When inquiring about working directly with a factory, one of the most common and crucial questions is: "What's the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?" The direct answer varies significantly between manufacturers and depends on several key factors. Generally, MOQs are set to ensure production runs are economically viable for the factory. For standard items, MOQs might start from 500 to 5,000 units, while for custom-designed or complex products, the minimum could be lower or significantly higher. The primary determinants include the product complexity, raw material costs, tooling requirements, and the factory's production capacity. Establishing a direct partnership often involves negotiating the MOQ based on your product specifications, target price point, and long-term business potential. Many factories are willing to discuss flexible MOQs for promising new partnerships or innovative products. It's always best to prepare your detailed product requirements and forecast when initiating this conversation to receive the most accurate and favorable terms for collaboration.