MOQ, lead time and price: the three questions every buyer asks
This guide explains how the three biggest cost drivers work when you source cat trees from a factory in China — so you can plan stock, cash flow and pricing with fewer surprises.
1. MOQ (minimum order quantity)
MOQ is set by material efficiency, not by policy. A cat tree that uses a standard board size can run at lower MOQ; a fully custom design needs its own tooling and dies, which pushes MOQ up.
| Order type | Typical MOQ | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Existing catalog model | A few hundred units | Standard boards, shared tooling |
| Colour / fabric change | Frequently low | No new tooling, only material swap |
| Custom OEM design | Higher | New dies, packaging and QC setup |
2. Lead time
Plan for the whole chain, not just assembly:
- Sample approval and deposit: 1–2 weeks
- Material prep (board cutting, sisal, fabric): 1–2 weeks
- Production and assembly: 2–3 weeks
- QC, packing and loading: 3–5 days
- Sea freight to EU/US: 25–40 days
Typical ex-works production lead time is 25–35 days after deposit for repeat models.
3. FOB price and incoterms
| Term | You pay for | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | Goods at factory gate | You have your own forwarder in Ningbo |
| FOB Ningbo | Goods loaded on vessel | Most common for container buyers |
| CIF | Goods + freight + insurance to port | You want freight handled |
| DDP | Delivered, duty paid to your door | Small first orders / Amazon sellers |
How to compare quotes fairly
- Normalise to the same incoterm and currency.
- Ask for the material spec in writing (board type, sisal length, fabric).
- Confirm whether tooling and packaging are one-off or per-order.
Ready to price a program? See our cat tree range and request an FOB quote.
What is the typical MOQ for wholesale cat trees?
Many models start from a few hundred units; custom OEM designs carry a higher MOQ because of new tooling and packaging setup.
What are the shipping terms for cat trees?
FOB Ningbo is most common. EXW, CIF and DDP are available on request depending on your logistics setup.
How long does production take?
Typically 25–35 days after deposit for repeat models, excluding sea freight of roughly 25–40 days.
Do you quote FOB or landed cost?
We quote FOB by default and can provide a delivered (DDP) estimate on request with your destination ZIP or postcode.
