Sourcing Planters Wholesale: MOQ, Packing and Container Loading

MOQ is usually set per model, not per order

Most planter factories set a minimum order quantity per colour and per size, typically 200–500 pieces for a standard mould and 1,000+ for a new colour. Mixing sizes within one model is usually allowed, which lets a buyer build a balanced range without committing to a single diameter.

Nested packing is where the freight saving is

Planters taper, so they nest. A well-designed range packs 3–5 pots into the space of one, which is why a 60 cm carton can hold several large planters. When comparing quotations, always compare the packing rate (pieces per carton) and the carton dimensions rather than the unit price alone — two suppliers with the same unit price can differ by 30% in landed cost.

Calculating a container load

Work in cartons, not pieces. Take the carton volume in cubic metres, divide the container’s usable volume (about 28 m³ for a 20ft, 58 m³ for a 40ft, 68 m³ for a 40HQ), then multiply by pieces per carton. Always leave 5–8% for pallet gaps and load irregularities.

• 20ft container — roughly 28 m³ usable
• 40ft container — roughly 58 m³ usable
• 40HQ container — roughly 68 m³ usable

What to confirm before production

Confirm the colour against a physical sample, not a screen; agree the packing method (nested, with or without inner liner); confirm whether drainage holes are moulded or drilled; and ask for the carton marks and barcode requirements in writing. For EU and UK shipments, check the packaging recycling registration requirements before the carton artwork is printed.

Where to start

Our gallon pot range is the usual entry point for growers, while colour ranges suit garden centres and florists. Every product page carries the packing size and packing rate so you can calculate a container load directly.