Three questions decide whether a first order happens: what is the minimum quantity, how long does production take, and how is it paid for. They sound simple, but in garden machinery each one hides detail that costs money when it is misunderstood.
What MOQ actually means
Minimum order quantity is usually expressed per model, not per order. A 50-unit MOQ on a lawn mower means fifty of that model — you can still mix several models inside the same container.
The number comes from setup cost: engine procurement, carton printing, colour changes on the line. That is why MOQ moves with customisation:
- Standard model, standard carton — lowest MOQ, fastest production.
- Private label carton and manual — MOQ rises because printing has a minimum run.
- Custom colour, badge and specification — highest MOQ, because the line has to be reset.
For a first order, the practical approach is to test the market with standard models and a small private-label run, then scale the customisation once the sell-through numbers are known.
How a lead time is built
A quoted 30 to 45 days usually covers production only. The full cycle looks like this:
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Artwork and specification confirmation | 3–7 days |
| Engine and component procurement | 7–15 days |
| Production and assembly | 15–25 days |
| Run test, packing and container loading | 3–5 days |
| Sea freight to European port | 30–38 days |
Add the freight leg and a European importer is looking at ten to twelve weeks from deposit to warehouse. For a spring season, that means ordering in November and December. Orders placed in February arrive after the first sales peak.
Payment terms that protect both sides
Standard terms for a first order are 30 percent deposit with the balance against the bill of lading, or a letter of credit at sight. Both give the buyer protection without exposing the factory to unpaid production.
For repeat orders, many importers move to 30/70 with telex release, which shortens the document cycle by several days and keeps stock moving in peak season.
Whatever the structure, agree three things in writing before production: the inspection standard, the documents supplied with the shipment, and what happens if the goods fail inspection.
What to put in the first enquiry
- Model numbers or the specification you need (bar length, displacement, deck size, airflow).
- Quantity per model and whether mixed models are acceptable.
- Destination port, so freight and packing can be calculated.
- Certification requirements for your market.
- Any branding requirement — logo, colour, carton artwork, manual language.
With those five points, a quotation is usually accurate on the first pass. Without them, every reply is an estimate that has to be revised.
Frequently asked questions
Can I order a sample before committing?
Yes. One sample per model is available at sample price plus courier freight, and the sample cost is normally deducted from the first bulk order.
Do you ship mixed models in one container?
Yes. Mixed containers are the normal way importers build a range, and we plan the loading so the container is filled rather than part-loaded.
What documents come with the shipment?
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and the relevant conformity documents for the destination market.
Send us the specification and destination port and we will return a quotation with MOQ, lead time and FOB Ningbo pricing. For the product side, start with the full garden machinery range.