MOQ Meaning: Minimum Order Quantity When Buying from China
On 1688 and Alibaba you will often see “MOQ: 2 pieces” or “MOQ: 100”. MOQ stands for minimum order quantity — the smallest number of pieces a seller will sell in one order.
Why sellers set an MOQ
- Packing and handling one piece costs almost as much as packing ten.
- Factories produce in batches and prefer to sell in batches.
- Wholesale prices only make sense for wholesale quantities.
How MOQ affects price
Many listings show price tiers: for example, one price for 2–49 pieces and a lower price for 50+. The more you buy, the lower the unit price. This is why cheap items like Handmade Red Rope Couple Bracelet or Pure Cotton Student Sports Socks make the most sense when you buy several pieces.
Buying below the MOQ
If you only need a few pieces, there are options:
- Choose a product already in our shop — you can order one piece.
- Ask us to find a retail seller (often on Taobao) with no MOQ.
- Combine your order with other colours or styles from the same seller to reach the MOQ.
MOQ for resellers
If you plan to resell, the MOQ is often a good thing: it gives you the wholesale price. Start with a small test, then order more of what sells. Our small budget import guide explains this approach.
How to read an MOQ on 1688
Look for “起批” (minimum batch) next to the price. Send us the link and we will explain it — see send us a product link.
Mixed orders
Some sellers let you mix colours or sizes to reach the minimum, others do not. When you send us a link we ask the seller and tell you the cheapest way to reach the minimum, for example by combining two colours you can sell, or by choosing a similar listing from another shop that sells single pieces.
For a first test, a retail listing with a slightly higher unit price is often smarter than buying a large batch you are not sure you can sell.
FAQ
Is MOQ per colour or per order?
It depends on the seller. Some count the whole order, others each colour or size. We check for you.
