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MOQ
What is MOQ?
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) refers to the lowest number of units that Amazon must order from a vendor or supplier for a Purchase Order (PO) to be accepted and processed. This is a supply-side threshold set by the manufacturer or brand to ensure production, packaging, and logistics remain cost-efficient.
Types of MOQ on Amazon:
- Per SKU MOQ - minimum units per specific item
- Assortment MOQ - minimum combined order value or units across a product line
- Launch MOQ - used for new product introductions (e.g. via Born to Run or LSPL programs)
Why MOQ matters:
- Ensures the vendor can cover production and shipping costs
- Helps Amazon optimize inventory turns and storage efficiency
- Affects whether a product is eligible for reorder or remains in the catalog
- Can be a barrier to entry for low-velocity or niche SKUs
💡 Example: A beauty brand sets an MOQ of 500 units for its new face serum. If Amazon orders fewer than 500 units, the vendor may reject the PO.
In short:
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the smallest number of units a vendor is willing to sell or that Amazon must purchase - critical for cost efficiency and operational alignment in bulk ordering.
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