Sourcing glossary

MOQ

Also known as: Minimum Order Quantity

The smallest quantity a supplier will accept for one order, often set per item, per colour or per design, and usually negotiable.

MOQs exist because setup costs — moulds, printing plates, dyeing a batch of fabric — must be spread over enough units. Wholesale markets like Yiwu often have lower MOQs than factories because booths sell stock or combine orders from several buyers.

Related terms

AQL

Guides that use this term

Fairs

How to Plan a China Sourcing Trip: Cities, Itinerary, Visas

Plan a 5–7 day China sourcing trip: cities by product, a sample Guangzhou and Yiwu itinerary, visa-free entry rules, mobile payments and a factory checklist.

Updated 2026-09-26 · 6 min read

E-commerce

China Dropshipping Agent vs AliExpress: Which to Use and When

AliExpress dropshipping vs a China fulfillment agent compared on product cost, delivery time, branding, quality control and stock, plus clear signs it's time to switch.

Updated 2026-09-25 · 6 min read

Private label

Custom Packaging from China: Options, Printing, MOQs and Labels

How to order custom packaging from China: poly bags, colour boxes, mailers and inserts, printing methods, MOQs, dielines, barcodes and origin marking.

Updated 2026-09-24 · 5 min read

Yiwu

Yiwu Sourcing Agent Fees: How Agents Charge and What to Compare

How Yiwu buying agents charge: commission ranges, flat and per-container fees, what is included, hidden markups, red flags and how to compare quotes fairly.

Updated 2026-09-19 · 5 min read

Private label

How to Negotiate MOQ with Chinese Suppliers

Why Chinese factories set minimum order quantities and practical ways to lower them: stock colours, shared materials, trial orders, mixed SKUs and how to ask.

Updated 2026-09-18 · 5 min read

Fairs

Canton Fair Guide: Autumn 2026 Dates, Registration and Tips

The 140th Canton Fair runs in three phases from October 15 to November 4, 2026. What each phase covers, how the buyer badge works, and how to prepare and follow up.

Updated 2026-09-13 · 6 min read

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