At IndiaWholesaleCo.com, we get it — sourcing products from overseas can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Two of the most common questions we hear from our U.S.-based buyers are:
“What’s the MOQ?”
“How long is the lead time?”
Let’s cut through the jargon and break it down, so you know exactly what to expect when ordering wholesale products from India.
What Is MOQ?
MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity. It’s the smallest quantity of a product that a supplier is willing to sell. This isn't us trying to push more units on you — it’s how manufacturing economics work in India (and globally).
Why Does MOQ Matter?
Indian manufacturers often deal in bulk production, and MOQ ensures:
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The production cost per unit is low enough to be profitable.
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The supplier doesn’t end up with small, fragmented orders that waste time and resources.
For example, if you’re ordering handmade cotton towels, the MOQ might be 100 pieces, not because we want to make you overstock, but because that’s the point where the per-unit price drops and quality control stays consistent.
What’s a Typical MOQ from India?
It varies depending on the product category:
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Textiles & Apparel: 50–300 units per design
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Home Décor: 50 units or $1,000 minimum spend
At IndiaWholesaleCo.com, we work with flexible suppliers who offer lower MOQs for USA-based small businesses — including boutique owners, Etsy sellers, and Amazon resellers. Ask us about customized MOQ options.
What About Lead Times?
Now let’s talk lead time — the time it takes from placing your order to receiving it.
Lead time typically includes:
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Production Time (if made-to-order)
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Quality Checks & Packaging
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Shipping Time to the U.S.
Average Lead Times from India
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Ready Stock Products: 3–7 business days to dispatch
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Made-to-Order Goods: 2–5 weeks for production
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Shipping to USA:
- Air Freight: 5–10 days (faster, costlier)
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Sea Freight: 3–6 weeks (economical for bulk orders)
Here’s an example:
Ordering custom block print tablecloths? Expect 3–4 weeks for production, plus another 2 weeks for shipping via ocean. Need it faster? We can air ship, usually at a slightly higher cost.
We always provide estimated timelines before you place the order, and we keep you updated throughout.
How to Plan Your Wholesale Orders From India
Whether you’re restocking for the holiday season or launching a new product line, timing and volume are everything.
Here’s how to stay ahead:
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Start early: Especially if you're ordering made-to-order items.
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Communicate clearly: Tell us if you have deadlines (like a trade show or product launch).
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Factor in customs clearance: It adds a few days to the process. We can help streamline it.
We also offer consolidated shipping for multiple product types, saving you both money and hassle.
Pro Tips for U.S. Wholesale Buyers
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Always ask for samples before placing large orders.
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Negotiate MOQ if you're testing a new market — we’re flexible.
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Understand seasonal timelines in India (like Diwali, Holi, and monsoon season) which may delay production.
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Stay updated — we share real-time updates via WhatsApp and email.
Why Choose IndiaWholesaleCo.com?
We're not just another platform. We’re your on-ground sourcing partner in India. We’ve spent years building relationships with reliable artisans, manufacturers, and exporters across categories like:
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Apparel & accessories
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Home & lifestyle
Whether you’re ordering 100 hand towels or 1,000 wooden boards, we’ll guide you on MOQ, lead time, pricing, and logistics — no guesswork, no drama.
Need help placing your first order from India?
Drop us a message or book a sourcing call — we’re here to simplify your wholesale journey from India to the USA.
👉 Visit us at IndiaWholesaleCo.com and let’s get started.