MOQ, Sampling and Lead Times
“What is your MOQ?” is the first question almost every buyer asks, and the honest answer is that there is not one number. Minimum order quantity is a set of different numbers, because each level of customisation is constrained by a different part of the process — the mould, the print run, the firmware build. Once you see MOQ as a ladder rather than a wall, lead times stop feeling like guesswork. This page walks the ladder, the sample stages, the payment mechanics and the shipping clock, so you can plan a real delivery date.
How MOQ actually breaks down
Every tier below reflects a physical or labour constraint, not an arbitrary gate. Our current terms for stock platforms are:
- Standard model, 500 units. Uses open tooling and a known bill of materials, so a half-thousand lets us order components without dead stock.
- Logo printing, 500 units. A laser or print fixture is set once per run; the same 500 that covers assembly covers branding.
- Custom packaging, 1,000 units. Retail boxes, inserts and printed film are committed to a print run with a minimum plate-and-press batch, so the floor is higher.
- Firmware or white-label app, 2,000 units. This is engineering time — boot splash, language, a rebranded app and cloud settings — that only pays back across a larger order.
These are indicative for stock platforms; the final number depends on the model and configuration. Ask, “which tier does my request actually move?” — sometimes a buyer who expects to need 2,000 units only needs 1,000 because they wanted a colour, not a firmware change.
The sample ladder and realistic timelines
Sampling is staged, and each stage has its own clock. Treat this as the sequence, not a single “sample” step:
- Stock sample — 3 to 5 days. An off-the-shelf unit to check build quality, sizing and the app experience.
- Configured sample — 7 to 15 days. Your logo, chosen strap, boot image or firmware variant assembled and flashed for you.
- Pre-production check. For custom cases or tooling, a first-article unit from the real tool, before the mass-production run opens.
Sample cost is quoted per model and is credited back when you place the mass-production order. Order at least two units of the configuration you intend to sell — one to open and test, one to keep and sign off as the golden reference.
What to ask your supplier: “Is this sample hand-built or line-built, and will production be tested on the same jig at the same thresholds?”
Tooling lead time and payment terms
If your design uses a new case, bezel or bespoke box, tooling adds calendar time before assembly can start — typically two to four weeks to cut and trial a mould, then first-article approval. Tooling runs in parallel with component procurement, so it is often not a simple add-on to the 25–35 day production window, but you should not sign off a golden sample and assume shipping in 30 days if a tool is still being cut.
On money, the normal structure is a deposit (commonly around 30%) to open the order and release materials and tooling, with the balance against a pre-shipment inspection and before goods are released. Payment links to the milestones above: deposit starts production, the balance is settled after your QC window, not before the cartons are ready.
Getting it there: air, sea and rail
Once goods leave the factory, the mode sets the tail of the timeline. These are typical door-to-door or port-to-port transit windows from Shenzhen; the exact days move with port congestion, customs and inland delivery.
| Mode | Typical transit | Best for | Cost signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air freight / express | About 5–9 days | Samples, pilot orders, urgent restock | Highest per kg |
| Rail (China–Europe block train) | About 18–26 days to EU inland | Mid-size EU orders too big for air | Mid |
| Sea (ocean), LCL or FCL | About 30–40 days to port, plus customs | Volume replenishment, heavier cargo | Lowest per unit |
We quote EXW, FOB Shenzhen and DDP by air or sea. Rail is a common choice for EU buyers between the two; if you want it, tell us early so the freight plan and paperwork match.
First email to container: the calendar
Putting the pieces together, a realistic sequence for a configured 500–1,000 unit order runs like this. Add a few weeks at the tooling step only if a new mould is involved.
- Day 0–1: you send the model, quantity and market; we reply within one business day with a quotation, spec sheet and sample plan.
- Day 3–15: samples ship and you test them, then sign off a golden unit.
- On sign-off: deposit received, order opens, materials and any tooling start in parallel.
- 25–35 days: mass production and assembly line output for standard configurations.
- Before release: pre-shipment QC, documentation pack and your balance payment.
- Then transit: air (days), rail (a few weeks) or sea (a month-plus) to your door or port.
FAQ
- Can I order below the stated MOQ?
- Sometimes for stock models, as a trial order — tell us the model and quantity and we will say honestly. The higher tiers are fixed by the process, not policy: custom packaging needs a print run, and a white-label firmware or app needs engineering time that only makes sense over a larger batch.
- Is the sample cost refundable?
- Sample cost is quoted per model and is credited back against a mass-production order. Stock samples ship in 3–5 days; configured samples in 7–15 days.
- Which shipping mode should a first order use?
- Samples and a small pilot order usually go by air or express for speed; volume replenishment by sea, or rail for EU orders that are too big for air but too urgent for ocean. We quote EXW, FOB Shenzhen and DDP by air or sea.
- When does the production clock start?
- After you sign off the golden sample and the deposit is received, and after any custom tooling is complete. Standard mass production is typically 25–35 days from that point.