"What's your minimum order?" is the first question most new customers ask. It's a fair one - ordering too little costs more per unit, but ordering too much ties up cash and warehouse space. This guide explains why minimum order quantities (MOQs) exist in custom packaging, what to expect from Canadian suppliers, and how to decide what quantity is right for your business.
Why MOQs Exist in Custom Packaging
Custom packaging isn't printed on demand like a t-shirt. Every new job requires setup: creating or confirming a structural dieline, preparing print files, setting up the press, and often cutting a custom die. These setup costs are fixed regardless of how many units you order. MOQs exist because below a certain quantity, the economics simply don't work. Also see our full guide to custom packaging costs in Canada.
MOQ Reference: By Product Type
| Product Type | Typical Canadian MOQ | Magenta Depot MOQ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folding Cartons | 500 - 1,000 | 500 | Small cartons can sometimes start at 500. Larger or complex structures may require 1,000+. |
| Mailer Boxes | 500 - 1,000 | 500 | Standard sizes start at 500. Custom dimensions or inside printing may require higher quantities. |
| Custom Labels | 1,000 - 2,000 | 1,000 | Roll labels are priced per linear foot. Lower quantities are possible at a higher per-unit cost. |
| Shipper Cases | 500 - 1,000 | 500 | Corrugated cases. Complex multi-colour printing typically requires 1,000+ units. |
| Cannabis Packaging | 500 - 1,000 | 500 | Child-resistant and compliant structures available. Quantities vary by format. |
| Die-Cut Packaging | 1,000 - 2,500 | 1,000 | Custom die tooling adds cost. Lower quantities are possible but less economical. |
A note on "no minimum" claims: Some online packaging services advertise no minimums or very low minimums (10-50 units). These are typically digitally printed on pre-made stock structures - not custom-manufactured packaging. If you need genuinely custom packaging, plan for 500+ units.
How to Think About Quantity at Each Stage
Pre-launch / Early Testing (500 units)
If you're validating a new product or testing a packaging design for the first time, ordering at the minimum makes sense. Yes, your per-unit cost will be higher - but you're buying optionality. If the design needs changes, or the product doesn't sell as expected, you haven't committed to 5,000 units of the wrong thing.
Growing Brand (1,000 - 2,500 units)
Once you've validated your product and design, ordering in the 1,000-2,500 unit range hits a good price-to-risk balance. You're getting meaningful per-unit cost savings compared to the 500-unit run. This is also the range where it starts to make sense to invest in premium finishes.
Established Brand (5,000+ units)
At 5,000 units and above, you're operating at scale and your per-unit packaging cost drops significantly. This is where packaging becomes a real competitive moat - you can afford premium materials and finishes that a smaller competitor can't justify at lower quantities.
5 Tips for Getting MOQs Right
Summary: What MOQ Should You Order?
- New product, first run: Order at the minimum (500 units). Keep it simple. Validate before scaling.
- Growing product, proven design: 1,000-2,500 units. Better unit economics, room for premium finishes.
- Established product, predictable demand: 5,000+ units. Best unit cost, maximum options.
- Multiple SKUs: Quote together, order based on individual SKU velocity.
Also see our guide on custom packaging for small businesses in Canada for more on getting started at low volumes.