If you’re planning to order custom printed T-shirts, you’ll likely come across a term that raises questions:
MOQ — Minimum Order Quantity.
What does it really mean?
Why do screen printers have MOQs?
And how can you work around them if you’re just starting out?
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about MOQs for screen printed T-shirts—and how to make the most of your budget, whether you’re printing 30 or 3,000.
1. What Is MOQ?
MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity—the smallest number of units a supplier requires per order, product, or print design.
In T-shirt printing, it usually refers to:
- ✅ The minimum number of shirts required to process a screen printing job
- ✅ The minimum per design, color, or size split
💡 MOQs are not just about supplier policy—they exist to balance cost, time, and production efficiency.
2. Why Do Screen Printing MOQs Exist?
Unlike digital printing, screen printing requires physical setup:
- A separate screen (stencil) must be created for each color
- Ink mixing and machine setup take time
- Test runs and alignment checks must be done before actual production
This setup process takes the same amount of time whether you’re printing 20 shirts or 2,000.
✅ That’s why:
- Small orders = higher cost per shirt
- Larger orders = lower cost per shirt (more efficient)
📌 Guoya keeps MOQs low and transparent—so even small brands can access high-quality printing without huge commitments.
3. What’s the Standard MOQ at Guoya?
At Guoya Company, we offer flexible MOQs to support all business sizes.
| Print Type | MOQ (Starting From) |
|---|---|
| 1-color screen print | ✅ 50 pcs |
| 2–3 colors | ✅ 100 pcs |
| 4+ colors | ✅ 150 pcs and up |
| Mixed sizes/colors | ✅ Accepted (ask us!) |
🎨 We also offer sample printing and mockup previews before bulk production—so you’re confident before committing.
4. Can I Order Less Than the MOQ?
It depends on the situation.
✅ You can:
- Start with samples or a low-volume run for testing
- Share the MOQ across multiple sizes or shirt colors
- Ask about heat transfer or DTG options for ultra-low volumes
However, keep in mind:
- Price per unit will be higher below MOQ
- Not all designs or fabrics are cost-effective for low runs
📦 Guoya is happy to discuss flexible options if you’re launching a new brand or doing a trial run.
5. How to Make the Most of MOQ Orders
Don’t just hit the minimum—maximize it.
Here’s how to turn MOQ into a smart investment:
💡 Tips:
- Print versatile designs that appeal to multiple audiences
- Use the same artwork on multiple T-shirt colors
- Start with core sizes (M, L, XL) to avoid overstock
- Offer limited edition drops to create urgency
🧠 The MOQ isn’t a limit—it’s a launch pad for testing, validating, and scaling your product.
6. MOQ by Print Method: Why Screen Printing is Best for Bulk
| Print Method | Best For | MOQ Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | 50+ units | ✅ Cost-effective above MOQ |
| Heat Transfer | Small batches | ⚠️ Higher per-piece cost |
| DTG | One-offs, samples | ✅ No MOQ, but expensive |
✅ At Guoya, we recommend screen printing once you hit 50+ units—it delivers the best price and durability.
7. Guoya Supports Startups & Scale-Ups Alike
Whether you’re launching your first design or scaling a full collection, Guoya Company is here to support you:
- 👕 MOQ starting at just 50 pcs per design
- 📏 Sizes from S to 6XL, 26 color options
- 🧵 Fabric options from 180 / 220 / 300 GSM
- 🖨️ Professional screen printing with Plastisol or water-based ink
- 🎁 Free samples, mockups, and 3-day proofing
- ⏱️ Bulk delivery in as little as 5 days
We keep your cost down—without compromising quality.
Summary
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) help balance print setup costs and efficiency—but that doesn’t mean they limit you.
In fact, MOQs:
- Help you plan smarter
- Lower your cost per shirt
- Enable real business growth once you scale
And with Guoya’s low MOQ starting at 50 pieces, you can test your market, build your brand, and print with confidence.
📩 Contact Guoya to get a detailed quote, size breakdown, and sample preview for your first bulk order.
