Is It Possible to Start with Small Batches Before Bulk Ordering?
For many beauty brands, especially those just starting out, packaging is one of the most crucial investments. Custom lip gloss boxes not only protect the product but also define the brand’s first impression. However, when you are a new or growing business, committing to large bulk orders of packaging may feel overwhelming or financially unrealistic. This leads to a common question: Is it possible to start with small batches before bulk ordering?
The good news is yes, it is possible—many packaging suppliers now offer small-batch or low minimum order quantity (MOQ) options. This flexibility helps cosmetic businesses test their designs, manage costs, and grow at their own pace.
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1. Why Small Batches Matter for New Brands
When you’re launching a lip gloss line, your needs are different from those of a large, established company. Ordering thousands of boxes upfront might not make sense. Here’s why small batches are so beneficial:
Budget Management: New businesses often have limited budgets. Ordering in smaller quantities avoids the heavy financial burden of bulk commitments.
Design Testing: Small batches allow you to experiment with colors, finishes, and box styles without wasting money if you decide to change the design later.
Market Feedback: Selling products in small batches lets you gather customer feedback on both the product and packaging before scaling up.
Inventory Control: Holding thousands of boxes in storage may not be practical, especially for small operations.
2. Typical Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
Packaging suppliers set MOQs to streamline their production costs. Traditionally, the industry standard for custom packaging was 500 to 1,000 units, but the rise of indie beauty brands has changed this landscape.
Today, many suppliers offer:
Low MOQ Options: Some printers allow as few as 50–100 custom lip gloss boxes.
Digital Printing Services: With digital printing, small batches are affordable since no expensive printing plates are required.
Sample Runs: Suppliers may also produce one-off prototypes or sample sets to help you test the look and feel before committing.
This shift means even small brands can access professional-quality packaging without needing bulk orders from the start.
3. Benefits of Small-Batch Custom Packaging
Starting with small quantities offers several advantages beyond financial savings:
a. Flexibility in Design
You can experiment with different finishes—like matte, glossy, or holographic—without locking yourself into thousands of boxes that may not align with your final brand image.
b. Brand Evolution
Startups often refine their branding over time. Ordering small batches allows you to adjust your packaging as your brand identity evolves.
c. Reduced Waste
If you over-order, unused boxes may go to waste if you update your design or logo. Smaller batches minimize this risk.
d. Faster Launch Times
With small runs, production is often quicker, allowing you to bring products to market faster.
4. The Trade-Off: Cost Per Unit
While small-batch ordering offers flexibility, it does come with trade-offs. The biggest one is cost per unit.
Small Batches: The price per box will be higher because setup, labor, and material costs are spread across fewer units.
Bulk Orders: The larger your order, the cheaper each unit becomes. This is why many established brands prefer bulk orders once they’re confident in their design.
For example, ordering 100 lip gloss boxes may cost significantly more per piece compared to ordering 1,000. However, for startups, the flexibility outweighs the higher per-unit price.
5. How to Decide Between Small Batches and Bulk
To determine whether you should start small or jump into bulk, ask yourself:
Am I confident in my packaging design? If not, small batches are best.
Do I have reliable sales forecasts? If your sales are uncertain, starting with fewer boxes is safer.
What’s my budget? If funds are limited, invest in smaller quantities first to avoid financial strain.
Do I have storage space? Bulk orders require significant storage capacity.
Many successful beauty brands begin small, then gradually scale into bulk orders once they understand their customer base and sales flow.
6. Hybrid Strategy: The Best of Both Worlds
Some brands adopt a hybrid approach:
Start Small – Order 100–200 custom lip gloss boxes to test the market and gather feedback.
Refine Design – Use early sales and customer responses to fine-tune the packaging.
Scale Up – Once confident, move to bulk orders to take advantage of lower per-unit costs.
This strategy minimizes risks while positioning your brand for long-term savings and consistency.
7. Finding the Right Supplier
Not every packaging supplier offers small-batch services. When choosing a partner, look for:
Flexible MOQs (as low as 50–100).
Digital or on-demand printing options.
Willingness to provide prototypes or samples.
Experience with cosmetic packaging.
Suppliers that specialize in helping startups often understand the need for gradual scaling. Read more information vist our site https://successcircle
Conclusion
So, is it possible to start with small batches before bulk ordering? Absolutely. Many packaging suppliers now cater to small beauty brands by offering low MOQs, digital printing, and sample runs.
Starting with small batches gives you the freedom to test designs, control costs, reduce waste, and grow at your own pace. While bulk orders eventually save money per unit, small runs provide the flexibility and safety that new businesses need in the early stages.
For lip gloss brands aiming to stand out in the competitive cosmetics market, beginning with smaller batches isn’t just possible—it’s a smart strategy for long-term success
