Supplier minimum packs: sizes and colours
Ask for the contents of each pack, then translate the proposed order into quantities for every size and colour. Compare those quantities with demand and existing stock, cost the likely surplus, and approve any revised mix in writing before packing. Your buyer approval stays with you when working with Cambridge China Bridge.
Separate the order minimum from the pack rule
Ask whether the minimum applies to the whole order, each style, each colour, each size or each fixed assortment pack. Confirm the quantity increment for reorders and whether cartons contain identical packs or a mixture. A total order that meets MOQ can still leave you with an unsuitable size or colour mix.
Request a pack sheet showing every size and colour combination, its quantity per pack, the permitted mixes and any charge for changing them. Ask whether the restriction comes from production or just packing. The MOQ and sampling guide explains factory minimums; here the decision is whether the required assortment fits your sales.
Build demand by size and colour
Use a worksheet with a row for each size and colour combination. Record usable stock, incoming stock, customer commitments and expected sales over your chosen selling window. Use sales after returns where available, and flag periods when a variant was unavailable: low recorded sales during a stockout do not establish low demand.
Compare the supplier's assortment ratio with your expected sales mix. Multiply each pack's contents by the proposed pack count, then compare each resulting variant quantity with its stock gap. For a new range, distinguish customer commitments from enquiries and assumptions. Keep the forecast separate from the purchase commitment, as explained in demand forecast versus firm order.
Price the surplus before choosing the mix
Identify which variants would remain after realistic sales within the selling window. Assess their delivered cost, storage, handling and likely markdown or disposal exposure. Consider whether seasonal colours or uncommon sizes could still sell later. Sales of popular variants should not hide cash tied up in the rest of the pack.
Compare the fixed assortment with a changed ratio, separate variant packs, fewer colours or a smaller trial range. Ask for the price and packing implications of each option. A higher unit price may be preferable if it reduces unwanted stock. Set a cash exposure limit before ordering; use valuing unsold imported stock for the separate accounting question.
Make substitutions a buyer approval decision
Put the approved variant quantities and pack contents into the order alongside the product specification. State that shortages, surplus quantities and substitutions need written approval from your named buyer before packing or dispatch. Specify any acceptable quantity tolerance by variant; avoid an overall tolerance that lets the factory replace slow or unavailable variants with others.
For a proposed change, request the original and replacement variants, quantities affected, reason, sample or photographs, and effects on price, delivery, labels and product evidence. Approve or reject that specific change, then issue a revised assortment sheet. Silence should not be treated as approval. Use the product specification guide for the underlying specification.
Check the packed assortment before dispatch
Give the inspector the approved assortment sheet and carton markings. Ask for a check of size and colour quantities within packs, not just the shipment total. Reconcile the packing list with the approved order and any written changes. If a mismatch appears, hold dispatch while the buyer decides whether to repack, accept a documented change or remove affected goods.
Keep the approved mix, change approvals, packing evidence and received quantities together. After selling the goods, compare actual demand and remaining stock by variant before repeating the assortment. Brief Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China with the same sheet, your exposure limit and the person authorised to approve changes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix sizes and colours to meet MOQ?
Ask which minimums apply and whether mixing is allowed within a pack or only across cartons. Get the exact contents and permitted changes in writing before comparing the offer with demand.
How do I choose a size assortment ratio?
Start with sales after returns by size and colour, adjust for stockouts and your selling window, then compare the pack contents with each variant's stock gap. Flag assumptions for a new range.
Is a cheaper fixed pack worth buying?
Compare the delivered cost and likely surplus with the cost of a changed mix. Include storage, handling and markdown exposure. A lower unit price can still commit more cash to stock you cannot sell.
Can a supplier substitute another colour?
Set a written approval process in the order. Require the proposed replacement, quantities and effects on price, delivery and labels. Approve the specific change before packing or dispatch.