MOQ Explained: How Minimum Order Quantities Work in Sheet Metal

Understand MOQ, how to negotiate, and why factories set them.

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the smallest order a factory will accept

Buyers often get frustrated by MOQ, but it exists for good reason

Why factories set MOQ: setup cost (programming CNC machines, preparing material, setting up coating line), material purchase (steel coils come in full sheets), and production scheduling

Typical MOQ in sheet metal fabrication: rapid prototyping (1 pc), low volume (50 pcs), mass production (500-1000 pcs)

How to negotiate: ask about sample orders (you pay more per piece but get small quantity), combine parts into one family (same material, same finish), commit to annual volume (lower unit price per piece)

At Yiguangnian, we welcome 1-piece prototypes and 50-piece low volume orders

No MOQ trap.