Three numbers decide whether a phone case order is viable: minimum order quantity, tooling cost and lead time. All three are usually quoted as single figures, which makes them look like fixed rules. In practice each one is the output of a cost structure, and once you understand the structure you can move all three.
MOQ exists because setting up a production run costs money regardless of how many units come out. The four set-up costs are:
This is why MOQ is not one number. A stock black case might run from 100 pcs; the same case in a Pantone-matched colour with a printed logo and a custom retail box might need 500–1,000 pcs. The case did not change — the set-up did.
| Lever | Effect | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Use stock colours | MOQ can drop to the lowest tier | Limited palette |
| Fewer colours, higher volume per colour | Better unit price | Less shelf variety |
| Mix models in one order | Total volume clears the threshold | More SKUs to manage |
| Plain case + separate sticker or sleeve branding | Avoids print set-up entirely | Less premium feel |
| Standard packaging | Avoids a box print run | Weaker unboxing |
A sensible first order is often one chassis, two colours, plain packaging — proven, cheap to set up, and enough to test sell-through before committing to a full range.
Tooling is a one-off charge to cut the mould for a specific phone chassis. It is required because every model differs in camera cut-out position, button placement, thickness and corner radius.
What matters commercially:
| Scenario | Production time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock mould, stock colour, no printing | 7–15 days | Fastest path; often the right choice for a pilot |
| Stock mould, custom colour | 10–18 days | Adds a colour-change slot in the schedule |
| Stock mould, custom print | 10–18 days | Print plates plus curing |
| New chassis tooling | +12–18 days | Then the production time above |
| Electroplated frame | +3–5 days | Plating runs in batches |
| Leather lamination | +3–7 days | Bonding and edge finishing |
| Custom retail packaging | +5–10 days | Usually the longest external dependency |
Add shipping on top: express air is typically 5–10 days door to door, air freight 8–14, sea freight 25–40. For a first order the shipping choice often matters more than squeezing a week out of production.
The standard arrangement is a deposit at order confirmation with the balance due before shipment, after inspection. Be cautious with a request for 100% up front on a first order, and equally cautious with a supplier who will not accept a third-party inspection before the balance is released.
If you are still choosing between suppliers, read how to verify a phone case factory first — the commercial terms above are much easier to negotiate once you know whether you are talking to a factory or a trader. For the cost side of material choice, see our material comparison.
Often yes — by accepting stock colours, standard packaging, or a mixed-model order that clears the total volume threshold. MOQ tracks set-up cost, so removing set-up work removes the barrier.
No. Tooling is per chassis. Colour changes are a production set-up cost, not tooling.
For a stock mould and stock colour with express shipping, roughly three to five weeks including sampling. A new chassis with custom plating and packaging can run eight to twelve weeks.
