The Short Answer
Our standard minimum order quantity (MOQ) is 1,000 pieces for custom printed envelopes in standard sizes. Here’s the full breakdown:
| Order Type | MOQ |
|---|---|
| Standard size + custom printing | 1,000 pcs |
| Custom size (new cutting die) | 2,000 pcs |
| Specialty finishes (foil, emboss) | 500 pcs |
| Plain / blank envelopes (no print) | 1,000 pcs |
Why Do Envelope Factories Have MOQs?
MOQs exist because of setup costs. Every custom run involves:
- Die cutting setup — cutting dies shape the envelope blank. Standard sizes use existing dies (no cost); custom sizes require a new die (CNC-machined, typically $150–$400).
- Printing plate / makeready — offset printing needs plates and color calibration. This cost is fixed regardless of quantity, so it amortizes across the run.
- Machine changeover — the factory stops production to reconfigure for your specs. Changeover time is the same for 500 or 50,000 pieces.
The MOQ ensures the unit price stays competitive. Below 1,000 pieces, setup costs dominate and per-unit pricing becomes uneconomical for both you and the factory.
Can I Order Less Than the MOQ?
Sometimes. Options for smaller quantities:
- Trial / sample orders — we can produce samples (typically 10–50 pieces) for specification confirmation. Samples are chargeable but the cost is credited toward your production order in many cases.
- Stock sizes, digital printing — if your envelope is a standard size and uses digital (not offset) printing, we may accept 500-piece orders. Digital has no plate costs.
- Plain envelopes from stock — blank standard envelopes in our stocked sizes can be ordered in smaller quantities.
If you need a small quantity for a one-off project, contact us with your specs and we’ll tell you what’s possible.
How Does MOQ Affect Pricing?
Pricing tiers typically look like this (indicative, based on standard #10 size, 1-color print):
| Quantity | Relative Unit Price |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | 1.00× |
| 5,000 | 0.55× |
| 10,000 | 0.40× |
| 50,000 | 0.28× |
| 100,000+ | 0.22× |
The more you order, the lower the unit cost — because fixed setup costs spread across more pieces. For bulk envelope pricing, see our Wholesale & Bulk page.
MOQ Tips for First-Time Buyers
- Start with standard sizes — the #10, A7, 9×12 and other common sizes use existing dies, avoiding die costs entirely.
- Consolidate orders — if you need multiple designs, combine them into one production run to share setup costs.
- Plan ahead — forecasting 3–6 months of demand lets you order at a better price tier.
- Ask about near-stock options — we may have partially configured stock that reduces the effective MOQ.
Still Have Questions?
Every order is different. Send us your specifications and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a firm quote including your exact MOQ and pricing tier.