Activewear MOQ and sampling: what to ask and how to negotiate
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How do you negotiate MOQ and samples with an activewear factory?
Start by asking how the minimum is counted — per style, per colour or per order — because that decides how many pieces your range really needs. Minimums mostly follow fabric and set-up costs, so the usual ways to start smaller are fewer colours, fabrics the factory already uses, or existing stock styles. For samples, agree what each sample is for, what it costs, how long it takes and whether the fee is credited against the bulk order.
Why do factories set minimum order quantities?
Most of a minimum comes from fabric. Mills knit, dye and finish fabric in lots, and a colour that uses only part of a lot leaves the rest unsold. Setting up a production line for a new style also takes time that has to be spread over enough pieces. Trims such as custom elastic, zips and printed labels can carry their own minimums too.
Per style, per colour or per order?
A minimum per style lets you spread pieces across colours and sizes. A minimum per colour applies to every colour of the same style, so each extra colour adds a full minimum. A minimum per order lets you mix several styles, which suits a first collection. Always ask which of these applies, and whether sizes can be mixed freely within it.
How can you start with a smaller first order?
Launch with fewer colours and add colours once a style sells. Choose fabrics the factory already buys in volume, because they avoid a separate fabric minimum. Ask whether existing stock styles can be supplied in smaller quantities, and what branding can be added to them. Expect a higher unit price for a smaller run, and agree the price for repeat orders before you start.
Which samples will you see?
| Sample | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Prototype or development sample | Checks the design, construction and fabric choice; it may be made in a substitute fabric or colour. |
| Fit sample | Checks the fit on a model or fit form in your base size. |
| Size set | Checks the grading across your size range before bulk starts. |
| Pre-production sample | Made in the bulk fabric, colour and trims; once approved, it is the reference for bulk production. |
| Top-of-production or shipment sample | Taken from the bulk run so you can confirm it matches the approved sample before shipping. |
What should you send with a sample request?
Send a tech pack if you have one, or a reference garment with notes on what to change. Add the fabric you want or the feel you are after, the colours, the size range, your logo artwork and placement, an estimated quantity per colour, and the date you need the goods. The more complete the request, the fewer sample rounds you will need.
What do samples cost and how long do they take?
Sampling is often charged, because each sample takes pattern-making and line time. Some factories credit the sample fee against the first bulk order, so ask before you pay. Ask how long each sample round takes and how long revisions take, and plan for at least one revision before the pre-production sample.
How Jojofashion handles minimums and sampling
| Custom (OEM) minimum | Regular OEM minimum order is 500 pcs per colour. |
| Stock programme minimum | For our stock programme the minimum is around 50 pcs per style. |
| Stock styles | We keep over 100 stock styles in inventory, at roughly 5,000–20,000 pcs per style. |
| Sampling time | Sampling takes around 7 days. |
| Production and shipping | Production and shipping typically run 30–45 days. |
| Design support | We have an in-house design team of around 20 people. |
| Logo | Logo customization is available. |
| Seeing samples | We have a showroom in California, USA, where samples can be viewed in person. |
Each line in this table is quoted from our verified fact register.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical MOQ for custom activewear?
There is no single typical figure, because minimums depend on how they are counted and on the fabric. Compare quotes on the same basis — per style, per colour or per order — and ask what drives the figure before negotiating it.
Can I mix sizes within the minimum order quantity?
Many factories let you split a minimum across sizes within one colour, but some also set a minimum per size. Ask before you plan your size breakdown.
Is the sample fee refundable?
It depends on the factory. Some credit the sample fee against the first bulk order; others treat it as a separate cost. Ask for the policy in writing before paying for samples.