Quick Answer: Flat Bottom Bag MOQ & Pricing
• Standard MOQ: 5,000 - 10,000 pieces for custom printed bags
• Price Range: $0.12 - $0.35 per bag depending on size, material, and features
• Setup Costs: $200-500 for printing plates (one-time)
• Lead Time: 2-4 weeks for production after artwork approval
• Volume Discounts: 10-20% savings at 50,000+ quantities
Table of Contents
1. Understanding MOQ in Flexible Packaging
2. Factors That Affect Your MOQ
3. Stock vs Custom Bags: MOQ Comparison
4. Pricing Structure Explained
5. Cost Breakdown: What You're Paying For
6. How to Reduce Your Per-Unit Cost
7. Sample & Trial Order Options
8. How to Get an Accurate Quote
9. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Understanding MOQ in Flexible Packaging
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the smallest number of units a manufacturer will produce in a single order. For custom flat bottom bags, MOQ typically ranges from 5,000 to 50,000 pieces, depending on your specifications.
Understanding MOQ is essential for budgeting and inventory planning. Unlike retail products where you can order single units, manufacturing custom packaging involves significant setup costs that must be spread across a minimum number of units to remain economically viable.
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Why MOQ Exists
Manufacturers set MOQ requirements for several important reasons:
Factor | Explanation | Impact on MOQ |
Plate/Cylinder Making | Printing plates cost $200-500 to produce | Higher setup = Higher MOQ |
Material Roll Width | Standard rolls have minimum widths; small orders waste material | Custom width = Higher MOQ |
Machine Setup Time | 2-4 hours to calibrate printing and bag-making machines | Complex setup = Higher MOQ |
Quality Consistency | First 500-1000 bags may have slight variations during calibration | Ensures consistent quality |
2. Factors That Affect Your MOQ
Your specific MOQ depends on multiple variables. Understanding these factors helps you optimize your order for the best value.
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Factor | Lower MOQ | Higher MOQ |
Bag Size | Larger bags (500g+): 5,000 pcs | Small bags (50g): 10,000+ pcs |
Material Type | Standard kraft paper: 5,000 pcs | Special laminates: 10,000+ pcs |
Print Colors | 1-4 colors: Base MOQ | 8+ colors: +30-50% MOQ |
Special Features | Basic zipper: No impact | Valve + window + tin tie: +2,000 pcs |
Print Method | Digital print: 500-1,000 pcs | Gravure print: 10,000+ pcs |
Order History | Repeat customer: -20-30% | First order: Standard MOQ |
PRO TIP: Optimizing Your MOQ Combine similar products into one production run. If you need bags for 3 different coffee blends, use the same size and material with different print designs. This way, you meet MOQ requirements while getting variety. |
3. Stock vs Custom Bags: MOQ Comparison
Choosing between stock (pre-made) and custom bags depends on your volume, budget, and branding needs. Here's a detailed comparison:
Feature | Stock Bags | Semi-Custom | Full Custom |
MOQ | 100-500 pcs | 1,000-3,000 pcs | 5,000-50,000 pcs |
Customization | None (plain bags) | Labels or stickers | Full print + features |
Price/Unit | $0.25-0.50 | $0.18-0.30 | $0.12-0.25 |
Lead Time | 1-3 days | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
Setup Cost | $0 | $50-100 | $200-500 |
Best For | Testing, samples, farmers markets | Small brands, limited budget | Established brands, retail |
When to Choose Each Option
Stock Bags: Ideal for startups testing the market, farmers market vendors, or businesses that prioritize product over packaging. Add your own labels for basic branding.
Semi-Custom: Good middle ground for growing businesses. Use pre-made bags with custom printed labels or stickers. Lower investment while building brand recognition.
Full Custom: Essential for retail placement, professional brand image, and long-term cost efficiency. The per-unit savings at scale quickly offset setup costs.
4. Pricing Structure Explained
Understanding how flat bottom bag pricing works helps you budget effectively and identify opportunities for cost savings.
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Cost Components
Component | % of Total | What It Includes |
Materials | 40-50% | Base film, lamination layers, zipper, valve components |
Printing | 20-30% | Ink, plate usage, press time, color matching |
Manufacturing | 15-20% | Bag making, feature installation, labor |
Features | 5-15% | Zipper, valve, window, special finishes |
QC & Packing | 5-8% | Quality inspection, carton packing, palletizing |
Price Examples by Specification
Specification | MOQ | Price/pc | Total Cost |
250g Kraft + Zipper (4-color) | 5,000 | $0.18 | $900 + $300 setup |
250g Kraft + Zipper (4-color) | 10,000 | $0.15 | $1,500 + $300 setup |
500g Foil + Valve + Zipper (6-color) | 10,000 | $0.22 | $2,200 + $400 setup |
1kg Premium Matte + All Features | 10,000 | $0.32 | $3,200 + $500 setup |
IMPORTANT: One-Time Setup Costs
• Printing plates/cylinders: $200-500 (based on colors and complexity)
• Design services: $50-150 if artwork adjustments needed
• Color matching: $50-100 for Pantone color proofing
• Pre-production samples: $100-200 for exact production samples
5. Cost Breakdown: What You're Paying For
Let's examine each cost factor in detail so you understand exactly where your money goes.
Material Costs
Material Type | Cost Level | Best Application |
Kraft Paper (PE lined) | $ | Dry goods, coffee, snacks - natural look |
Kraft + Aluminum Foil | $$ | Coffee, tea - premium barrier + appearance |
Full Aluminum Laminate | $$$ | Maximum protection - pet food, supplements |
Clear/Transparent | $$ | Product visibility - dried fruits, candies |
Matte Finish Laminate | $$$ | Premium aesthetics - specialty products |
Recyclable Mono-PE | $$$ | Eco-conscious brands - sustainable packaging |
Feature Add-on Costs
Feature | Added Cost/pc | Value Added |
Resealable Zipper | +$0.01-0.02 | Consumer convenience, freshness retention |
Degassing Valve | +$0.02-0.04 | Essential for fresh-roasted coffee |
Clear Window | +$0.01-0.02 | Product visibility, purchase confidence |
Tear Notch | +$0.005 | Easy opening, minimal cost impact |
Hang Hole | +$0.005 | Retail display ready |
Tin Tie | +$0.03-0.05 | Re-closable without zipper, artisan look |
Spot UV/Embossing | +$0.02-0.04 | Premium tactile experience |
6. How to Reduce Your Per-Unit Cost
Strategic decisions during the ordering process can significantly reduce your packaging costs without sacrificing quality.
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Top Cost-Saving Strategies
Strategy | Potential Savings | How to Implement |
Increase Order Volume | 10-20% | Order 50,000+ pcs; negotiate annual contracts |
Use Standard Sizes | 5-10% | Choose common dimensions that maximize material efficiency |
Simplify Print Design | 10-15% | Use 4 colors instead of 8; avoid full coverage printing |
Match Material to Need | 5-15% | Don't over-specify barrier properties; kraft works for many products |
Plan Ahead | 10-15% | Avoid rush orders; standard lead time costs less |
Combine SKUs | 15-25% | Order multiple designs with same size/material in one run |
Build Relationships | 5-10% | Regular orders = loyalty discounts + flexible MOQ |
PRO TIP: Volume Discount Tiers
• 5,000-9,999 pcs: Base price
• 10,000-24,999 pcs: 5-8% discount
• 25,000-49,999 pcs: 10-12% discount
• 50,000-99,999 pcs: 15-18% discount
• 100,000+ pcs: 20%+ discount (negotiate)
7. Sample & Trial Order Options
Before committing to full production, test your packaging with samples. Here are your options:
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Sample Type | Quantity | Cost | Lead Time | Purpose |
Stock Samples | 5-10 pcs | Free - $30 | 3-5 days | Test size and material feel |
Digital Print Proof | 10-50 pcs | $50-150 | 5-7 days | Test design appearance |
Production Sample | 100-500 pcs | $200-500 | 10-14 days | Final quality verification |
Trial Order | 1,000-2,000 | At cost + 20% | 2 weeks | Market test before full order |
Sample Request Process
1. Request stock samples to evaluate material and size options
2. Submit your artwork for digital print proof (optional)
3. Approve digital proof and request production samples
4. Test production samples with your product
5. Approve and proceed to full production
NOTE: Sample Cost Credit
Production sample costs ($200-500) are typically credited toward your first bulk order of 10,000+ pieces. Ask about this when requesting quotes.
8. How to Get an Accurate Quote
Providing complete information upfront ensures you receive accurate quotes quickly. Here's what we need:
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Essential Information for Quoting
Information | Details Needed | Why It Matters |
Bag Type | Flat bottom, stand up, side gusset, etc. | Determines machine setup |
Dimensions | Width x Depth x Height (mm or inches) | Material calculation |
Material | Kraft, foil, clear, matte, recyclable | Base cost factor |
Features | Zipper type, valve, window, tear notch | Add-on pricing |
Print Details | Number of colors, finish (gloss/matte) | Plate and ink costs |
Quantity | Initial order + annual estimate | Volume pricing tier |
Artwork Status | Ready, need template, need design help | Design service costs |
Timeline | When you need delivery | Rush fees if applicable |
| Ready to Get Your Custom Quote? Contact us with your specifications and receive a detailed quote within 24-48 hours. Email: sales@sunkeycn.com | WhatsApp: +86 138-1648-2187 Website: www.sunkeycn.com |
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum order quantity for custom flat bottom bags?
A: Standard MOQ is 5,000-10,000 pieces for gravure printed custom bags. For digital printing (limited colors), MOQ can be as low as 500-1,000 pieces. Stock plain bags have no minimum - you can order as few as 100 pieces.
Q: How much do flat bottom bags cost per piece?
A: Prices range from $0.12-0.35 per piece depending on size, material, print complexity, and features. A typical 250g kraft bag with 4-color print and zipper costs approximately $0.15-0.20 per piece at 10,000 quantity.
Q: Are there any one-time setup costs?
A: Yes. Printing plates/cylinders cost $200-500 depending on the number of colors. This is a one-time cost - reorders use the same plates. Additional costs may include artwork preparation ($50-150) and color matching ($50-100).
Q: Can I get samples before placing a full order?
A: Absolutely. We offer free stock samples to test materials and sizes. Digital print proofs cost $50-150, and production samples cost $200-500 (credited to bulk orders). We strongly recommend testing before full production.
Q: How can I reduce my per-unit cost?
A: Order larger quantities (50,000+ for best pricing), use standard sizes, limit print colors to 4-6, combine multiple SKUs with the same specifications, and plan ahead to avoid rush fees. Building a long-term relationship also leads to better pricing.
Q: What's the difference between digital and gravure printing?
A: Digital printing has lower MOQ (500-1,000 pcs) but limited color options and slightly less vibrant colors. Gravure printing requires higher MOQ (10,000+) but offers superior print quality, more colors, and lower per-unit cost at volume.
Q: How long does production take?
A: Standard production time is 2-4 weeks after artwork approval. Rush orders can be accommodated in 10-14 days with additional fees. First orders may take slightly longer due to plate making and proofing.
Q: Do you offer payment plans or credit terms?
A: Standard terms are 30% deposit, 70% before shipping. For established customers with order history, we offer 30/60/90 day payment terms. T/T, L/C, and Western Union are accepted.
© 2026 Sunkey Packaging. All rights reserved.
Prices and MOQ requirements are subject to change. Contact us for current pricing.
