost but ties up cash and storage space. For new products, a smaller first order is often wiser. Once sales are proven, increase quantities to benefit from lower prices.
How to lower your MOQ
Use one box design for several products with labels, choose standard dimensions, combine products into one order, accept digital printing for short runs and explain your growth plans to suppliers, who may be flexible for a first order.
Samples before committing
Most suppliers offer samples or prototypes below the MOQ so you can check fit and quality first.
Frequently asked questions
What does MOQ mean?
Minimum order quantity.
Is MOQ per design or per order?
It varies by supplier; always ask.
Can I order custom boxes with no minimum?
Some digital options allow very small runs; our styles start from [100] units.
Why are small orders more expensive?
Setup costs are spread over fewer boxes.