By RFID MFG Editorial Team · Updated August 12, 2026 · 3 min read

In short: MOQs start at 10 pieces for cards, fobs, tags and wristbands, and are higher for reel-converted labels and inlays. Every order starts with free pre-production samples in 3–7 days — bulk production begins only after you approve the sample and artwork proof. The table below lists the real MOQ for every product.

How MOQ works here

MOQ is set per production run, not per year — it reflects the point where setup, tooling and material changeover stop dominating the unit cost. Different constructions have different economics, which is why a PVC card and a reel-converted inlay have very different minimums. The table below is the same data our quotes are built from.

Why labels and inlays have higher MOQs

Labels and inlays are converted reel-to-reel: antenna bonding, adhesive lamination and die-cutting run as a continuous process, and starting the line for a short run wastes most of a reel. That is why label MOQs are counted in thousands while cards and tags start in the hundreds.

The free sample policy

Pre-production samples are free and arrive in 3–7 days. They exist so you can verify the chip on your own readers, check print and material in hand, and catch spec problems while they are still free to fix. An artwork proof accompanies the samples; bulk production starts only after you approve both.

Below-MOQ trial runs

Smaller trial batches are sometimes possible on standard specs — existing constructions without custom tooling. If you are piloting a system before a larger rollout, say so in the inquiry: we would rather support a serious pilot than lose the rollout.

MOQ, sample and bulk lead time by product

ProductMOQSample leadBulk lead
Contact IC Chip Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
Hotel Keycard500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
PVC Cards500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
RFID / NFC Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
RFID Epoxy Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
Custom Card Program500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
Wooden RFID Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
Metal Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
Eco-Friendly Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
NFC Business Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
Dual-Frequency RFID Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
Magnetic Stripe Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
PVC Scratch Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
NFC Printed Label / Sticker1,000 pcs3–5 days7–12 days
RFID Dry Inlay2,000 pcs3–5 days7–12 days
RFID Wet Inlay / Sticker2,000 pcs3–5 days7–12 days
RFID White Label / Sticker1,000 pcs3–5 days7–12 days
UHF RFID Label1,000 pcs3–5 days7–12 days
RFID Animal Tag500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
RFID Anti-Metal Tag500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
RFID Keyfob500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
RFID Wristband500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
Specialty RFID Tags500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
RFID Laundry Tag500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
NFC Pet ID / Dog Tag500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
RFID Jewelry Tag500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
RFID Library Tag & Label500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
UHF Windshield Tag500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
High-Temperature RFID Tag500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
RFID Seal / Cable-Tie Tag500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
RFID Silicone Wristband500 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
Disposable Paper Wristband1,000 pcs3–7 days10–18 days
RFID Blocking Card500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
RFID Blocking Sleeves500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
RFID Blocking Wallet500 pcs3–5 days7–15 days
Barcode Scan Module / Engine10 units5–7 days10–20 days
Industrial IoT DTU / RTU10 units5–7 days10–20 days
RFID LF/HF/UHF Reader / Writer10 units5–7 days10–20 days
RFID Smart Cabinet / Terminal10 units5–7 days10–20 days

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Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum order for custom RFID cards?

Card MOQs start at 10 pieces per run for standard constructions. Specialty builds (metal, dual-interface) can differ — the table on this page shows the real minimum for each product.

Are samples really free?

Yes. Pre-production samples are free, ship in 3–7 days, and carry no obligation — bulk production only starts after you approve them.

Can I order less than the MOQ?

Sometimes, on standard specs without custom tooling. Share your use case and target quantity — pilot runs ahead of a larger rollout are usually workable.

Do sample chips match production chips?

Yes — samples are built with the same chip and construction quoted for production, so what you validate is what you receive in bulk.