Samples & MOQ

Plan the sample first, then confirm the realistic MOQ.

Custom notebook orders can start from 100 pieces. Sample timing and sample cost depend on the structure: standard stitched, sewn, glue-bound and spiral notebooks are usually faster, while leather and hardcover projects need a longer sample window.

Premium notebook sample set used for custom notebook quotation planning
Current sample policy MOQ starts from 100 pieces. Paid sample fees can be partly or fully credited toward qualifying bulk order payments.

MOQ and sample cost

One starting MOQ, two sample routes.

Keep the repeated terms simple: the starting MOQ is the same, while base sample timing and base sample fee mainly change between standard notebook structures and premium leather or hardcover projects. High-difficulty samples need sales confirmation for final timing and fee.

Starter MOQ From 100 pcs

Applies as the normal starting point for custom notebook orders.

Standard sample Base: 5-7 days / USD 45-80

For saddle stitch, sewn, glue-bound, spiral and most printed pad projects. Complex samples need sales confirmation.

Premium sample Base: 7-10 days / USD 80-120

For leather notebooks, hardcover notebooks and structured premium samples. Difficult samples are quoted separately.

Sample fee credit Credit threshold

Bulk order over USD 1,000: deduct 70% of the paid sample fee. Bulk order over USD 2,000: deduct 100% of the paid sample fee.

  • 70% exampleUSD 100 sample fee + USD 1,500 bulk order = USD 1,430 final payment.
  • 100% exampleUSD 100 sample fee + USD 2,500 bulk order = USD 2,400 final payment.
Sample route
Applies to
Notes
Standard route Regular notebook samples

Use the standard sample policy above.

Saddle stitch notebooks, sewn notebooks, glue-bound notebooks, spiral / Wire-O notebooks, printed pads and most standard mini notebook projects.

Final cost can still change with page count, custom printing, coil color, tabs, accessories and packaging.

Premium route Leather and hardcover samples

Use the premium sample policy above.

Leather / PU notebooks, hardcover notebooks, structured covers, gift-box projects and premium stationery sets.

Confirm cover material, tooling, foil, deboss, ribbon, elastic closure, box route and other premium details before final quotation.

Why MOQ changes

The number depends on the production decision that creates the constraint.

This section explains why a simple notebook can start lower, while custom tooling, special materials or packaging can push the practical MOQ higher.

01 Material stock

Cover stock, PU, greyboard, PP sheet, paper color and paper weight can each have different purchase thresholds.

02 Binding setup

Spiral color, Wire-O size, sewn spine, glue-bound pads and hardcover case-making affect setup effort.

03 Logo process

Screen print, CMYK, foil, deboss, emboss and Spot UV should be quoted by the actual finish route.

04 Interior pages

Blank pages, ruled pages, color inserts, planner layouts and custom forms create different print costs.

05 Accessories

Elastic bands, ribbons, tabs, charms, clasps, corner protectors and dividers add sourcing and assembly steps.

06 Packaging route

OPP bag, shrink wrap, sleeve, belly band, display box, gift box and carton packing should be confirmed early.

Sample workflow

Use one clear path from reference sample to bulk quotation.

1 Choose a reference

Start from a case number, product family, buyer photo or target retail example.

2 Confirm sample spec

Lock size, binding, page count, cover material, logo process, packaging and sample purpose.

3 Make or proof sample

Use the approved sample route to confirm appearance, materials, finish and construction.

4 Quote bulk route

After sample approval, confirm realistic MOQ, bulk lead time, packing and delivery assumptions.

Buyer brief template

Ask for the details that decide MOQ before promising a number.

These details help us confirm the right sample route, realistic MOQ, sample cost, production lead time and packaging assumptions before quotation.

Required fields

Minimum information for sample and MOQ review.

  • Product family or closest reference case number.
  • Target order quantity and expected repeat-order quantity.
  • Size, binding, page count, paper weight and page layout.
  • Cover material, artwork status, logo method and finish process.
  • Packaging method, destination country and target delivery window.

Next step

Use the template to collect one practical sample and MOQ brief.