Wet wipe manufacturers typically set high minimum order quantities (MOQs), such as 100,000 or 200,000 packs for small packs (e.g., 7 wipes per pack) and 20,000 packs for large packs (e.g., 40 or 80 wipes per pack). These high MOQs are driven by production equipment, process characteristics, and raw material procurement requirements. Below are the main reasons.
1. Scale Economies in Production Equipment and Processes
Wet wipe production relies on automated lines for cutting, wetting, folding, and packaging, designed for high capacity to achieve scale economies. Each production run requires setup, cleaning, and preparation, incurring high fixed costs. Small batch orders significantly increase per-unit costs, necessitating high MOQs to spread these costs. Additionally, packaging films require plate-making and machine calibration for color adjustments, and small batches make these setup costs disproportionately high, reducing cost-effectiveness.
2. Raw Material Procurement Constraints
Wet wipe production involves nonwoven fabrics, liquid solutions, and packaging materials (e.g., films). Nonwoven fabrics are typically purchased in bulk (e.g., 1 ton minimum), with wipe weight affecting total material demand, thus driving up MOQs. Custom film production requires plate-making, and suppliers impose minimum purchase quantities. High MOQs ensure procurement costs remain manageable.
3. Customization Costs and Cost Allocation
Customers often request customized packaging designs, sizes, or formulations, which involve costly mold production or printing plate customization. High MOQs allow these costs to be spread across larger orders, ensuring profitability.
Conclusion
High MOQs for wet wipes stem from scale economies in production, raw material procurement constraints, and customization costs. These requirements optimize costs and meet market demands, enabling customers to negotiate order quantities with manufacturers to find a cost-demand balance.
Post time: Jul-30-2025