Minimum order for apparel: what does “50 pieces per colour” mean?

The question comes up in almost every first enquiry: does the minimum apply to the item as a whole or to each colour? With us, to each colour. A hoodie in black with 50 pieces is possible. If the same hoodie should also come in grey, that is 50 black and 50 grey, so 100 pieces in total. Each colour runs across a size run, for example S to XXL.

Why there is a minimum at all

A factory sets up pattern, fabric order and sewing line for each item. Fabric is dyed or ordered per colour, and labels and trims have their own minimums. Below a certain quantity these fixed costs are spread over too few pieces and the unit price rises sharply. 50 pieces per colour is the quantity from which a production of your own pays off for most apparel items.

How to split the 50 pieces per colour

• Sizes: the size run follows your expected sales, not an even grid. Teamwear often needs more M and L, women’s cuts more S and M.
• Colours: every additional colour brings its own minimum. For fabrics that are dyed separately, we clarify with the producer beforehand whether there is a dyeing minimum.
• Decoration: print, embroidery or patches can differ per colour. We record this in the specification.
• Socks, caps and bags: the quotation states explicitly what is counted (single socks or pairs) and how the quantity is split per colour or variant.

If you want to compare several quantities, say 50, 300 and 1,000 pieces per colour, mention it in your enquiry. The quotation is always a landed cost per piece, including freight, duty and delivery. How that figure is made up is explained in calculating import costs from China.

And if you only need a small quantity?

Below 50 pieces per colour we cannot take on a production of your own, and we say so openly. Producers set up pattern, fabric and sewing line for every item, and with very few pieces there are no good prices to be negotiated for that. For such quantities, catalogue stock from a wholesaler that you print or embroider yourself is usually the better choice. If you are not sure whether your quantity fits, just ask. We will tell you honestly whether your own production pays off.

At DS Trading you have one European contact who goes through the split with you. Delivery to the EU DDP, to Switzerland DAP, invoice from Germany. Send your enquiry via contact; you get an answer within 24 hours.