In daily consultations, two questions are asked most frequently -
"What is your minimum order quantity?"
"How is the sample-making fee calculated?"
This is almost a question that every customer who is doing silicone products for the first time will ask. Today, I will clarify these two issues at one go.
Let me state the conclusion first.
There is no unified standard for the minimum order quantity and the proofing fee. It depends on the product itself.
Different products, different processes, and different requirements result in different minimum order quantities and sample-making fees. However, what we can tell you is that Hongxianda is very friendly to first-time cooperation clients. We are willing to start with small orders and work with you to gradually improve the quality of the products.
I. Regarding Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Why is there a minimum order quantity?
Many customers do not understand: "I just wanted to make a few hundred samples first. Why does the factory insist that I place an order for several thousand units?"
The reason lies in cost allocation.
Silicone products require the use of molds. The cost of molds is a fixed investment. Whether you produce 100 or 10,000 units, the cost remains the same. If the order quantity is too small, this mold cost will be allocated to each product, resulting in an excessively high unit price.
In addition, there are initial costs involved in the production of silicone rubber - setting up the machinery, testing molds, and preheating the equipment. These preparatory tasks need to be carried out for every batch of products regardless of the quantity. When the order volume is too small, the factory cannot even recover the initial setup costs.
What is the common minimum order quantity in the industry?
For the silicone product industry, the usual minimum order quantity is generally between 1,000 pieces and 5,000 pieces.
What determines the minimum order quantity?
The minimum order quantity is not set randomly by the factory. It is mainly influenced by the following factors:
Product complexity. The more complex the structure and the more processes (such as laser engraving + painting + screen printing), the higher the minimum order quantity usually is.
Mould cost. The more expensive the mould, the higher the minimum order quantity - the factory needs a sufficient order volume to cover the mould cost.
Material cost. Special materials (such as medical-grade, food-grade silicone) have higher costs, and the minimum order quantity will also increase accordingly.
Production process. Different processes such as compression moulding, injection moulding, and dripping glue have different requirements for batch size.
The relationship between order quantity and unit price
Many customers are confused about "order quantity", actually they are balancing the customization demand and cost.
Here is an important rule: the larger the quantity, the lower the unit price.
The mold fee is fixed. Producing 1000 units and 5000 units, the mold fee is the same. For an order of 5000 units, the mold fee is only one fifth of that for an order of 1000 units.
When the order quantity reaches more than 5000 units, the unit cost usually can decrease by 40% - 60%.
So, if you are sensitive to price, appropriately increasing the order quantity is the most effective way to reduce costs.
II. Regarding Sample Preparation Fees
Why is there a charge for proofing?
Some customers may ask: "Isn't there just one sample? Why do we have to pay for it?"
The sample making for silicone products is not "just sending you an existing one", but rather starting from scratch to create one.
For proofing, a separate sample mold needs to be made. This process involves material preparation, equipment calibration, and the assignment of dedicated personnel for operation. This process consumes as much manpower and resources as the normal production process.
Moreover, sample molds are usually made by hand, which takes much more time than the molds used for mass production.
Can the proofing fee be refunded?
Yes.
This is what many customers are most concerned about. At Hongxianda, the proofing fee is fully deducted in subsequent batch orders - the sample fee is not an additional expense, but rather your "down payment" for the order.
In other words, the proofing fee you pay will eventually "come back".
How long does the proofing process take?
The production of sample molds usually takes 3 to 7 working days, depending on the complexity of the product. For simple key-operated products, samples can be ready within 3 to 5 days; for more complex structures, it may take more than 7 days.
III. The practices of Hongxiangda
At Hongxiangda, we have a principle for our first-time collaborating clients: We will not make the minimum order quantity and sample-making fee a barrier for your attempt.
Regarding the minimum order quantity:
For regular products, we accept orders starting from 500 pieces.
For customers who are making their first cooperation and whose products are still in the stage of market validation, we can have further communication and do our best to meet your trial order requirements.
Regarding proofing:
The sample-making fee is charged based on the complexity of the product and is clearly marked with prices. There are no hidden charges.
The proofing fee will be fully deducted in all subsequent batch orders.
After the samples are confirmed, we will carefully check each item with you to ensure that the mass production is consistent with the samples.
Our philosophy is quite simple:
You don't want to take too much risk in trying out an uncertain supplier. We understand that.
We are willing to prove ourselves with a small contract in order to secure long-term cooperation.
One last thing to say
The minimum order quantity and the sample-making fee are two issues that cannot be ignored when customizing silicone.
They are not the "thresholds" set by the factory, but rather the basic conditions that ensure both parties can accomplish this task.
If you are considering manufacturing silicone products but have concerns about the minimum order quantity and sample production fees, please feel free to come and talk to Hongxianda. Tell us your product ideas and the estimated quantity, and we will provide you with a clear, transparent and fee-free quotation.
You bring your ideas, and we bring our sincerity. Let's work together to bring your product to life.