MOQ, Pricing & Payment Terms When Buying Eyewear from China
Quick answer: Eyewear MOQ China factories typically require 12–50 pcs per color for ready stock, and 100–300 pcs per color for custom OEM orders. Factory unit prices range from US$2–20+ depending on material and complexity. Payment is usually 30–50% deposit plus balance before shipment, with T/T wire transfer as the standard method.
When sourcing eyewear from China — whether for the first time or the tenth — the questions around eyewear MOQ China requirements, pricing tiers, and payment structures can feel overwhelming. Ask too little and you get vague answers. Ask the wrong way and suppliers assume you're not serious. This guide changes that.
Based on nearly 20 years of eyewear manufacturing experience, here is exactly what to expect at every stage: minimum order thresholds, factory pricing logic, payment terms that protect both sides, and the mistakes that cost new buyers time and money.
Understanding MOQ for China Eyewear Wholesale
MOQ — minimum order quantity — is the first number any supplier will quote you. In the eyewear industry, MOQ is not a single figure. It varies by product type, material, customisation level, and whether you are ordering ready stock or custom-made frames.
- Ready Stock vs. Custom OEM: Two Very Different MOQ Rules
Ready stock means the factory already has frames in production or finished inventory. You choose from existing shapes and colors. The eyewear MOQ China ready-stock standard generally runs:
- 12–24 pcs per color for acetate frames
- 12–36 pcs per color for metal frames
- 12–24 pcs per color for reading glasses or sunglasses
Custom OEM is an entirely different conversation. You are requesting a specific shape, color, material combination, temple design, or brand logo. The setup costs are higher, so factories set higher minimums:
- 300 pcs per model (style), 100 pcs per color for most OEM orders
- If for injection frames, 600pcs per model(style), 200pcs per color and need extra cost of mold
- Logo engraving or custom color mixing or special parts mold required may trigger additional per-color minimums
JM Optical MOQ: Ready stock 12 pcs/color | Custom OEM 300 pcs/model, 100 pcs/color
- Why Suppliers Set MOQ Thresholds
It is not arbitrary. Acetate frames start as raw sheets that require CNC cutting, shaping, barrel tumbling (48-hour cycles in polishing machines), and hand-finishing. Metal frames go through stamping, CNC machining, welding, multi-stage polishing and electroplating. Below a certain batch size, the setup cost per piece makes the order unviable. Understanding this logic gives you real leverage when negotiating eyewear MOQ China terms.
Factory Pricing Guide for Different Types of Eyewear
Pricing from Chinese eyewear factories is structured around materials, processes, and batch size. Here is a realistic overview of what to expect when requesting a quote.
— Price Ranges by Frame Category
Frame Type | Material | Typical FOB Price (USD) | Notes |
Optical frame | Acetate | $4 – $16 | Depends on thickness, finish, hinges |
Optical frame | Metal / Titanium | $3 – $18 | Titanium adds $3–8 per piece |
Sunglasses | Acetate + polarised lens | $2 – $15 | Lens quality affects price heavily |
Reading glasses | Metal / TR90 | $1.50 – $6 | High-volume, simple construction |
Blue-light blocking | Acetate / TR90 | $3 – $10 | Lens coating cost varies widely |
Smart / AI glasses | Acetate + electronics | $45 – $90+ | Highly variable by tech specs |
These are FOB (Free on Board) prices from Chinese factories. They exclude freight, import duties, and inland logistics at your end.
— The Three Pricing Factors
When working with eyewear MOQ China suppliers, three variables move the price most:
- Order volume: larger quantities mean lower per-unit cost. A 300-piece OEM run costs more per piece than a 1,000-piece run of the same frame.
- Material and component specs: premium acetate sheets, hinges, AR coatings, Nylon lens — each adds cost. Be specific in your brief to get accurate quotes.
- Customisation depth: logo engraving, custom color mixing, and custom packaging all add to unit cost and may trigger separate MOQ thresholds.
Production & Shipping Lead Time Schedule
Payment terms in China eyewear manufacturing follow fairly standard conventions — but knowing the logic creates room to negotiate.
— The Most Common Payment Structure
For most OEM or ready-stock eyewear orders, you will see:
- 30–50% deposit upfront (T/T bank wire transfer) to begin production
- 50–70% balance before shipment, after QC pass and pre-shipment photos
Some factories require 100% prepayment for small orders or first-time buyers. This is normal practice, not a red flag on its own.
— Payment Methods Factories Accept
- T/T (Telegraphic Transfer): standard for B2B, fast, low bank fee
- PayPal: sometimes accepted for samples or small orders; factories may add 3–4% surcharge
- Alibaba Trade Assurance: provides buyer protection, widely used by Alibaba exporters
- L/C (Letter of Credit): used for large orders ($50,000+); requires bank processing both sides
- Western Union / MoneyGram: rarely used for legitimate factory orders — treat with caution
JM Optical accepts T/T wire transfer，PayPal, Zelle and Alibaba Trade Assurance.
— Sample Orders: Different Rules Apply
Sampling has its own payment logic. Most factories require 100% upfront for samples, plus a sample fee that covers the production setup.
- Sample lead time: 7–14 days for existing styles; 30 –75 days for custom development
- Sample fee: US$30–300 per style depending on complexity (often credited toward bulk order)
- Shipping: sent by DHL/FedEx/UPS on buyer's account or with prepaid freight
— Negotiating Better Terms as a New Buyer
If you are new to a supplier, expect conservative terms. You can improve them by:
- Placing consistent repeat orders, even at modest volumes
- Providing a complete brief with specs, artwork, and quantity upfront — shows professionalism
- Paying on time without disputes, which builds factory trust quickly
- Offering slightly higher per-unit prices in exchange for longer payment windows
Fourth Topic - Lead Times: What Eyewear MOQ China Orders Actually Take
Lead time is the another important variable shaping your buying decisions. Confusing "factory production time" with "total time to your warehouse" is one of the most common sourcing mistakes.
Order Type | Factory Lead Time | Total to Your Warehouse |
Ready stock | 7-14 days (pick + QC) | 14–30 days (air) / 35–65 days (sea) |
Ready stock with logo | 14-28 days (pick + logo + QC) | 21–45 days (air) / 42–80 days (sea) |
Custom OEM (simple) | 45–75 days | 52–92 days (air) / 75–127 days (sea) |
Custom OEM (complex) | 75–90 days | 80–107 days (air) / 105–145 days (sea) |
OEM + mould development | 90–120 days | 95–137 days (air) / 120–175 days (sea) |
At JM Optical, ready stock without logo ships within 10 days of order confirmation. Custom OEM models typically require 60–90 days from design sign-off to finished goods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sourcing Eyewear
- Not locking specs before paying deposit: vague briefs lead to interpretation errors and expensive rework. Always confirm materials, colors, dimensions, logo placement, and packaging in writing before any payment.
- Assuming the quoted price includes logo and packaging: it almost never does. Ask explicitly.
- Confusing per-model MOQ with per-color MOQ: a factory may quote "300 pcs MOQ" but mean 100 pcs minimum per color within that model.
- Underestimating inspection and testing time: CE/FDA testing can add 2–4 weeks. Build this into your launch planning.
- Skipping pre-shipment inspection: once goods ship, leverage is gone. Always verify quality before releasing the balance payment.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Eyewear Sourcing
What is the typical eyewear MOQ for China factories?
For ready stock, most China eyewear factories set a minimum of 12–24 pcs per color. For custom OEM, the standard eyewear MOQ China requirement is 300 pcs per model with a minimum of 100 pcs per color. Some factories will negotiate lower quantities for established buyers or simpler designs.
Can I get a lower MOQ if I combine styles in one order?
Sometimes. Some factories offer a combined MOQ — for example, 500 pcs across 3 styles rather than 300 per style. It varies by factory. Ask directly, especially for your first season.
Is T/T (wire transfer) safe when ordering eyewear from China?
T/T is the industry standard for B2B China eyewear orders. It is generally safe when dealing with a verified factory with a track record. To reduce risk: pay the deposit only after receiving a signed pro-forma invoice, conduct a video call or factory audit, and release the balance only after pre-shipment photos are approved. For first orders, Alibaba Trade Assurance adds an extra layer of buyer protection.
What payment terms should I negotiate as a new buyer?
Most factories ask for 30–50% deposit and the remainder before shipment. Accept these terms for your first order and focus on building trust through clear communication and on-time payment. After some successful orders and years trust, you can negotiate on better payment terms.
How long does a custom eyewear OEM order from China take?
A typical custom OEM eyewear order takes 60–90 days from approved design to finished goods at the factory. Add 7–15 days for air freight or 30–45 days for sea freight for the total time to your warehouse. Rush orders are possible at extra cost, but quality risk increases under compressed timelines.
About JM Optical
JM Optical (Shanghai JM Optical Co., Ltd.) is a China-based eyewear manufacturer with nearly 20 years of industry experience. Our Wenzhou factory produces acetate optical frames, metal frames, sunglasses, reading glasses, and AI smart glasses for B2B buyers across Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.
MOQ: Ready stock 12 pcs/color | Custom OEM 300 pcs/model, 100 pcs/color
Lead Time: 7-14 days (ready stock) | 60–90 days (OEM/ODM)
Contact: jim@shjmoptical.com | WhatsApp: +86-137-6415-0962 | https://shjmoptical.com/
Series: How to Source Eyewear from China | Part 5 of 10