Picking a manufacturing strategy is more than a pricing decision—it'shapes your cash flow, inventory risk, delivery timelines, and ability to test the market. Many founders default to low minimums to get started, while others are tempted by bulk pricing. The right answer depends on your demand proof, cash position, and plans for growth.
Two production paths
Low MOQ (100–300 pieces per style) helps you validate designs, collect feedback, and avoid overstock. Unit's cost more, but you keep cash flexible and reduce dead inventory risk.
Bulk (1,000+ pieces per style) lowers your per-unit price and locks capacity for scaling, but demands more upfront capital, storage, and confidence in sell-through.
Quick comparison
When low MOQ is the smarter move
- New brand or new category: you're testing fit, fabrication, or positioning.
- Unproven demand: You need real sell-through data, not just survey interest.
- Cash constraints: You prefer to fund production from revenue instead of debt.
- High trend volatility: Styles change quickly; small runs keep you nimble.
- Assortment learning: You want breadth across colors/sizes to see what converts.
Low MOQ isn't just for beginners—it's a deliberate way to gather data and avoid costly overstock. Expect higher unit costs; price accordingly or position as limited drops.
When bulk production pays off
- Validated styles: You have historical sell-through and reorders for the SKU.
- Stable demand channels: Wholesale POs, strong DTC repeat, or marketplace velocity.
- Margin expansion goals: You need lower COGS to invest in marketing or retail partners.
- Seasonal scale: You must hit large deliveries for key seasons or big-box partners.
- Locked specs: Tech packs, fit, and quality are final—no looming revisions.
Bulk works best once you trust your data and operations. Secure storage, plan cash buffers for production and freight, and align marketing to move volume promptly.
Signals you can move from low MOQ to bulk
- Consistent sell-through: 70%+ sell-through within target weeks across two or more drops.
- Repeatability: Reorder success on the same style without major returns.
- Channel commitments: Confirmed wholesale POs or pre-orders covering a portion of volume.
- Cash coverage: You can fund production plus logistics while holding 1–2 months of operating runway.
- Operational readiness: QC, packaging, and fulfillment can handle the volume increase.
The hybrid path
A blended approach Let's you stay nimble while lowering costs on proven winners:
- Low MOQ for newness: Test new styles, colors, or fabrications in small batches.
- Bulk for heroes: Move validated hero SKUs to larger runs to improve margin.
- Staggered drops: Launch limited drops to gauge demand, then place bulk POs for reorders.
- Color/size strategy: Bulk core colors and best-selling sizes; low MOQ on fringe options.
How Selvyna Atelier supports both strategies
- Flexible minimums: Start with 100–300 unit's per style; scale to 1,000+ when ready.
- Data-informed scaling: We review sell-through and returns to recommend when to shift to bulk.
- Stable supply chain: Certified mills, consistent dye lots, and robust QC to keep quality steady across runs.
- Cost planning: Transparent costing so you can model pricing, margin, and cash flow before you commit.
- Category depth: Activewear, denim, dresses, wovens, knit tops, outerwear, swim, and more.
Bottom line
Choose low MOQ to learn fast and protect cash when your demand is uncertain. Shift to bulk once styles are proven and you need margin efficiency. Blend both to stay agile: test with low runs, scale your winners with confidence, and keep capital working where it matters most.