MOQ & Pricing
Explained
Everything you need to know about minimum order quantities, pricing tiers, volume discounts, and how to negotiate with apparel manufacturers. This guide covers MOQ for T-shirts, hoodies, polos, and custom apparel production.
What is MOQ?
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is the smallest number of units a manufacturer will produce in a single order. Understanding MOQ is critical when sourcing apparel from Bangladesh or any manufacturing region.
Why MOQ Exists
MOQ protects manufacturers by ensuring production efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Here are the key reasons:
- Setup costs (cutting patterns, dyeing batches, embroidery digitization, screen printing setup)
- Production efficiency and machine utilization
- Quality control requirements and testing protocols
- Shipping and logistics optimization
- Raw material procurement and waste management
- Labor scheduling and factory planning
Brandex MOQ Policy
Standard MOQ
50 units
Per style, color, or size
Can mix colors & sizes?
✓ Yes
Sample lead time
7 days
Production lead time
14-21 days
Lower MOQ Options
For very small orders (25-49 units), we offer special pricing with a slight premium (10-15% upcharge). This is ideal for startups testing new designs or limited edition drops. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.
MOQ by Product Type
Different apparel types may have slightly different MOQ thresholds based on production complexity and setup requirements.
| Product Type | MOQ | Lead Time | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic T-Shirts | 50 units | 14-21 days | Print/Embroidery |
| Premium T-Shirts (Heavy-weight) | 50 units | 14-21 days | Print/Embroidery/Dye |
| Polo Shirts | 50 units | 14-21 days | Embroidery |
| Hoodies & Sweatshirts | 50 units | 14-21 days | Print/Embroidery |
| Performance/Activewear | 75 units | 18-25 days | Print/Embroidery |
| Babywear | 100 units | 18-25 days | Print/Embroidery |
Note: MOQ can be reduced for large repeat orders or long-term partnerships. Contact us to discuss your project timeline and volume expectations.
Pricing Breakdown
Transparent, competitive pricing based on product type, fabric quality, and customization level. All prices are FOB factory (Bangladesh).
Plain or simple print
Basic T-Shirt (5oz)
$2.50-$3.50
Heavy-weight, embroidery
Premium T-Shirt (6oz+)
$3.50-$4.50
Custom collar, embroidery
Polo Shirt (Pique)
$2.75-$4.50
Full customization
Hoodie (Fleece)
$4-$7
Moisture-wicking fabrics
Performance Wear
$3-$6
Per embroidery/print
Custom Branding
+$0.50-$1.50
What's Included in Pricing?
Included
- Fabric cost (premium quality)
- Basic sewing and stitching
- Quality control inspection
- Packaging (poly bags or boxes)
- FOB factory price (no hidden fees)
- Factory documentation
Not Included
- •Shipping (quoted separately)
- •Custom embroidery/screen printing
- •Special finishes (washing, dyeing)
- •Rush production fees (+20-30%)
- •Import duties/taxes
- •Customs clearance
Volume Discounts
Larger orders receive better pricing. Our tiered discount system rewards bulk purchases and long-term partnerships.
50-99 units
Starting point for all orders
Base price
100-199 units
Small volume discount
2-3% off
200-499 units
Medium volume discount
5-7% off
500-999 units
Large volume discount
10-12% off
1000+ units
Enterprise pricing available
15-20% off
Example: Cost Savings with Volume
A basic T-shirt at $3.00 per unit:
Payment Terms & Options
Flexible payment options designed to work with your cash flow and reduce risk.
Sample Orders
For testing designs and fabrics:
- 50% deposit to start production
- 50% before shipment
- Alibaba Trade Assurance available
- Production time: 7 days
Bulk Orders
For production runs (100+ units):
- 30% deposit to start production
- 70% before shipment
- Flexible terms for 500+ units
- Production time: 14-21 days
Accepted Payment Methods
Can You Negotiate MOQ?
In some cases, yes. Here's how to approach MOQ negotiation with manufacturers.
✓ When MOQ Can Be Reduced
- Long-term partnership (3+ orders planned)
- Simple designs (no custom embroidery)
- Standard fabrics (no special dyes)
- Flexible timeline (no rush fees)
- Repeat orders from same design
✗ When MOQ Cannot Be Reduced
- Complex customization (embroidery, special prints)
- Rush production (tight deadlines)
- Unique fabrics or special finishes
- First-time orders with no history
- Very small quantities (under 25 units)
How to Negotiate MOQ
Be transparent
Share your business plan and growth projections. Manufacturers prefer partners with clear vision.
Offer commitment
Propose a series of orders rather than a one-time purchase. This justifies setup costs.
Accept a premium
If MOQ is reduced, expect to pay 10-15% more per unit to offset manufacturer risk.
Simplify the design
Fewer customizations = lower MOQ. Start with basic prints, then add embroidery later.
Plan ahead
Give manufacturers 4-6 weeks lead time. Rush orders cannot have reduced MOQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MOQ, pricing, and ordering from apparel manufacturers.
What if I want to order less than 50 units?▼
We can accommodate orders as low as 25 units with a 10-15% premium on per-unit cost. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Can I mix different colors and sizes in one MOQ?▼
Yes! Your 50-unit MOQ can include multiple colors, sizes, and styles. This flexibility is one of our key advantages.
How long does production take?▼
Standard production is 14-21 days. Samples take 7 days. Rush production (3-7 days) is available with a 20-30% upcharge.
What happens if I need to change my order mid-production?▼
Changes can be made if production hasn't started. Once cutting begins, changes incur additional fees. Always communicate early.
Do you offer drop-shipping or fulfillment services?▼
We focus on manufacturing. For fulfillment, we recommend partnering with 3PL providers or using Shopify fulfillment services.
What's the difference between FOB and CIF pricing?▼
FOB (Free on Board) means you pay shipping. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) means we arrange and pay for shipping. We quote FOB factory prices.
Can I get a volume discount on my first order?▼
Volume discounts apply based on total quantity. A 50-unit first order gets base pricing. Discounts kick in at 100+ units.
What if the quality isn't what I expected?▼
We conduct strict QC before shipment. If there are issues, we'll remake the order at no cost. Samples are always recommended before bulk production.
Ready to Get Started?
Let's discuss your project. We'll provide a detailed quote, MOQ options, and production timeline within 24 hours.