Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) Explained: Why They Exist and How to Use Them
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) Explained: Why They Exist and How to Use Them
Anyone ordering branded shakers or drinking bottles for the first time runs into the term "minimum order quantity", or MOQ. For many B2B buyers it feels like an obstacle — but there is sound logic behind it. This article explains why minimum order quantities exist, how they are calculated, and how to use them strategically.
What is a minimum order quantity?
The minimum order quantity (MOQ) is the smallest number of units a manufacturer or supplier will accept per order. For white-label products such as shakers, the MOQ typically ranges from a few hundred to several thousand units, depending on the product type and how far it is customised.
Why do MOQs exist?
Manufacturers set minimum order quantities for several reasons:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Production efficiency | Machines have to be set up, screens made and colours mixed — those setup costs are spread across the whole run |
| Material purchasing | Raw materials such as plastic granulate are bought in minimum quantities |
| Screens and tooling | For screen printing, each colour of a design needs its own screen |
| Viability | Below a certain quantity, production simply does not cover its costs |
Good to know: Setup costs (screens, machine configuration) are the same for every order — whether it is 210 units or 5,000. That is why the unit price falls so noticeably as volume rises.
MOQ levels by product type
Shakers with logo printing (example: Premium Shaker 700 ml)
From 210 units: the larger the quantity, the lower the unit price — the configurator works out the price for your quantity straight away.
Printing is always done by screen printing — multi-colour prints are possible from the entry quantity.
Shakers in your own colour or shape
If you want the cup made in your own colour rather than just printed, the minimum rises:
| Level of customisation | MOQ | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Own colour | From 1,120 units (Premium Shaker 700 ml) | The colour has to be mixed specially |
Your own shape is possible too. You cover the cost of the tooling (the injection mould) — it then belongs to you, and we produce with it for you.
As we explain in our article on the production process, these factors have a considerable effect on total cost.
Strategies for working with MOQs
1. Start small with standard products
Begin with a proven standard shaker and have your logo printed on it. That lets you test how your product lands with your audience at the entry quantity.
2. Combine orders
If the quantity you want sits below the MOQ, there are ways around it:
| Strategy | How it works |
|---|---|
| One design, several campaigns | The MOQ applies per design – plan one motif you can use for several campaigns |
| Stock order | Order the MOQ and hold the surplus for later campaigns |
| Co-operation | Join forces with other companies |
3. Scale in stages
Start at the lowest MOQ level, test the market, and scale once it works:
- Test order: the product's entry quantity, to try it out
- First campaign: 500-1,000 units
- Established demand: 2,500-5,000 units
- Volume: from 5,000 units — the unit price keeps falling, following the product's price tiers
4. Pick your moment
Plan with lead time instead of under pressure — that leaves enough time for samples, approval and production.
Common questions about MOQs
Can you order below the MOQ?
No. We do not currently produce below the minimum quantity.
Do MOQs change on repeat orders?
No. The minimum quantity also applies to repeat orders of the same design.
What if the quality is not right?
Reputable manufacturers offer sample orders. Always order one to three samples before committing to the full MOQ. More on this in our guide to white-label products.
Our approach: a level for every budget
Not every company can order thousands of shakers straight away. That is why our minimum quantities are set per product — with the Premium Shaker 700 ml you start at 210 units. The overview below shows which options are available from which quantity:
| From quantity | What you get |
|---|---|
| Entry quantity | Shaker with your logo in screen print, single- or multi-colour |
| 560 units | First volume tier: lower unit price |
| 1,120 units | Your own special colour by colour code on the Premium Shaker 700 ml — other products have their own minimum quantity |
| Samples | Samples before you order — the sample price is credited against a later order |
Browse the options in our product overview.
Not sure which quantity is right for you? Our team will advise you on the best order size for your budget and your goals. Ask us — free and without obligation.
