“What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?” – this is always the first question when a business contacts a packaging factory. But behind a single number lie two completely different supply models, each with its own MOQ. If you choose the wrong model, you either end up overpaying for things you don’t need or receiving a quote that causes your launch plan to miss its deadline.

In this article, TANCY – a factory with 18+ years of experience producing high-end wooden and leather boxes, featuring a 6,500 m² facility, over 130 technical staff, 200 artisans, and a portfolio of over 3,000 brands – explains each MOQ level in detail, exactly as we operate at our workshop.

Two supply models – two MOQ levels

At TANCY, you can start in one of two ways:

Criteria	In-stock items	Custom OEM/ODM
MOQ	50 units/model	300 units/model
Design	Existing factory models	Based on customer drawings
Logo	Raised metal logo	Flexible: printing, hot stamping, metal
Material – color	Existing samples	Wood, leather, Pantone paint as requested
Mold	Already completed	Custom mold made per order
Lead time	Ready to ship	7 days for samples, 15–50 days for production

Specifically by product line, the custom MOQ is divided as follows: 300 units/model applies to all lines – including multi-slot watch boxes with complex alloy hinges and locks, gift boxes, jewelry boxes, and wine boxes. In-stock watch boxes apply the 50 units/model threshold for both methods.

Why does custom production require 300 units?

Custom orders are not picking items off a shelf – they are a dedicated production line: wood is cut to drawing specifications, paint is mixed according to Pantone codes, and foam or velvet inserts are die-cut to your own mold; even the entire assembly line must be scheduled for that order. All these fixed costs are included in the unit price. If divided by too few products, the cost per unit would be so high that neither party benefits.

For watch boxes, TANCY's threshold is 300 units: a multi-slot box or a 10-slot collector's box has dozens of components – wooden frames, velvet bases, T-pillars, gold hinges, locks, or automatic winding modules – each requiring its own cutting blade and assembly jig.

Conversely, gift, jewelry, and wine boxes use more standardized construction (lid-base, loose trays, fixed bottle dividers), for which the factory already has molds and supports – so the 300-unit level is the break-even point where we can keep prices competitive for our customers.

Why do in-stock items only require 50 units – and can still have a metal logo attached?

In-stock items are products the factory has already manufactured: molds are finished, paint is mixed, and lines have already run. The amount you spend only reflects the labor of picking, packing, and export procedures – therefore, 50 units is the actual minimum, not a negotiation tactic.

The difference: TANCY’s in-stock items can still be fitted with your brand’s own metal logo. The logo is embossed, gold or silver plated, and mounted on the piano-lacquer box lid – sufficient for a 50-unit batch to carry its own identity without needing new molds. This is the cheapest and fastest way for products to "belong to you" from the very first order.

A smart roadmap for a new brand

• Stage 1 – Testing (50 units): choose in-stock samples closest to your positioning, attach a metal logo, and hit the market quickly with minimal capital.
• Stage 2 – Branding (from 300 units): once the design is a best-seller, switch to custom OEM/ODM – change materials, Pantone colors, compartment structures, and upgrade logos and linings.
• Stage 3 – Scaling: reproduce in 15–50 day cycles depending on quantity, while simultaneously developing new lines with sample production taking only 7 days.

Many Vietnamese and international brands are following this exact roadmap – starting with 50 units for verification, then gradually transitioning the entire catalog to custom production once sales stabilize.

What should a standard MOQ quote include?

When comparing multiple factories, don't just look at the MOQ number. A transparent quote must clearly state:

• Sample production fees and modification policies – TANCY produces samples in 7 days;
• Production time for each quantity level – 15–50 days (details for each level are on our delivery time page);
• Payment terms – T/T, 30% deposit – 70% payment upon completion;
• Shipping terms – EXW or FOB Guangzhou, international courier via DHL – FedEx – UPS;
• Standards and certificates – factory is ISO 9001, FSC, CE, REACH, RoHS compliant, with a 98% product quality pass rate.

A low MOQ accompanied by vague terms often leads to higher actual costs – ensure the factory specifies every item before you pay the deposit.

Can I buy 1 unit as a sample?

No. The lowest MOQ is 50 units for in-stock items – we do not sell individual pieces. If you need to see a physical sample first, please contact us for advice on the best fit for your industry.

Why is the custom MOQ higher than in-stock?

Because custom orders require mold creation, paint mixing based on custom color codes, and scheduling a new production line. In-stock items have already absorbed those costs, so they only require 50 units to process.

Can in-stock items feature my brand's logo?

Yes. TANCY’s in-stock inventory supports the attachment of metal logos (gold or silver plated) from just 50 units – you only need to send the logo file, and we will create a sample for confirmation before mass attachment.

What are the payment and shipping terms?

Payment is via T/T with a 30% deposit and 70% upon completion. Delivery is under EXW or FOB Guangzhou terms; samples and small batches are shipped via DHL, FedEx, or UPS.

Are you planning a line of watch, gift, jewelry, or wine boxes? View our wooden box catalog by product line to select a starting model, and check our detailed sample-production-shipping schedule before finalizing your quantity. Need to compare prices before deciding on an MOQ? Read our analysis of high-end wooden box costs and our 9-point checklist for choosing a watch box manufacturer. Send your ideas or reference photos – receive free design advice and a quote within 24 hours.