MOQ Negotiation: Getting Better Terms on a First Order

Most published MOQs are opening positions rather than hard limits. Factories set them to cover setup cost — tooling, colour changes, material minimums. If you can absorb some of that cost differently, the quantity usually moves. Accepting a stock colour, ordering during a slow season, or committing to a repeat schedule are all more persuasive than simply asking for less. Be explicit about your growth plan. A supplier will often accept a small trial run if it is framed as the first of several orders, with the second quantity agreed in writing.