A few key terms come up in every manufacturer conversation. Here is what MOQ, lead time and turnkey actually mean.

Key takeaways

  • MOQ is the minimum units per product/run.
  • Lead time is order-to-delivery duration.
  • Turnkey means end-to-end, ready-to-sell production.

MOQ

Minimum Order Quantity - the smallest number of units a factory will produce per product or per run. Lower MOQs reduce a startup's risk. An MOQ is usually the largest of three separate minimums; our piece on filling-line minimums versus MOQ shows which one is worth negotiating.

Lead time

The time from confirmed order to finished goods, covering production, filling, packing and sometimes notification. Plan around it.

Turnkey

A turnkey manufacturer handles everything - formulation, testing, packaging, regulatory and production - so you receive a finished, ready-to-sell product.

Guidance compiled by the OEMHallmark research desk. Always verify current certifications, MOQs and terms directly with each manufacturer.