Small minimum order quantities make it possible to test a product before committing capital to a full production run. The trade-off is price, lead time and how much customisation a factory will accept.
Start with stock items
Suppliers holding stock can usually ship a few cartons immediately. You give up custom packaging and sometimes colour choice, but you get real market feedback quickly.
Ask for mixed orders
Many booths will combine several colours or sizes into one minimum quantity. Confirm the minimum per colour before you build the order, because the mix usually has its own rules.
Separate product cost from packaging cost
Custom printing, labels and gift boxes often have their own minimums that are higher than the product minimum. Ask for both numbers so the total commitment is clear.
Expect a higher unit price
Small runs carry higher setup cost per unit. Treat the difference as a testing fee and use the first order to validate demand, photos and customer feedback before scaling.
Plan the second order early
Once a product sells, the next order matters more than the first. Confirm production lead time and the price at a larger quantity while the first batch is still on the way.
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