In shortVihaan International runs four MOQ tiers — sampling, small batch (200–500), standard (500–2,000), and scale (2,000–10,000+ pieces per PO). Per-unit pricing is shaped by seven factors: fabric, construction complexity, trims, finishes, packaging, order size, and lead time. Open-book costing is available on request for private-label programmes.
MOQ tiers
| Tier | Quantity | Best For | Notes |
|---|
| Sampling | 2–5 pcs / style | Brands testing a new design | Charged at sample rate; deducted from first bulk PO over MOQ. |
| Small Batch | 200–500 pcs / style | D2C launches, capsule drops, boutique labels | Standard production MOQ. Most fabrics and finishes available. |
| Standard | 500–2,000 pcs / style | Established brands, repeat ranges | Sweet spot for per-unit pricing. Bulk fabric procurement unlocks better mill rates. |
| Scale | 2,000–10,000+ pcs / style / PO | Corporate uniform programmes, hospitality groups, export buyers | Dedicated production line, scheduled inspection windows, custom packaging. |
The seven factors shaping unit cost
Every per-unit price is the sum of these seven inputs. Their relative shares vary by category — a corporate shirt is fabric-heavy, a hand-embroidered occasionwear piece is finishes-heavy — but the structure is consistent.
Fabric
Typically 40–55% of unit costFibre, GSM, weave or knit, finish (mercerised, bio-washed, pigment-dyed), and certification (GOTS, Oeko-Tex) all sit here. Premium fibres like Tencel or modal can double fabric cost vs. standard cotton.
Construction
15–25%Stitches per inch, seam type (overlock, flatlock, lapped), number of operations, machinery required. A french-seamed shirt costs ~30% more in construction than a standard overlocked one.
Trims & Closures
5–12%Buttons (horn, corozo, polyester), zippers (YKK vs. local), drawcords, eyelets, woven labels, care labels. YKK zippers alone typically add ₹15–40 per unit vs. local.
Finishes
5–15%Enzyme wash, garment dye, garment print, embroidery, prints (screen, digital, sublimation). Hand-embroidery is the highest-impact finish per minute of labour.
Packaging
2–6%Tags, polybags, hangers, master cartons, hangtags, ribbons. Brands shipping DTC often spec premium packaging that runs 4× standard rates.
Order Size
Scales the whole unitPer-unit cost drops materially between 500 pcs and 2,000 pcs because fabric is bought at mill-bulk rates, cutting markers run more efficiently, and line set-up amortises across more units.
Lead Time
Adds 5–18%Express manufacturing (≤14 days bulk) requires line re-prioritisation and overtime. Standard schedules (15–25 days) avoid this premium entirely.
Why a 500-piece run costs less per unit than a 200-piece run
Fabric is the biggest reason. Mills sell at significantly better rates above their internal MOQs — typically 500–1,000 metres per colour. A 200-piece run often buys fabric at retail rates because we can't hit the mill MOQ for that single style. A 500-piece run sometimes can.
Cutting efficiency is the second. Markers — the digital layout of pattern pieces on a fabric width — run more efficiently with longer lays. A 200-piece run may waste 6–9% fabric in cutting; a 1,000-piece run can be optimised to 3–4%. That difference flows directly into the unit cost.
Line set-up is the third. A sewing line takes a fixed amount of time to prepare for a new style — operator briefing, machinery setup, first-piece audit. That set-up time gets amortised across the run. The longer the run, the smaller its per-unit impact.
Pricing in context
Pricing conversations land better once a buyer can see the production chain behind them. We recommend reading our fabrics library for the fabric-cost picture, the sampling process for where ambiguity gets resolved, and the quality control protocol for what the inspection layer adds. All three sit under our manufacturing capabilities hub.
Want indicative pricing for your style?
MOQ: 500 pieces | Pan-India & Export