What is the MOQ for custom printed packaging pouches？

MOQ¹ confuses many buyers. You want custom pouches, but don’t want to overstock.

Technically, we don’t have a strict MOQ¹. But for best value, 5,000pcs is the tipping point.

Most of my customers start small. So we offer flexible solutions for both low and large volume orders. Let me break it down clearly.

Is it possible to order less than 5,000 custom pouches?

You only need 1,000 or 3,000 pouches. What are your options?

Yes, it’s possible. We use digital printing² for small runs, and there’s no plate-making fee³ involved.

Dive Deeper: How Digital Printing Supports Low MOQ¹ Orders

Digital printing has changed the game for flexible packaging. In the past, small orders were expensive or not possible. But now, with digital printing², you can start with as few as 500–1,000 pieces.

Key Benefits of Digital Printing

• No Plate-Making Fee: This alone saves hundreds of dollars.
• Fast Turnaround: No need to wait for cylinders to be made.
• Design Flexibility: You can even print multiple SKUs within one order.
• Ideal for Testing: Perfect for new product launches, seasonal campaigns, or market testing⁴.

Let’s say you’re testing a new coffee blend and need just 2,000 custom printed bags. Digital printing makes that doable without heavy upfront investment.

Summary Table: Digital Printing Highlights

I often tell my clients: "Start with digital if you’re still testing. Switch to gravure once your demand is stable."

What happens when I order more than 5,000 pcs?

You’re ready for larger runs. Will the printing quality improve?

Yes. For over 5,000pcs, we switch to gravure printing⁵. There’s a one-time plate fee, but the per-unit cost drops significantly.

Dive Deeper: Gravure Printing for Long-Term and Mass Production

Gravure printing is the standard for mass packaging. It uses engraved cylinders (plates) to apply ink with high precision and durability. While there is an initial setup cost, the long-term savings and quality consistency make it ideal for larger orders.

Gravure Printing Features

• Higher Speed: Suitable for high-volume runs
• Consistent Color: Every pouch looks exactly the same
• Lower Cost Per Bag: Cost drops as quantity increases
• Sharp Detail: Perfect for complex designs

Let’s talk numbers. A 10,000pcs gravure run might save you 20–30% per unit compared to digital. Even with a one-time plate fee, you recover the cost quickly over repeated orders.

Plate Making Fee: One Time Only

This is something I always clarify. You only pay the plate-making fee³ once—as long as the design and size don’t change. If you reorder the same item next season, there’s no extra charge.

A client from the US once said to me,
"We started with 2,000 digital-printed bags for trial, then jumped to 20,000 gravure bags after sales picked up. Quality matched perfectly."

That’s exactly how we designed our process—to grow with your business.

Will there be a difference in print quality?

You might worry—will digital look cheap compared to gravure?

Not much. Both printing methods deliver professional results. Gravure is sharper, but digital is impressive enough for retail.

Dive Deeper: Quality Comparison in Real Conditions

While gravure offers the richest colors and deepest details, most people won’t notice much difference unless they examine bags side by side under bright light.

Quality Difference: Honest Breakdown

I once sent the same design to two clients—one printed digitally, one by gravure. Both gave great feedback. Unless your design uses ultra-fine gradients or metallic inks, digital will do the job.

Still, if you plan to reorder often or need full-scale production, gravure will bring the most reliable results long-term.

How to choose the best printing option for your packaging?

Should you always go with gravure? Or stick with digital?

It depends on your stage. Start with digital if you're testing, shift to gravure when scaling.

Dive Deeper: My Advice Based on Client Journeys

Choose Digital if:

• You're a startup or new brand
• You want to test the market
• You have frequent design changes
• You need multiple SKUs in one order

Choose Gravure if:

• You have steady, large orders
• Your design will stay the same for future runs
• You want the lowest unit cost
• You prioritize perfect consistency

A coffee distributor in Europe recently said:
"Our first batch was just 3,000 pouches with digital printing². After 2 months, we moved to 15,000 gravure pouches with the same design. Seamless transition."

That’s the path I recommend: build confidence with low MOQ¹ digital, then grow into high-volume gravure printing⁵.

Conclusion

Start with digital, scale with gravure. MOQ¹ is flexible, but 5,000pcs is where the savings kick in.