Minimum Lot Size
Minimum lot size refers to the minimum order or production quantity accepted by the supplier when trading, producing, or processing textile.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Overview
Minimum lot size refers to the minimum quantity that a supplier accepts as a single order. It may also be written as MOQ. For textiles, it is quoted in the units specified by the supplier, such as meters, yards, rolls, by color, or by pattern.
Minimum lot size is not a specification of the textile itself, but a trading condition based on inventory status, production process, and conditions such as dyeing, printing, and finishing. Even for the same product number, the required quantity may vary depending on whether it is stock sales or custom production.
Situations to Check in Textile Trading
At the planning stage, calculate the required textile quantity from the planned number of products and fabric consumption, then check whether the minimum lot size is met. As the number of colors or patterns increases, a minimum quantity is required for each color and each pattern, which may result in excess inventory.
For custom colors, yarn dyed, printing, and special processing, a minimum quantity may be set for each process before or after the fabric is woven. Before placing an order, it is important to confirm not only the order quantity for the fabric itself, but also whether the conditions include dyeing or processing.
- Minimum sales unit for cut sales of stock items
- Minimum number of rolls or minimum quantity for orders by roll
- Minimum quantity for greige fabric, production, dyeing, and processing of custom textiles
- Minimum quantity applied for each color, pattern, or processing type
How to Read the Numbers and Key Points to Check
There is no common quantitative standard for minimum lot size. In general, standard textiles that can be shipped from stock may be traded in relatively small units, while orders involving custom processes tend to require larger quantities. Confirm the exact quantity each time.
Check the stated quantity together with the unit and scope of application. Differences such as “per color,” “total for all colors,” or “including processing” can greatly change the required quantity. If the quantity is given in rolls, also confirm the length per roll and any cutting constraints.
- Unit of quantity: meters, yards, rolls, etc.
- Scope of application: the entire product number, by color, by pattern, or by processing type
- Whether it is stock merchandise or made-to-order/custom item
- Whether fractional quantities are allowed and how quantities below the minimum are handled
- Whether additional production is possible after ordering and the delivery lead time
Points to Avoid Misunderstandings
Even if the minimum lot size is met, the desired color may not be available in stock, the production timing may not be possible, the length per roll may not suit the order, or processing may not be available. When placing an order, specify the product number, color number, quantity, unit, processing details, and desired delivery date.
Minimum lot size is different from the fabric consumption required. Fabric consumption is the amount of textile needed for one garment, while minimum lot size is the minimum amount that can be traded. For sample production and small-lot production, also consider how to use the remaining fabric and the conditions for additional production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between minimum lot size and one roll?
One roll refers to the unit in which fabric is wound, while minimum lot size is a trading condition that indicates the minimum quantity accepted for an order. In some cases the minimum lot size is one roll; in other cases it may be set as multiple rolls, or by meters or by color quantity. Confirm both conditions when ordering.
Can fabric below the minimum lot size be purchased?
If stock items have cut sales or a minimum sales unit set, they may be purchasable even below the minimum lot size. On the other hand, it may be difficult for custom production, custom colors, or orders involving processing. Confirm in advance whether it is possible, how fractional quantities are handled, and whether conditions can be changed.
Can different colors be combined to meet the minimum lot size?
Whether the total quantity can meet the minimum or whether each color must meet it depends on the trading conditions. In particular, dyeing and printing may have minimum quantities set for each color or pattern. It is necessary to confirm after providing the product number, number of colors, and processing details.
