Korean Packaging MOQ & Lead Times

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is the smallest number of units a supplier will produce in a single order. Understanding MOQs is crucial for planning your packaging sourcing strategy.

Why do MOQs exist? - Manufacturing setup costs must be amortized - Raw material minimum purchases - Machine time efficiency requirements - Quality control economics

Typical MOQs: Most packaging options, including those with custom decoration, start as low as 5,000 units. Stock packaging may have lower minimums, while fully custom packaging with new molds can require higher quantities depending on the supplier. Always request specific MOQ information for your exact requirements.

Stock vs. Custom: - Stock packaging uses existing molds and designs - Custom packaging requires new tooling investment - Stock options have lower MOQs but limited customization - Custom offers full design freedom but higher minimums

Lead time is the total time from order confirmation to delivery. Understanding lead times helps you plan launches and manage inventory.

Lead time breakdown:

1. Pre-production (1-4 weeks) - Final artwork approval - Material procurement - Production scheduling - Pre-production sample (if required)

2. Production (4-8 weeks) - Manufacturing - Decoration (printing, labeling) - Assembly - Quality inspection

3. Shipping (2-4 weeks) - Packing and palletizing - Customs clearance (origin) - Transit time - Customs clearance (destination) - Delivery to warehouse

Total timeline by order type:

Factors that affect lead time: - Peak season congestion (avoid Q4 if possible) - Material availability - Decoration complexity - Order quantity - Shipping method choice

Understanding the components of packaging cost helps you budget accurately and plan effectively.

Important note: All pricing mentioned here represents general market ranges and can vary significantly based on supplier, materials, specifications, order volume, and market conditions. Always request specific quotes for accurate pricing.

Cost components:

1. Unit Price - Raw material costs - Manufacturing costs - Decoration costs - Packaging and packing

2. Tooling/Mold Costs - Required for custom shapes - One-time investment - Can range widely based on complexity and supplier - Molds typically last for many production cycles

3. Decoration Costs (general ranges) - Screen printing, hot stamping, labeling, UV printing - Costs vary based on colors, complexity, and supplier - Request itemized quotes to understand decoration pricing

4. Shipping Costs - Sea freight: Most economical for large orders - Air freight: Faster but significantly more expensive - Express courier: For samples and small orders

Landed cost calculation: ``` Landed Cost = (Unit Price × Quantity) + Tooling + Shipping + Duties + Insurance ```

Volume discounts: Unit pricing typically decreases as order quantities increase. Request quotes at multiple quantity tiers to understand pricing structures for your specific packaging needs.

If standard MOQs are challenging for your current volume, consider these strategies:

Options for meeting MOQs:

1. Stock packaging: Use existing designs with custom labels/printing for lower MOQs.

1. Component mixing: Order components separately (e.g., stock bottles with custom caps) to optimize quantities.

1. Sourcing platforms: Use marketplaces like Impacked to browse suppliers with varying MOQ requirements and find options that fit your volume.

1. Multi-SKU orders: Combine quantities across multiple products to reach supplier minimums.

1. Phased ordering: Split large custom orders into phases with scheduled deliveries.

Planning for growth: - Start with stock packaging for market testing - Graduate to custom packaging as volumes justify - Build supplier relationships for future flexibility - Plan 2-3 quarters ahead for packaging needs

Red flags with very low MOQs: - Quality may be inconsistent - May be trading company, not manufacturer - Limited support and service - Higher per-unit costs