We’re told customizing a product is best differentiation on Amazon. We’re also told to aim for an MOQ of 500 so we don’t spend too much right away.
They all want me to spend double the budget or MOQ I had in mind once I do something different from the catalog.
Mixing in sizing and colours can get complicated too. Leaning toward starting with 1 size and 1 colour?
Any tips on negotiating with suppliers or ways to make your first order that differentiates your product and also doesnt break the bank?
Thanks so much
The best approach is to start small by picking one size and one color to simplify your first order and minimize risk, then focus your differentiation on low-cost tweaks like packaging design, logo placement, or small functional improvements that don’t require major mold or material changes.
When negotiating with suppliers, be upfront that this is a test order for a long-term partnership and ask for a “sample production run” or “pilot MOQ,” which many factories will agree to if you present yourself as serious about scaling later.
You can also offer to pay slightly more per unit instead of increasing total volume, which often gets them to accept smaller orders.
Using platforms like Alibaba’s Trade Assurance or sourcing agents can help too, as they sometimes negotiate lower MOQs with trusted factories. Starting lean with one variant keeps things simpler for branding, listing, and logistics, and once you prove sales traction, you can confidently expand colors or sizes without stretching your budget.