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Yes, 100 pcs is absolutely possible. But only if you choose standard construction + standard shape/size + low-MOQ packaging + limited customization.
When MOQ gets pushed higher, it’s usually not because of the paddle itself, but because you’ve added:
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custom shapes or sizes
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custom color boxes or inserts
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accessory molds and full-system customization
The key is not negotiating price, but putting customization in the right order: run the system first, then upgrade.
What “MOQ” really means (most buyers mix these up)
Paddle MOQ (often low)
If you choose a common structure, common size, and common face material (for example: cold-press PP honeycomb, 16mm, fiberglass or T700 carbon fiber), factories can schedule production easily, so starting at 100 pcs is realistic.
The real problem is this:
many buyers say “I only want 100 pcs”, but what they actually request later is not just a paddle, but a small product system. And any part of that system can push the MOQ up.
Custom-system MOQ (this is what pushes you up)
The most typical situation I see is this: the paddle itself is fine, but things get stuck on boxes, inserts, accessories, or molds.
These items are not about “can it be made,” but whether the supply chain can move. If it can’t move, the only solution is a higher MOQ to spread the cost
The 4 things that push MOQ up the fastest
A) Custom shape / custom size
Many buyers think: “I’m only changing the size a little, the factory should be able to do it easily.”
In reality, for factories, changing shape or size affects yield rate, tooling, and process stability. It’s not a small adjustment.
Cold-press paddles:
Custom shapes or sizes usually trigger a higher MOQ, because small quantities make consistency hard to control.
Thermoformed (one-piece) paddles:
Custom shapes or sizes usually trigger a mold fee, because this process relies heavily on hard molds
Simple rule to remember:
Cold-press → MOQ threshold
Thermoformed → mold fee
B) Custom boxes + inserts (the “first order” trap)
The most common “first order killer”, If you’re only doing 100–300 pcs, but want: custom color box + insert + fixed slots for multiple accessories, you’re almost guaranteed to get stuck.
Why?
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Color box printing has MOQs (printers need to run large machines)
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Inserts (paper / blister / EVA) require die-cut molds and extra processes
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Packaging often extends lead time, many delays come from packaging, not paddles
A safer upgrade path I’ve seen work very well:
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First order:
Paddle cover or paddle bag + labeled plain box → looks like a brand, but avoids packaging MOQs -
Second order:
Universal color box + stickers + basic insert → more retail-ready, still controllable lead time -
Third order:
Fully custom color box + complete insert system (for profit or flagship models)
In short:
your first order doesn’t need the fanciest packaging, it needs packaging that doesn’t kill your timeline or budget.
C) Accessory customization (looks small, but can quietly explode cost)
Many new buyers think: “I won’t do a color box, I’ll just customize some accessories.”
But accessories are often the fastest way to blow the budget, because they involve molds and MOQs.
Common customizable accessories:
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edge guard logo / color
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rubber ring logo / color
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handle logo / color
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end cap logo / color
What you need to know upfront:
These logos often require molds, and costs vary a lot. Rubber ring molds, for example, are usually expensive. It’s very easy for accessories to exceed the paddle budget without realizing it.
My safer suggestion for the first order:
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Start with end cap logo only cheapest, most visible, least disruptive
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Add rubber ring logo only if budget allows and mold cost is clearly understood
One-line takeaway:
For your first order, don’t chase “full customization”, chase the cheapest visible brand identity.
D) Mold fee (tooling fee)
Mold fees are not a trap, they’re hard costs. If what you want requires new hardware tools, the fee is unavoidable.
Mold fees usually apply when:
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Thermoformed paddles with new shapes or new sizes
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Special structural parts or non-standard components
Mold fees usually don’t apply when:
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Just changing graphics or colors
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Minor adjustments within an existing standard mold system
Practical rule:
“If this change requires new hardware tools → mold fee. If not → usually MOQ or unit price change.”
100 pcs Can Still Look Like a Brand, without Color Boxes
Many people think “no color box = not premium.” In reality, smart first orders focus on brand feel, not packaging cost.
The most cost-effective “brand starter set” I recommend:
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End cap logo
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Unified paddle cover or paddle bag
These protect reviews and repeat purchases better than an expensive color box
A Simple “MOQ Increase Map” (Worth Saving)
| Custom Item | What it triggers | Why MOQ goes up | Safer first-order alternative | Better timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom shape/size (cold-press) | MOQ threshold | yield + schedule stability | standard shape/size | order 2–3 |
| Custom shape/size (thermoformed) | mold fee | tooling-dependent structure | standard thermoformed sizes | order 2+ |
| Custom printed color box | packaging MOQ + longer lead time | printing + die lines + scheduling | plain box + sticker / cover + bag | order 2+ |
| Insert tray (paper/blister/EVA) | MOQ + time | tooling + packaging chain | basic separation / simple fixing | order 2+ |
| Rubber ring logo | mold fee + MOQ | part mold cost is high | start with end cap logo | order 2+ |
| Edge guard color/logo | MOQ/material complexity | material + assembly chain | standard edge color | order 2+ |
| Handle logo/color | MOQ/process complexity | extra process variables | standard grip + label | order 2+ |
Two real “first order” failure patterns I see
Case 1:
100 pcs, full “premium gift box” ambition, stuck on box and insert lead time
I’ve seen a very typical first order like this: The buyer confirmed the paddle specs very quickly, but things kept slowing down more and more once we got to packaging.
He was very clear at the beginning:
“I only want to do 100 pcs, but I want it to look like a premium retail gift box ,with an insert inside, and the balls, towel, and grip all fixed neatly.”
My first reaction wasn’t to say “no” to a high-end idea.
Instead, I reminded him of a simple reality:
The production timeline for paddles and the production timeline for boxes / inserts are completely different supply chains.
When you try to force both into one single schedule, what usually happens is:
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The paddles are finished, but the packaging is still being confirmed
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The packaging is finally ready, then one insert slot needs adjustment
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After that, printing or die-cutting has to be redone
And suddenly the whole delivery timeline is delayed, and you’re stressed without knowing why
The advice I gave him was very simple, maybe even a bit “cold,” but extremely practical:
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For the first order, don’t build a full gift box system yet. Use a paddle cover or paddle bag + labeled plain box (or a universal box) to create brand presence
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Focus first on the key unboxing points:
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consistent appearance, clear contents, nothing missing, nothing messy during shipping
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Once sales and repeat orders are running, move the gift box + insert to a profit model or flagship model
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That way, packaging won’t choke your entire launch
He followed this path, and things moved much faster. The first order went live quickly, the second order upgraded the gift box and insert, and his mindset became much more stable.
Case 2:
Trying to customize everything, accessory costs explode, and the paddle itself becomes unstable
This kind of “first order fail” is actually more common than people realize.
Some buyers decide to simplify packaging, and then think:
“Okay, then I’ll go all-in on accessories.”
So they want:
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Logo + custom color on the edge guard
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Logo on the rubber ring
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Logo on the handle
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Logo on the end cap
I honestly understand the thinking: “I want my first order to look like a real brand.”
The problem is, accessory customization looks small, but it’s where costs quietly kill your budget.
Once you customize too many parts at the same time, what usually happens is not “I spend a bit more” , it’s this:
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Mold fees and MOQs stack up very fast
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Your budget gets squeezed before you even realize it
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To keep things moving, you start compromising here and there
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Designs get changed again and again to “save a little cost”
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And suddenly, the paddle itself doesn’t get enough attention
This is where things go wrong.
Instead of locking down the important stuff, weight range, assembly stability, surface version, overall feel, the first batch starts to feel inconsistent.
And once the first batch feels unstable, it doesn’t matter how good your branding looks, customers will feel it immediately.
What I suggested was a much smarter order sequence:
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First order: do the end cap logo first. It’s the cheapest, most visible, and least likely to slow everything down
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If budget allows, then add a rubber ring logo. (but only after confirming mold cost and MOQ clearly)
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Leave edge guard and handle customization for the second or third order. Those parts affect materials and assembly much more than people expect
Most importantly:
- Use the saved money and energy to make sure the paddle itself is consistent
Because if the first batch feels good in hand, customers forgive simple branding. If the first batch feels bad, no logo can save you.
Later, he followed this order. The first batch didn’t look overdone, but it felt solid, stable, and reliable, and that’s what allowed the brand to actually move forward instead of burning money on the first step.
FAQ (short answers)
Can 100pcs really work?
Yes, with standard specs + low-MOQ packaging + limited custom parts.
What usually pushes MOQ up first?
Custom printed boxes/inserts and accessory logo molds.
Cold-press vs thermoformed: which pushes mold fees more often?
Thermoformed shapes/sizes typically trigger mold fees more often.
What’s the smartest “branding” upgrade for a first order?
End cap logo first, then consider rubber ring logo if budget allows.
A practical closing note
MOQ isn’t “a factory trying to block you.” It’s usually the supply chain reality of your customization choices. If you launch with a stable, sellable base and upgrade step-by-step, you’ll move faster and waste less money.
If you tell me:
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your first order quantity (100 / 300 / 500)
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your sales channel (e-commerce / clubs & schools / retail & events)
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whether you want to sell steady volume first or upgrade for higher margins
I can help you map out the right customization order, what to do in the first order, what to leave for the second, so you don’t get stuck by MOQ or lead time right at the start.
