If you’re a small business owner in the Greater Toronto Area and you’re exploring the world of custom clothing, there’s one question you’ve probably already asked:
“What’s the minimum order quantity?”

It’s a fair question—and an important one. Whether you’re just starting out, running a one-person show, or leading a small but mighty team, you want to invest wisely. You want to create branded apparel that builds recognition, fosters team spirit, and leaves a lasting impression—without breaking the bank or being forced into huge bulk orders you don’t need.

Let’s dive into the details.

What Is Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), Anyway?

Minimum Order Quantity—or MOQ—is the smallest number of items you’re required to purchase in a single order from a supplier.

In the world of promotional clothing, this might mean needing to order at least 12 custom T-shirts or a minimum of 20 embroidered hats.

Different suppliers have different MOQs depending on a variety of factors:

• Type of clothing

• Decoration method (screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer, etc.)

• Customization complexity

• Order fulfillment processes

The big question: what’s the MOQ at PromoPays?

PromoPays: Low Minimums, Big Possibilities

At PromoPays, we believe in supporting small businesses—not squeezing them with unrealistic order requirements. That’s why our minimums are designed to work with you, not against you.

Here’s a general breakdown of our minimum order quantities:

• Screen printed T-shirts: Minimum of 12

• Embroidered hats or polos: Minimum of 12

• Printed hoodies and sweatshirts: Minimum of 12

• Jackets and outerwear: Minimum of 12

• Custom golf shirts: Minimum of 12

• Headwear and accessories: Varies, but typically around 12

We keep our MOQs low so even the smallest teams and solo entrepreneurs can get the custom gear they need.

Why Do MOQs Exist?

You might be wondering: why do some companies have large MOQs—like 50, 100, or even 250 pieces?

It comes down to economies of scale. Setting up printing or embroidery machines takes time and labour. Suppliers want to make sure that the setup costs are covered and that it’s worth their time to run the machines.

But at PromoPays, we’ve invested in efficient processes and smart ordering systems. That means we can streamline production and pass the benefits onto you, our customer.

How Small Orders Can Still Make a Big Impact

Just because you’re placing a small order doesn’t mean your apparel can’t pack a punch. In fact, we’ve worked with plenty of clients in the GTA who have ordered just a dozen items and seen real, measurable brand lift.

Here are just a few scenarios where a small order makes sense:

• Launching a new brand or service: Order 12–24 branded tees for your team, booth staff, or launch event.

• Employee recognition: Give your top performers a custom hoodie as a thank-you.

• Pop-up shops or local markets: Sell a limited run of merch without overcommitting.

• Fundraisers or school events: Print just enough to meet your minimum and raise some buzz.

• Uniforms for small teams: Whether it’s a catering crew or landscaping staff, 12 custom polos can go a long way.

We’re all about making custom gear accessible, no matter how many people you’ve got on your team.

Tips to Get the Most Value from a Small Custom Apparel Order

If you’re working with a small MOQ, here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Stick to one or two print colours

Keeping your design simple can save on setup costs and help the finished product look clean and professional.

2. Use versatile designs

Create a logo or graphic that works well across T-shirts, hoodies, and hats—so you can reuse it later on.

3. Choose neutral colours

Black, white, and grey apparel colours appeal to more people and can help ensure every piece gets used.

4. Pre-sell if you’re unsure

Want to test demand? Take pre-orders from your audience before committing to your MOQ.

5. Work with a local expert

Our GTA-based team at PromoPays can guide you through your first order and help you make choices that pay off.

Should I Order More Than the Minimum?

That depends on your needs and budget—but sometimes, going slightly above the MOQ makes a lot of sense.

Here’s why:

• Cost per item often decreases as you increase the quantity

• You’ll have extra stock for new hires, walk-ins, or backup

• It’s usually more efficient to do one larger run than several small ones

That said, we’ll never pressure you into more than you need. Your business is unique, and so is your order.

Customization Options at PromoPays

We offer a variety of decoration options—each one with different implications for MOQ and pricing:

Screen Printing

• Best for bold, flat designs

• Ideal for T-shirts, hoodies, and team gear

• Low MOQ (starting at 12)

Embroidery

• Great for professional uniforms, polos, and hats

• Adds texture and durability

• MOQ starts at 12 items

Heat Transfer & Vinyl

• Best for names, numbers, or complex multicolour artwork

• Can be used for short runs or individual personalization

Not sure what to pick? We’re happy to help you choose based on your budget, style, and use-case.

Local Support from a GTA-Based Team

Unlike many faceless online stores, PromoPays is proudly Canadian, with strong ties to the Greater Toronto Area. When you work with us, you’re working with a local team that:

• Knows the Canadian market

• Can help meet tight deadlines (because we’re close by!)

• Offers personal, real-time support

Small business to small business—we get it. We’re here to help you look sharp and feel proud, whether you’re repping your brand at a market, managing a team, or hosting an event.

What If I Only Need 5 Items?

We get this question a lot.

Our MOQ is 12 for most items—but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. In some cases, we can offer smaller batches through heat transfer, vinyl printing, or special promotions.

If you’re looking to order less than the MOQ, contact us and we’ll work with you on a custom solution. We’ve done one-offs and micro-orders for very specific needs. It’s always worth asking!

Real Stories: Small Orders, Big Wins

The Local Coffee Shop in Etobicoke
They ordered just 12 T-shirts for staff—and ended up getting requests to sell them to customers. A second batch became their first merch line.

A Pet Groomer in Scarborough
Ordered 12 branded hoodies to wear during service appointments. Clients loved them so much they became walking billboards.

An Online Etsy Seller in Markham
Tried a test run of 12 branded tees to go with her package inserts. Saw a 20% increase in repeat orders from fans loving the added brand experience.

In Summary: What’s the Minimum Order Quantity at PromoPays?

Short answer: 12 items for most apparel types.

Longer answer: We’ll work with you to make your small order count, offering:

• Low MOQs

• Local GTA support

• Flexible printing options

• Honest, up-front pricing

• Friendly, expert guidance

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re ordering a dozen hoodies or planning a larger rollout, PromoPays is your partner for high-quality, Canadian-made custom apparel.

👉 Browse our Custom T-Shirts
👉 Explore Hoodies & Sweatshirts
👉 Request a Quote

Need help deciding what’s best for your team? Just give us a shout—we love helping small businesses in the GTA look and feel great in their gear.