The Real Cost of Low MOQs—And How Smart Brands Manage It?
In fashion, flexibility sells—but flexibility in production doesn’t come cheap. New brands often dream of producing small runs without realizing the hidden costs of low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs). At Rafrin, we understand these trade-offs and help brands navigate low-MOQ realities without sacrificing quality or ethics.
Why MOQ Is a Pain Point?
Low MOQs sound perfect for:
Testing a new design
Avoiding excess inventory
Saving initial budget
But here’s the truth:
Factories deprioritize low-volume orders
Fabric mills may not run custom dyeing for 300 m garments
Trims, zippers, and prints often require bulk buying
Unit costs rise sharply below threshold
End result?
Brands get quoted high prices or rejected altogether.
Real-World Examples of MOQ Challenges
A sustainable yoga brand requested 150 pcs per style — but elastic waistbands came with a 1,000 pcs MOQ from the supplier.
A new European streetwear brand wanted 50 pieces per color — but dye houses required 300m per color roll minimum.
Result: either extra cost, heavy leftovers, or color compromise.
Rafrin's Approach: Planning Low MOQ with Logic
We help brands build intelligently within low-MOQ boundaries:
1. Smart Material Consolidation
We group fabrics/colors across styles to meet base MOQ.
Example: 2 t-shirt styles, same fabric = shared dye lot = MOQ solved.
2. Modular Trim Strategy
Standardize trims across multiple collections to reduce custom MOQ traps.
Suggest universal zippers, neck labels, woven patches.
3. Pre-Sourcing Availability Check
Before design is frozen, we run MOQ feasibility checks across suppliers.
4. Batching Small Runs for Long-Term Scaling
Plan small runs now, but align trims/fabrics for easy replenishment.
Result: brand grows, cost per unit drops without redesign.
Case Highlight: How One Brand Saved €4,200
A Lisbon-based activewear brand had MOQ issues with performance mesh lining.
We proposed switching to a dual-layer jersey knit—MOQ reduced, cost lowered, breathability intact.
They launched with 200 pcs and zero dead stock.
Key Takeaways
Low MOQ is not impossible—but requires intelligent design and material planning.
Brands must balance cost vs control early—and that’s where Rafrin steps in.
MOQs aren’t just numbers—they’re levers that affect cost, flexibility, and brand credibility. With the right partner, small brands can avoid production bottlenecks and grow on their terms.
