If you are new to wholesale fabric buying, MOQ is one of the first terms you will run into, and it can make or break whether a supplier is right for your stage of business. Here is what it means and how to navigate it.
What MOQ Means
MOQ, or minimum order quantity, is the smallest amount of fabric a supplier will sell in a single order, usually measured in metres for fabric. It exists because mills and wholesalers have production and handling costs that only make sense above a certain volume. MOQs vary widely: some wholesale fabric suppliers require 100 metres or more per fabric, while others, particularly those supporting emerging brands, offer small-batch options starting from 15 to 30 metres.
Why MOQ Matters More Than Price
A fabric priced slightly higher per metre but available at a 20-metre MOQ can be far more useful to an early-stage brand than a cheaper fabric locked behind a 100-metre minimum. If you are testing a new design or building a small capsule collection, a low MOQ reduces your financial risk and unsold inventory, even if the per-metre cost is a little higher.
How MOQ Changes as You Scale
Early on, prioritise suppliers with flexible or small-batch MOQs so you can test designs without overcommitting. As your brand scales and specific fabrics prove themselves in your collections, moving to bulk wholesale MOQs on those proven fabrics typically improves your per-metre pricing and production timelines.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit
- Is the MOQ per fabric, per colour, or per order overall?
- Does the supplier offer a lower MOQ for repeat customers or private label programs?
- Is sampling available below the MOQ, so you can test before committing?
- What happens if you need slightly less than the MOQ, is there flexibility?
MOQ at VastraVyu
Our standard wholesale MOQ starts at 30 metres per fabric, with small-batch and private label options available from 15 to 20 metres depending on the fabric, ideal for brands testing a new design before scaling up. See our full sourcing services or get in touch to discuss your quantity.