Facial Tissue Wholesale: MOQ, Packaging and Specifications
Facial Tissue Wholesale: MOQ, Packaging and Specifications
When you're buying facial tissue in bulk, the quotation on its own doesn't tell the whole story. Two suppliers can quote the same per-box price but offer very different minimum order quantities, packaging options, and specification flexibility. To compare offers fairly, you need to understand how MOQ, packaging, and specs interact — and what trade-offs make sense for your business.
What MOQ Really Means in Facial Tissue Wholesale
MOQ (minimum order quantity) is the smallest order a supplier will accept for a specific product configuration. It's not a fixed number — it depends on what you're ordering.
Standard MOQ ranges by product type
- Boxed facial tissue (standard size): 5,000 – 10,000 boxes per SKU
- Soft-pack facial tissue: 10,000 – 20,000 packs per SKU
- Pocket tissue: 20,000 – 50,000 packs per SKU
- Custom printed packaging: Often 10,000+ units due to plate setup costs
Why MOQ varies so much
MOQ is driven by production setup time, not just factory capacity. Changing over a production line from one box design to another takes time — and that setup cost gets spread across your order. The larger your order, the lower the per-unit amortized setup cost.
If you're a new brand or test-launching a SKU, look for suppliers that offer lower trial MOQs with a clear path to volume pricing as you grow. Browse our standard facial tissue range to see typical specifications and MOQs.
Packaging Options That Affect Cost and MOQ
Packaging is where most B2B buyers get surprised by hidden costs. It's not just about printing your logo — every packaging decision has a cost and a MOQ implication.
Common packaging formats
| Format | Typical Use Case | MOQ Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Standard white box | Retail, distributors | Lowest MOQ |
| Custom printed box | Private label brands | Higher MOQ |
| Soft pack (plastic wrap) | Travel, economy lines | Moderate MOQ |
| Display carton / tray | Retail shelf ready | Higher MOQ + artwork |
| Bulk master carton | Hospitality, wholesale | Lowest MOQ |
Packaging details that matter
- Box material: White cardboard vs. recycled kraft — affects both cost and perceived quality
- Print color count: 1-color vs. 4-color offset printing — more colors = higher setup cost
- Inner sleeve / wrapping: Individual box wrapping adds cost but protects inventory
- Master carton labeling: Shipping marks, barcode placement, and country-specific labeling requirements
Learn more about our OEM and private label packaging options — we work with you on dielines, print specs, and retail-ready packaging.
Key Specifications to Compare
When you're comparing quotes, make sure every supplier is quoting on the same specification. These are the variables that most affect price and performance:
Paper specifications
- Pulp type: 100% virgin wood pulp vs. mixed recycled pulp. Virgin pulp is softer and stronger — a noticeable difference for facial tissue.
- Ply count: 1-ply, 2-ply, 3-ply. 2-ply is the standard retail choice; 3-ply is premium.
- Sheet size: Standard is 190mm x 190mm or 200mm x 200mm. Custom sizes are possible but affect pricing.
- Sheet count per box: 100 sheets, 150 sheets, 200 sheets are common. More sheets = better value perception for consumers.
- GSM (grams per square meter): Heavier GSM = thicker, more durable tissue.
Performance specs to ask about
- Absorbency rate
- Wet strength (how well it holds together when wet)
- Softness on skin
- Lint level (how much paper dust sheds)
How to Get the Best Value
Don't just compare unit prices. Use this checklist:
- Ask every supplier to quote on identical specs — same ply, same sheet count, same packaging
- Compare total landed cost, not just FOB price — include shipping, duties, and handling
- Negotiate MOQ first, then price — sometimes a slightly higher MOQ unlocks a much better per-unit cost
- Test a sample before committing — quality can vary dramatically between "same spec" quotes
Our sourcing process is built around transparency — you get the same detailed specification breakdown from us, whether you're ordering 5,000 boxes or 50,000.
FAQ
Q: What is the typical MOQ for custom printed facial tissue? A: Custom printed box tissue usually starts at 10,000 boxes per SKU, because of plate setup costs. Simple white-label (no printing) can start as low as 5,000 boxes.
Q: Can I mix different tissue types in one order? A: Yes. Many distributors mix facial tissue, napkins, and toilet paper in one shipment to consolidate shipping costs. Ask your supplier about mixed-container options.
Q: How do I calculate total landed cost? A: Total landed cost = unit price + packaging + inland freight + ocean/air freight + insurance + import duties + customs clearance + warehousing. Always calculate this per unit to compare apples to apples.
Ready to get a quote on your facial tissue wholesale order? Contact us with your specifications and we'll provide a detailed breakdown.