Good morning or good evening, depending on which hemisphere you’re in. You’re likely here for one of two reasons: either I’ve directed you to this page to explain a bit about MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities), or you’ve found it through a Google search, in which case, my SEO is working well. For those in a hurry, here’s a quick TLDR before diving into the details.
TLDR
MOQs in garment manufacturing are influenced by several factors, including the minimum amount of fabric (measured in yards) that can be purchased, the minimum number of sizes we can produce, and the optimal labor cost per design.
If your email read something like, “I want to start with 15 pieces and grow as I sell more garments,” there’s a good chance I sent you here to clarify why that may not be feasible.
The Profit Factor in Garment Manufacturing
Garment manufacturing is a low-margin industry, even under the best circumstances. For instance, on a batch of 100 pieces, we might only make a profit of $3 to $4 per garment. As you can imagine, the prospect of spending hours working through your tech packs and design files to produce just 30 pieces is not viable. The economics simply don’t add up.
If you’re determined to start with low MOQs (fewer than 100 pieces), your best option might be to find ready-made garments on platforms like AliExpress or Alibaba and customize them locally through a print or embroidery shop.
Finding the Balance in Garment Manufacturing MOQs
Our goal is to help you get started with the lowest feasible MOQ that satisfies all parties involved—the fabric suppliers, the seamstresses, and the manufacturers. Generally, this sweet spot tends to be around 100 pieces per style, with mixed sizing across 3 to 4 sizes. If you’re looking to offer 4 or 5 sizes, the optimal MOQ increases to around 150 pieces.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at enquiry@idealabgz.com. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of garment manufacturing and find the best solution for your needs.
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