Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) – What It Means for Shops
Suppliers often set a minimum order quantity (MOQ). Understanding it helps you plan.
Why MOQ Exists
Suppliers have fixed costs per order – packing, dispatch, paperwork. Small orders aren’t worth their while. MOQ ensures minimum business per transaction.
Typical MOQs
- Loose/commodity: 1 kg, 1 unit
- Packaged: 1 carton, 1 case (e.g. 12 or 24 units)
- Wholesale: 100 units, 1 box
When You Can’t Meet MOQ
- Find a smaller supplier or distributor
- Pool orders with nearby shops
- Negotiate – sometimes they’ll bend for regular customers
- Accept higher per-unit cost for smaller batches
Plan Your Orders
If MOQ is 24 units and you sell 4 per week, that’s 6 weeks of stock. Manage storage and expiry. Use Days of Stock.
Stockkeeper for inventory. Join the waitlist.