In glove orders, these three numbers cause the most misunderstandings. They are not arbitrary — real cost structures sit behind them. Understanding the logic helps you read quotes and know what is negotiable, and how.
1. MOQ: why 300 pairs, not 100
A colorway's MOQ comes from fixed costs in three stages: pattern setup and cutting plans, sewing line changeovers, and fabric minimums — mills set minimum order quantities per color for Lycra and microsuede. So "100 pairs" either pushes unit cost up sharply, or the supplier is betting you'll reorder.
- Negotiable: combined orders. Split one 300-pair MOQ across 2–3 styles to satisfy fabric minimums while cutting your trial cost.
- Negotiable: color consolidation. Shared fabrics across two colorways of the same pattern can lower the second colorway's MOQ.
2. Sampling: where the 7–10 days actually go
Sampling is not "sewing one glove": days 1–2 confirm the brief and cut the pattern, 3–6 are materials and build, 7–8 internal review and correction, the last 1–2 packing and shipping. Change the brief mid-sample — new padding, new colors — and the clock restarts. To go fast: give everything at inquiry time — reference images, target price, quantity, market.
3. Bulk lead time: what makes up 25–35 days
After the sealed sample and deposit: materials procurement 7–10 days (longer in peak season), cutting and sewing 10–15 days, needle detection and packing 3–5 days, then inspection and shipment. The two classic delays: peak-season line queues (EU/US Q3 stocking), and late deposit confirmation — lines are booked on receipt of deposit, not on verbal confirmation.
4. The three numbers in one table
| Metric | Typical | Fast / low option | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOQ | 300 pairs/colorway | Combined styles or white-label picks | Slightly higher unit price / fewer style options |
| Sampling | 7–10 days | Complete brief at first inquiry | Almost none — discipline only |
| Bulk | 25–35 days | Avoid peak season / book lines early | Requires earlier inventory planning |
Remember: low price, low MOQ, fast lead time — pick two. A supplier promising all three is returning the risk to your order in ways you can't see.
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