Why minimum quantities exist
Every production run has fixed costs that arise regardless of the number of units: development and sampling, casting molds or stamping tools, machine setup, finishing batches and testing. Manufacturers also buy components such as chains, clasps or stones in minimum quantities themselves. The MOQ is the point at which these costs are spread across enough pieces for the unit price to fit the planned retail price.
What influences the minimum quantity
| Factor | Effect on the MOQ |
|---|---|
| New development or existing style | An adapted existing style usually requires significantly fewer units than a new development with its own tooling. |
| Manufacturing process | Casting, stamping and laser cutting have different setup and tooling costs. |
| Finishing | Gold plating or PVD coating in a custom color is run in batches. |
| Color and stone variants | Each variant often counts as a separate version with its own minimum quantity. |
| Packaging in your own corporate design | Printed cases and boxes have their own minimum quantities, often higher than those for the jewelry itself. |
| Personalization | A logo engraving or a custom charm increases setup effort, but not necessarily the minimum quantity. |
| For watches: custom case or dial | An existing case with a custom dial requires fewer units than a custom case shape; movement, crystal and strap also have their own minimum quantities. |
Typical planning mistakes
- Calculating the MOQ per order instead of per style. Ten styles in three colors each make thirty versions.
- Forgetting the packaging. The minimum quantity for cases sometimes determines the size of the entire order.
- Looking only at the lowest unit price. A larger quantity lowers the unit price but ties up capital and storage space.
How we handle this at Aviano
We do not quote a flat minimum quantity for all projects; instead, we determine it per style and version based on your brief. Smaller quantities are possible for simple adaptations of existing styles; completely new developments require higher minimum quantities. We set binding terms per style, quantity tiers and the logic for reorders before approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can the minimum quantity be split across several colors?
That depends on where in the process the color is created. If only the finishing varies, base parts can often be produced together. With different stones or enamel colors, each variant usually counts separately.
Is a low MOQ always cheaper?
Not necessarily. Small quantities mean a higher share of fixed costs per piece. That often makes sense for test promotions, but rarely for the permanent assortment.
Does this also apply to watches?
Yes. For a custom watch line there is no uniform minimum quantity; it depends on the model, components and development effort. Learn more under Private label watch.
Does the minimum quantity also apply to reorders?
Often, yes, because a repeat production run also incurs setup and batch costs. With existing tooling, however, there is no development effort.
Related terms
Planning your own jewelry collection? As a jewelry manufacturer for your brand, Aviano supports you from the first idea to delivery.