Why MOQs Exist in the Preserved Flower Industry and How to Choose Between Air and Sea Freight

For many B2B buyers sourcing dried flowers wholesale or preserved flowers bulk, understanding minimum order quantities (MOQs) and choosing the right shipping method can make or break profitability. Below, we answer the key questions buyers often ask about MOQs and logistics when importing preserved flowers from China.

Why Do Suppliers Set Minimum Order Quantities?

Minimum order quantities (MOQs) are a standard practice in the preserved flower industry. They are not meant to make purchasing difficult but to ensure cost-efficiency and stable supply. The main reasons include:

• Production Costs: Dyeing, preserving, and packaging flowers require batch processing. Small runs significantly increase the per-unit cost.

• Logistics Constraints: Freight companies apply minimum weight or volume rules (e.g., 10 kg for air freight, 0.5 CBM for sea freight). Orders below this threshold are charged as the minimum anyway.

• Inventory Planning: Factories maintain stock for multiple clients. MOQs help allocate resources fairly and prevent frequent small-scale disruptions.

Tip: Some suppliers, like EterniBlossom, allow mixed cartons with multiple varieties in one box to help small businesses meet MOQs cost-effectively.

When Does Air Freight Make Sense?

Air freight is often chosen for its speed, making it ideal for urgent or small-batch orders. Typical scenarios include:

• Sample Orders: Testing product quality, packaging, or colors before placing a bulk order.

• Event Deadlines: Last-minute floral needs for weddings, exhibitions, or hotel openings.

• Limited Initial Stock: New businesses starting with small trial volumes.

However, keep in mind:

• Freight companies typically charge for minimum 10–15 kg, even if the parcel is lighter.

• Air freight cost per kilogram is higher than sea freight.

When to Choose Sea Freight?

Sea freight is the most cost-efficient method for large-volume shipments of dried and preserved flowers. It’s recommended when:

• Regular Bulk Orders: Established clients importing monthly or quarterly to stock retail or distribution centers.

• Heavy Items: Products with larger stems, palm leaves, or pampas grass that take up significant volume.

• Budget-Conscious Sourcing: When cost per unit matters more than fast delivery.

The trade-off is longer transit times (typically 25–45 days depending on destination) but at a fraction of air freight costs per unit weight.

Conclusion

MOQs exist mainly because of production efficiency and logistics rules set by freight companies, not the supplier's preference. Understanding the balance between order size, transport costs, and timing will help you choose the best procurement model for your business.

Looking to source premium dried and preserved flowers directly from a Kunming factory?
EterniBlossom offers flexible mixed-carton MOQs, reliable packaging, and tailored shipping options via air or sea.
Contact us today to receive a wholesale catalog and discuss the best logistics plan for your next order.