How Do You Handle High Minimums?
You’ve finally found a manufacturer who can bring your product to life… and then the quote hits your inbox: Minimum Order Quantity: 500 units.
Cue the sweat inducing panic.
If you’re an artist or small product-based business owner, those high MOQs (minimum order quantities) can feel impossible. You want to grow, but you don’t want to fill your entire garage with products you’re not sure you can sell yet.
The good news? You have options. Here’s how to handle high minimums like a pro and start your manufacturing journey without overextending yourself (or your budget).
1. Ask to Split the MOQ Across Multiple Designs
This is one of my favorite strategies. Many factories will let you divide your total minimum between several designs, colorways, or SKUs. So instead of 500 units of one design, you might order 100 each of five different designs.
You meet their production needs, and you get variety in your line. Win-win.
2. Request That Sample Costs Be Deducted From Your Full Order
Samples can add up, especially if you’re testing multiple designs. Always ask if they can credit your approved sample cost toward your first production run. It’s a small ask, but it saves you money and shows you understand how manufacturing partnerships work. ( …meaning you sound like a total boss!)
3. Ask About a Smaller First Run (Even if It Costs a Bit More)
Many manufacturers will agree to a reduced initial order if you pay a slightly higher per-unit cost. This lets you test quality, production speed, and market response before committing to a full MOQ.
Once you reorder quickly, they often drop your MOQ for future runs.
4. Use Reorder Potential to Negotiate
Factories like long-term relationships, not one-time orders. Tell them you’re building an ongoing product line and plan to reorder soon. Something like:
“I’m testing this collection with my audience now. If it sells through quickly, I’ll reorder within 60 days.”
That kind of confidence can open doors to smaller first runs or partial production agreements.
5. Partner With Another Maker
If you have a trusted peer making similar products, consider combining your orders and splitting the quantity or colors. This works especially well for washi tape, pouches, or pins. Think products that use the same base materials or dimensions.
You both meet the MOQ, and your factories stay happy. This is actually one of my most favorite methods, years ago I was ordering washi tape with a lot of other artists to get our cost down collectively!
6. Clarify What the MOQ Actually Means
Don’t assume the MOQ refers to one design. Sometimes it’s the total number of units produced in a single run, not per SKU. For example, 500 units could mean five designs at 100 each.
Always confirm how the MOQ is calculated before saying no. It might be more flexible than it looks.
7. Run a Pre-Order to Fund the First Batch
If you’re confident in your design and audience, a pre-order campaign can cover production costs and prove demand. Share mockups, build excitement, and sell before you produce.
This is a great low-risk strategy to launch your first overseas order while keeping cash flow healthy.
8. Focus on Lower MOQ Products First
Not every factory or product category has the same requirements. If you’re just starting out, begin with items that have lower MOQs. Think washi tape, stickers, or tote bags- before moving into larger textile or home categories.
It’s better to start small and build momentum than to overcommit on your first big run.
9. Ask About Split Shipments
Some factories will let you produce the full MOQ but ship in stages. For example, they’ll produce 500 units, ship 250 now, and store or send the rest later. It keeps your upfront costs manageable and spreads out storage and shipping fees.
10. See High Minimums as a Growth Signal
When a manufacturer quotes a high MOQ, it’s not necessarily a red flag- it’s a sign of scale. Bigger production runs usually mean lower per-unit costs and higher long-term margins.
If you’re not quite ready yet, that’s okay. You can work up to it. But view high MOQs as part of your future growth, not a permanent roadblock.
To sum it up…
Handling high minimums is all about creativity and communication. Manufacturers want your business, they just need to make production efficient. With the right approach, you can find flexibility that works for both sides.
If you’re ready to confidently start those conversations (and actually know what to ask), check out my course Secrets to Sourcing Overseas — a comprehensive, easy-to-follow course designed to minimize mistakes for artists and small business owners jumping into manufacturing.