Three questions come up in almost every enquiry: how many do I have to order, can I see a sample first, and how long does it take. Here is how each one actually works.
MOQ — minimum order quantity
An MOQ exists because every custom run carries fixed setup work: screens, plates, moulds, machine calibration and a first-article check. Spread over 500 units that cost is negligible; spread over 5 units it dominates the price.
Typical ranges at MingKos:
- Apparel (T-shirts, polos, work shirts): usually 25–50 pcs, mixable sizes within one style and colour.
- Caps: around 50 pcs.
- Drinkware (bottles, tumblers, mugs): around 50 pcs.
- Notebooks and bags: around 100 pcs.
- Packaging and printed material: around 100 pcs and up.
- Trophies, medals and crystal awards: often 1 pc, because there is no screen setup per unit.
The exact MOQ is shown on each product page. If you need fewer than the stated MOQ, ask anyway — we can sometimes run a small batch with a surcharge.
Samples
There are two kinds of sample, and they answer different questions:
- Digital proof — free, sent for every order. It shows logo position, size and colour on a product template. It answers “is the layout right?”
- Physical pre-production sample — one real item printed with your artwork. It answers “does the material and the print quality meet my standard?” It costs a sample fee, takes roughly 3–7 working days, and is the only way to judge colour on the actual surface.
If you are running a repeat order with no artwork change, you can usually skip the physical sample.
Lead times
- Quote: within one business day for standard products.
- Digital proof: 1–2 working days after we receive usable artwork.
- Sample: about 3–7 working days.
- Production: about 7–15 working days after approval and deposit for most items. Engraving, custom tooling, gift sets and large-volume packaging take longer — we will state the real number on your quote.
- Shipping: express courier typically 5–10 days door to door; sea freight 25–40 days but far cheaper per kilo for heavy shipments.
Lead time starts from artwork approval and deposit, not from the day you first enquire. Peak season (October–December) runs longer across the board, so book early.
Payment
Standard terms are a 50% deposit to start production and the balance before shipment. We accept bank transfer (T/T), major credit cards and PayPal. Orders above a certain value can be discussed case by case.
Planning backwards
If you need products in hand by a fixed date, work backwards: delivery date − shipping time − production time − sample time − proof time. Then add a week of slack. That single habit removes most of the stress from custom ordering.
Questions about your specific order? Contact us, or check the FAQ and Terms & Conditions.
