MOQ stands for minimum order quantity: the smallest number of pieces a manufacturer will produce for one design. It is one of the first questions every new brand, club or gym asks, because it decides how much you need to spend before you can test your idea.
Why do factories have an MOQ?
Every production run has fixed costs that do not change much whether you order 30 pieces or 300:
- Making and grading patterns for each size
- Setting up cutting, printing screens or embroidery files
- Sourcing and dyeing fabric to your colour
- Planning the sewing line and quality checks
The MOQ makes sure those costs are spread across enough pieces to keep the price per piece reasonable.
What affects the MOQ?
Fabric and colour
Stock fabrics in common colours allow lower minimums. A custom-dyed fabric or special knit often needs a larger fabric order, which raises the MOQ.
Decoration method
Sublimation and heat transfer have low setup costs and suit small runs. Screen printing needs a screen per colour, so very small quantities cost more per piece. Embroidery needs a digitised file once, then repeats cheaply.
Product complexity
A simple tee is quicker to set up than a jacket with zips, linings and pockets. More components can mean higher minimums or a higher price at low quantities.
What does “MOQ per design” mean?
At Naxon Sports our MOQ starts from 30 pieces per design. A design means one style in one colourway. Within those 30 pieces you can mix sizes, and for team wear every shirt can have a different name and number. If you order three designs, each needs 30 pieces.
How to make a small order work
- Start with fewer styles. Three strong designs at 30 pieces each beat ten designs you cannot afford to restock.
- Use the same fabric across styles. A hoodie and jogger set in the same fleece and colour is easier to produce.
- Choose low-setup decoration. Sublimation, heat transfer and embroidery work well for small runs.
- Order a sample first. It costs a little, but prevents expensive mistakes in bulk.
- Plan reorders. Once patterns exist, reorders of best sellers are faster and simpler.
MOQ for teams and clubs
For team uniforms, 30 pieces is usually one squad plus spares, or a squad and its training wear. Socks, shorts and jerseys can be ordered together as kits, and youth and adult sizes can be mixed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I order fewer than 30 pieces?
Our standard minimum is 30 pieces per design. Contact us with your project; for samples we produce single pieces before bulk.
Does a lower quantity cost more per piece?
Usually yes, because setup costs are shared across fewer pieces. The price per piece drops as quantities grow.
Can I mix sizes within the MOQ?
Yes. Sizes from kids to adult can be mixed within one design.
Have a small project? Send us your idea or try our online designer.