How displayed MOQ and tiered pricing work
A listing can show a starting quantity, several price tiers or multiple SKUs with different minimums. The visible number may apply only to the selected stock model, one color, a carton or a higher quantity tier. It may not include customization, packaging or China delivery.
Open the exact SKU and ask the seller to quote your quantity in writing. The current website and app display can vary by listing, login, account and version. This interface guidance was reviewed on July 15, 2026; no platform-wide MOQ is assumed.
Product, color, size, carton and packaging minimums
Product quantity
The base MOQ can mean pieces of one SKU. Ask whether different models count together.
Color and size
A seller may require a minimum for each color or size even when the total order is larger. Request the allowed assortment in writing.
Carton quantity
Wholesale stock can be sold by inner carton or master carton. Confirm pieces per carton and whether cartons can be split.
Packaging MOQ
A packaging printer can impose a higher minimum than the product supplier. Ask about plain packaging, labels or sleeves for a smaller trial order.
Logo, private-label, tooling and mold MOQ
Custom color, logo, packaging, material or construction can each have a different minimum. Ask which process creates the limit and whether setup or tooling is reusable.
A mold or tooling project needs written ownership, maintenance, storage, modification and transfer terms. One-piece stock ordering does not mean one-piece OEM is available. Do not push for a low MOQ if it forces an untested process, unstable material purchase or undocumented subcontractor.
Stock products, custom products and sample types
One stock sample
Useful for basic material, size and function checks when the listed item is available. It may not represent custom logo or packaging.
Existing product sample
A seller can send a previous model to show capability, but it is not approval of your specification.
Custom sample
Built with your color, logo or construction. Confirm setup fee, process, lead time and which elements remain provisional.
Pre-production and golden samples
A pre-production sample should use approved bulk materials and processes. A golden sample is the signed reference used to judge later production. Record its version, date and accepted deviations.
Why one sample can be expensive
A sample can carry a higher unit price because the supplier must pick stock, set up a process, prepare custom artwork or interrupt production. Additional costs can include China domestic delivery, payment fee, agent or warehouse receiving, consolidation and international courier.
Ask which amounts are refundable or credited against a later bulk order. A credit promise should state the minimum bulk quantity and deadline.
Displayed price versus final sample cost
A listing displays RMB 18 based on a 1,000-piece tier. The buyer wants 20 pieces for a trial. The seller quotes RMB 25 per unit, then adds domestic freight. Payment and warehouse handling are separate, and the consolidated international courier quote is added after receiving.
The RMB 18 display cannot be multiplied by 20 and treated as the final sample cost. Compare the quoted trial unit price and every added service. Use the Landed Cost & Quote Normalizer and leave unknown costs visible.
Mixed-SKU orders and trial-order negotiation
Ask whether colors, sizes or related SKUs can be mixed within the total quantity. Record the quantity and price for each SKU, carton arrangement and whether a mixed order changes lead time or return terms.
- Explain that the first order is a controlled trial, not a promise of future volume.
- Offer a simple stock assortment before requesting custom production.
- Ask which requirement creates the minimum.
- Compare a smaller order at a higher unit price with the risk of excess stock.
- Do not claim a large future order merely to obtain a lower price.
Use How to Contact 1688 Suppliers to ask the questions in a short, structured sequence.
Sample and order-type comparison
| Order type | Typical purpose | Price behavior | Customization | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One stock sample | Basic fit and function | Higher unit and delivery cost | Usually none | Exact SKU and stock condition |
| Existing product sample | Review seller's current model | Sample price applies | Not your final design | Differences from required product |
| Custom sample | Test logo, color or construction | Setup and sample fees | Selected elements | Process, artwork and bulk differences |
| Small trial order | Test sales and consistency | Below bulk tier | Limited or standard | SKU mix, cartons and lead time |
| Mixed-SKU order | Test assortment | SKU and carton dependent | Usually stock choices | Minimum per SKU and combined MOQ |
| Bulk order | Commercial production | Tier quote | As contracted | Specification, inspection and payment milestones |
| Machinery test/demo | Verify technical performance | Machine plus test costs | Configuration dependent | Test material, video, acceptance and limits |
Approve the sample against a written specification
Photograph and measure the sample. Record model, material, dimensions, weight, color, function, logo, packaging, labels, accessories and defects. Mark every accepted deviation instead of relying on “same as sample.”
Ask whether the bulk order will use the same material source, tooling and process. Keep one approved reference when practical and send the supplier a signed specification with the sample reference. A good handmade or stock sample can still be followed by inconsistent mass production.
Control bulk production after sample approval
Connect sample approval to the purchase order, production version and inspection checklist. Approve artwork and packaging files separately. Define critical, major and minor defects plus functional tests before production finishes.
Use the Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist and arrange inspection before final payment when risk justifies it. Inspection checks selected finished goods against requirements; it does not make the original sample a guarantee.
Questions to ask about MOQ and samples
- What MOQ applies to the selected SKU and my quantity?
- Is there a separate minimum for each color, size or model?
- Can stock SKUs be mixed in one order?
- What sample type will you send and how does it differ from bulk?
- What are the sample, setup, tooling and domestic-delivery fees?
- Can any sample fee be credited, and under what written condition?
- What is the packaging MOQ and smaller-order alternative?
- Will bulk use the same material, process and tooling?
- Can you accept a pre-production approval and third-party inspection?
- What happens if the sample or trial order fails the agreed specification?
Practical buyer examples
Amazon private-label product
A buyer tests a stainless steel bottle. The stock sample checks function, then a custom sample approves coating, logo and color box. The buyer records food-contact needs, FBA labels and inspection tests before a 1,000-piece order.
Small wholesale assortment
A wholesaler requests three colors of pet brushes. The seller allows a mixed stock carton but requires a minimum per color. The buyer accepts a higher trial price to test demand without excess inventory.
Machinery test or demonstration
A packaging-machine buyer cannot order a small “sample.” Instead, the seller runs the buyer's material, records speed, seal quality and rejects, and shows voltage, controls and safety devices. The buyer confirms manuals, spare parts, installation and acceptance criteria before deposit.
MOQ and sample approval checklist
Copy the checklist below into the order file. A dated, versioned approval is more useful than an informal message saying the sample is acceptable.
Copy-ready workflow
Sample Approval Checklist
- Record the exact model and SKU.
- Confirm material and any material grade.
- Measure dimensions and unit weight.
- Approve color against a named reference or physical standard.
- Test the required function and performance.
- Approve logo method, size, position and artwork version.
- Approve unit packaging, master carton and protective materials.
- Confirm labels, barcodes, warnings and country-of-origin marks.
- List all accessories, spare parts and documents.
- Save defect photos and approved deviations.
- Record the approval date and approver.
- Give the approved sample a reference linked to the bulk specification.
FAQ
What is the minimum order quantity on 1688?
There is no universal MOQ. It depends on the listing, SKU, quantity tier, color, size, packaging, customization and seller.
Can I buy only one item as a sample?
Some stock listings or sellers may allow it, while other products require a carton, sample fee or custom-sample order.
Why is the sample price higher?
Small-quantity handling, setup, custom work, domestic freight, payment, warehouse and courier costs can all raise the effective unit cost.
Can I mix colors or sizes?
Sometimes. Ask for the minimum per color or size, total mixed quantity, price and carton arrangement in writing.
Can I negotiate the MOQ?
You can ask which process creates the minimum and propose a stock or simpler trial, but not every minimum is flexible.
Does a sample guarantee bulk quality?
No. Link the approved sample to a written specification and inspect production when appropriate.
Should I pay for a custom sample?
A reasonable documented sample or setup fee can be appropriate. Confirm scope, ownership, lead time and any bulk-order credit.
How do I approve a golden sample?
Record the exact version, measurements, materials, function, appearance, packaging, deviations, date and approver, then reference it in the bulk order.
Sources & Further Verification
Use these sources to verify the material responsibility, customs, operational or buyer-risk statements on this page. Destination rules and provider schedules can change. CN Sourcing Tools is not affiliated with the publishers.
1688 Official Website
1688
MOQ, SKU, quantity-tier and sample information should be confirmed on the current listing and in the seller's written quotation.
Open source1688 B2B Market
1688 / Google Play
The current 1688 app describes wholesale and custom-product sourcing, but it does not establish universal minimum quantities or sample rights.
Open sourcePre-Shipment Inspections
QIMA
Pre-shipment inspection compares selected finished goods with agreed specifications before shipment and can identify corrective action needs.
Open sourceMOQ, sample availability, prices, credits and customization terms are listing- and supplier-specific. Confirm the current written quotation, sample scope, bulk specification, inspection plan and payment milestones before ordering.