What is a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
October 30, 2026
A minimum order quantity (MOQ) is the smallest amount of a product a supplier will sell in one order. It might be a number of units, a number of cartons or a minimum spend, and it affects how much stock a retailer has to buy at once.
Why it matters for online retailers
An MOQ can force you to buy more stock than you need right now. That ties up cash and can create deadstock if the line doesn't sell as expected. Knowing each supplier's MOQ is essential when planning reorders.
Why suppliers set MOQs
- To cover the cost of setting up production.
- To make shipping and handling worthwhile.
- To sell in full cartons or pallets.
How to work with MOQs
- Negotiate a lower MOQ, especially for new or trial lines.
- Pay a slightly higher unit price for a smaller order.
- Combine products from the same supplier to reach a minimum spend.
- Plan reorders around both the MOQ and the supplier's lead time.
How StoreFeeder handles it
StoreFeeder handles supplier minimum order quantities alongside supplier lead times, so your purchasing allows for both. Stock forecasting, included in every plan, helps you judge whether an MOQ-sized order will sell through.
Read more about StoreFeeder inventory and stock forecasting.
Frequently asked questions
Can MOQs be negotiated?
Often, yes, especially once you have a buying history with the supplier or accept a higher unit price.
What is the difference between MOQ and economic order quantity?
MOQ is the least the supplier will sell you. Economic order quantity is the amount that keeps your own ordering and holding costs lowest.
Do MOQs apply to dropshipping?
Usually not, because the supplier ships each order directly, but some dropship suppliers set a minimum monthly spend.
