Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
“Can I just get five embroidered hoodies for my startup?”
If I had a pound for every time I’ve heard this question, I’d be writing this blog from my yacht in Monaco. But here’s the thing—MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities) aren’t just suppliers being difficult. There’s actually method to the madness, and understanding it could save you money and frustration.
Why MOQs Exist (It’s Not Just to Annoy You)
Picture this: setting up a screen printing run involves creating screens, mixing specific Pantone colours, calibrating machines, and having a skilled printer dedicate their time to your job. Whether we’re printing 5 shirts or 500, that setup cost remains the same. Spread that over 5 shirts, and you’re looking at champagne prices for lemonade products.
The Real Numbers
Let me break down what happens with different order quantities:
10 hoodies with embroidery:
- Setup cost: £45
- Per unit cost: £25
- Total: £295 (£29.50 each)
50 hoodies with embroidery:
- Setup cost: £45
- Per unit cost: £18
- Total: £945 (£18.90 each)
See what happened there? By ordering 50 instead of 10, you’ve nearly halved your per-unit cost. That’s the economy of scale in action, folks.
Different Techniques, Different MOQs
Here’s where it gets interesting. Not all decoration methods are created equal:
DTG (Direct to Garment) Printing:
Low MOQs, often from just 5 pieces. Perfect for complex designs and small runs, but pricier per unit.
Screen Printing:
Usually 20+ pieces. Brilliant for simple designs with few colours. The more you order, the cheaper it gets.
Embroidery:
Typically 20+ pieces. Great for that premium feel, especially on polos and jackets.
Transfer Printing:
Often from 10 pieces. Good middle ground for full-colour designs on smaller quantities.
The Clever Workarounds
Now, before you give up on your dreams of five matching hoodies, here are some insider tricks:
- Stock up for the year: Instead of ordering 10 t-shirts four times, order 40 once. You’ll save a fortune and always have merch ready.
- Choose stock items wisely: Some of our products have lower MOQs. Our sustainable cotton tees, for instance, can be done in smaller runs with DTG.
- Consider alternatives: Need gifts for 5 VIP clients? Maybe go for higher-end items where the setup costs make more sense for small quantities.
When to Bite the Bullet
Sometimes, paying more for a small quantity makes perfect sense. Testing a new design? Running a limited edition? Got a rush requirement? We get it. That’s why we offer DTG printing—it might cost more per unit, but at least you’re not stuck with 45 hoodies gathering dust in your spare room.
The Straight Talk
Look, we’d love to sell you 5 hoodies at the same unit price as 500. But unless we discover a way to eliminate setup costs, MOQs are here to stay. The good news? Once you understand how they work, you can use them to your advantage.
Need help figuring out the most cost-effective way to get your branded merch? Give us a bell on 0800 061 2207. We’ll find a solution that works for your budget and quantity—even if you really do just need those 5 hoodies.