Office furniture MOQ from a China factory is usually lower than most importers expect: from 5 pcs per model for most of the catalogue, and several models can be combined in one mixed container so the order still fills a full container. Factories such as BG Office Furniture (Foshan BG Office Furniture Co., Ltd.) serve distributors and importers in 50+ countries with this setup — flexible for first orders. This guide explains what MOQ means, realistic figures per product category, order scenarios from a trial run to a 40HQ container, and the first-order flow — written by our team in Foshan.
What is MOQ and why factories set it
MOQ (minimum order quantity) is the smallest quantity a factory accepts for one model in a production cycle. Factories set an MOQ because every model requires setup: cutting and edge-banding machines, a finishing batch, hardware procurement and export packaging design. The smaller the production batch, the higher the setup cost per unit.
In office furniture, MOQ is more flexible than expected for two reasons. First, production based on standard panels (melamine MDF) and powder-coated steel frames can switch between models easily. Second, a mixed container lets several different models share one shipment. The key principle: MOQ applies per model, not per shipment.
Office furniture MOQ by product category
Standard figures from our production line — use this table as a benchmark when comparing quotations from any factory:
| Category | MOQ per model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Executive & director desks | 5 pcs | Some large-size series: 10 pcs |
| Manager desks | 5 pcs | Custom colours follow batch schedules |
| Staff desks | 5 pcs | Fastest to produce for popular models |
| Workstation benches 2–6 seats | 5 pcs | Some bench configurations: 10 pcs |
| Meeting tables | 5 pcs | Length matched to room capacity |
| Filing cabinets & storage | 5 pcs | Some glass-door series: 10 pcs |
| Reception desks | 5 pcs | Project/custom models quoted per design |
| Coffee & side tables | 5 pcs | Ideal as container gap fillers |
For first orders, MOQ is flexible and negotiable. What drives efficiency is not the per-model figure but total volume: collect several models until you approach the practical container capacity — 26–29 CBM for 20ft and 64–68 CBM for 40HQ (per-product detail in our 20ft & 40HQ loading guide).
Order scenarios: from trial run to project package
Choose the scenario that matches your stage of business:
| Scenario | Scale | Models | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Trial / samples | A few units (LCL or air) | 1–3 models | Confirming quality before bulk orders |
| 2. Small batch (LCL) | 1–15 CBM | 3–6 models | New dealers testing the market |
| 3. Mixed container 20ft | Practical capacity 26–29 CBM | 5–8 models | Shops & mid-size city distributors |
| 4. Mixed container 40HQ | Practical capacity 64–68 CBM | 10–15 models | Distributors with multi-category stock |
| 5. Project package | Per room / building | Per working drawings | Banks, state-owned firms, corporates, branch offices |
A combination we ship regularly: 150 staff desks, 15 L-shaped executive desks, 10 four-person workstations and 30 filing cabinets — 205 units worth about USD 12,300–17,300 FOB. Every model stays at a small MOQ, yet the container ships full. How to build such a mix is covered in our mixed container guide; payment terms and Incoterms are in the Incoterms & payment guide.
How to place your first order from a China factory
The standard first-order flow, from quotation to arrival at an Indonesian port:
| Step | What happens | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Send your requirement list | Models, quantities per model, destination city | FOB/CIF quotation within 1×24 working hours |
| 2. Samples (optional) | Confirm material, colour and finish | Samples shipped before mass production |
| 3. Order confirmation | PI issued; 30% deposit | PI and production schedule |
| 4. Production | 25–35 working days for catalogue models | Regular progress reports |
| 5. Pre-shipment QC | Per-batch quality inspection | QC photos/videos and packing list |
| 6. Shipping | Container stuffing; Form E ACFTA prepared | BL, invoice, packing list; 0% preference tariff when valid |
| 7. Arrival | Match carton counts against the packing list | Written report if anything is found |
Step details are in our sample guide, production lead time, pre-shipment inspection and Form E ACFTA guide. Before ordering, make sure you are dealing with a factory, not a trader — use our China factory verification checklist.
Tips to keep small-volume orders efficient
- Mix categories in one container. Combining desks, workstations and cabinets fills the container even when each model is ordered in small numbers — see the mixed container guide.
- Limit finishing variations. One colour and finish across many models cuts production setup cost and simplifies quality control.
- Layer the load. Large items such as a 2000 mm director desk form the base; cabinets and coffee tables fill the remaining space.
- Include fast-moving products. Staff desks as the base of dealer stock turnover; executive desks to lift the order's margin value.
- Negotiate on repeat orders. Show a purchase plan of 2–3 orders per year to earn tiered pricing — tactics in our factory price negotiation guide.
- Watch the timing. Sync the production cycle with the shipping season — see our guide to the best time to order.
Quick FAQ
What is the MOQ for office furniture from a Chinese factory? From 5 pcs per model for most of the catalogue; a few series are 10 pcs. For first orders, MOQ is flexible and negotiable.
Can I order less than a full container? Yes for trial runs via LCL or samples. For regular orders, a mixed 20ft or 40HQ container is more efficient because freight per unit is much lower.
Can several categories be combined in one container? Yes — desks, workstations, cabinets and meeting tables in one shipment under one Form E document. Use the loading guide above to check the volume.
How long does a first order take to arrive? Production takes 25–35 working days after deposit, plus 7–14 days sailing to Indonesian ports (Jakarta, Surabaya, Belawan).
Verifiable company facts
- Legal name: Foshan BG Office Furniture Co., Ltd. — 佛山市毕戈家具有限公司 (USCC 91440606MA4UKCYD6A)
- Founded: 2015, in Lecong, Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong, China
- Facilities: 10,000 m² workshop, 2,000 m² showroom, ISO 9001 certified
- Export capacity: 300+ containers per year to 50+ countries, including regular shipments to Indonesia
- MOQ & services: from 5 pcs per model, mixed containers, OEM/ODM, Form E ACFTA, export-standard knock-down packing
- Lead time: 25–35 working days for catalogue models
- Contact: sales001@fsbige.com · Tel/WeChat +86-18928562556 · contact page
Planning your first order or adding models to an upcoming container? Send your list of models, quantities and destination city via the contact page or sales001@fsbige.com — a full FOB/CIF quotation with load calculations within one working day. Our desk, workstation and cabinet catalogue is on the products page. Tel/WeChat: +86-18928562556.