A practical guide to glass bottle MOQ for new brands

Minimum order quantity is the single most common obstacle for a new brand, and it is worth understanding where the number actually comes from.

Two different MOQs

If the bottle already exists in our mould library, the MOQ is a production-run number — typically 10,000 pieces, and negotiable down to 5,000 for a first order. If the bottle needs a new mould, the MOQ is set by the tooling investment and usually starts higher.

Where the cost really sits

Mould making is a one-off. On a new bottle we quote tooling separately, and the cost is refundable against volume — so the effective MOQ falls as the relationship continues.

How to start smaller

• Pick a stock mould for launch and move to a bespoke shape once volume justifies it.
• Standardise on one neck finish across several capacities so caps and droppers are shared.
• Order stock colours first and add custom spraying on the second run.
• Ask for a mixed pallet: two sizes on one order often clears the MOQ where one size would not.

What we need to quote properly

Capacity, colour, closure, decoration and estimated annual volume. With those five answers we can usually come back the same working day.