Tiered Pricing Examples — How Quantity Changes Unit Cost (Plush OEM/ODM)

Tiered pricing is not “discount magic.” It happens when fixed costs are spread across more units and production runs become more efficient at higher quantities. This page provides copy-ready tier structures (not public price promises) so you can estimate budgets, plan launches, and choose a realistic MOQ and quantity tier.

Uniomy’s controlled costing system prevents tier confusion:

“MOQ shock” → fixed-cost logic

“discount disappears” → SKU/pack-out drift

“re-quote loops” → locked specs

What cost drivers create pricing tiers?

Three cost buckets explain most plush price breaks, fixed vs variable

Most custom plush pricing can be grouped into three buckets: (1) fixed and semi-fixed setup costs, (2) variable materials and labor per unit, and (3) packaging/handling rules. Higher quantities mainly reduce fixed-cost impact and stabilize production efficiency—creating real price breaks.

Bucket A — Fixed & Semi-Fixed (spread across units)

pattern engineering / prep work (project setup)
sampling coordination, revision tracking, approvals
packaging setup (label formats, print files, pack-out rules)

Bucket B — Variable Per Unit (materials + labor)

fabric and stuffing consumption (size and density)
sewing and assembly labor time (complexity)
decoration labor (embroidery/patch/printing)

Bucket C — Packaging & Handling (underestimated)

unit packaging choice (polybag vs retail box)
kitting / bundles / inserts / multi-piece sets
carton specs, labeling, palletization (handling time + dimensional weight)

3 Tiered Examples

Important note: These examples are illustrative structures to help you understand how tiers behave. Actual pricing depends on size, complexity, materials, decoration, accessories, packaging, and compliance requirements.

Example A: What does a tier table look like for a simple plush?

A simple 20cm bear shows the clearest price breaks as fixed costs spread and line efficiency improves.

Example Tier Table (20cm Simple Bear, EXW China — illustrative)

Important: This is a structure example, not a public price promise. Final pricing depends on spec, fabric grade, embroidery size, packing rules, and QC scope.

Quantity Tier	Est. Unit Cost (CNY)	Est. Unit Cost (USD)*	What this assumes (simple program)
300 pcs	42.62	6.128	Single SKU, basic embroidery, polybag, standard carton
500 pcs	36.72	5.28	Same spec; less setup per unit; slightly smoother line rhythm
1,000 pcs	31.86	4.581	Better cutting/sewing efficiency; less handling variance
3,000 pcs	28.20	4.055	Fixed cost impact is minimal; materials + line speed dominate

USD converted using ~1 USD = 6.955 CNY (mid-market reference).

Cost model snapshot (so your team can sanity-check the table)

To keep this buyer-friendly, we model labor using a “loaded” factory rate above minimum wage. Shanghai’s minimum wage level (monthly and hourly) gives a floor reference, but real factory pay + social costs typically price higher than minimum wage.

Illustrative fixed cost pool (allocated across tiers): ~3,000 CNY total
(pattern/setup + sampling/admin + basic packaging setup)
Illustrative labor efficiency change: ~18 min/unit → ~15 min/unit (as quantity increases)
Illustrative overhead/QC: ~12%–15% (decreases slightly with stability)

This example shows a buyer-friendly tier table for a 20cm low-complexity plush bear (single SKU, basic embroidery, polybag). It illustrates how unit cost drops from 300 → 500 → 1,000 → 3,000 pcs as fixed costs are allocated across more units and labor efficiency stabilizes.

What’s included in this example：

Product assumptions

Size: 20cm seated bear, simple body/head/ears/limbs (low part count)
Fabric: standard plush (e.g., velboa / minky class), standard stuffing
Decoration: one small embroidery area (simple logo/face)
Packaging: individual polybag, standard master carton
SKU: 1 SKU, no colorways

Pricing scope

EXW unit cost estimate (materials + direct labor + QC/overhead + fixed cost allocation)
Excludes: international freight, duties/taxes, retailer-specific inserts, and third-party lab testing (if required)

Why the price drops across tiers?

Fixed costs spread out: pattern prep, sampling coordination, and packaging setup don’t scale linearly—more units means lower fixed-cost allocation per unit.
Labor becomes more efficient: as the run stabilizes, sewing/assembly time per unit drops and rework rate decreases.
Handling variance reduces: packing and QC steps become repeatable when carton rules and SKU logic stay unchanged.

Example B: How do SKUs and retail packaging change tiered pricing?

Brand Plush With Packaging, Packaging rules and SKU count decide tier priceing

Brand Retail Packaging Tier Table (EXW China)

Ranges reflect fabric grade, decoration area, and packing labor variance.

Quantity Tier	Kraft Paper Box (500+)	Color-Printed Box (500+)	Window Box (3,000+)	What changes across tiers
500 pcs	US$4.60–5.40 / unit	US$5.10–6.10 / unit	—	Higher setup impact per unit; packing is less “stable” with variants
1,000 pcs	US$4.05–4.80 / unit	US$4.55–5.40 / unit	—	Better line planning; less downtime; packaging handling becomes repeatable
2,000 pcs	US$3.75–4.45 / unit	US$4.20–5.05 / unit	—	Material utilization and packing rhythm stabilize; fewer micro-stops
3,000 pcs	US$3.65–4.35 / unit	US$4.10–4.95 / unit	US$4.25–5.20 / unit	Window-box setup becomes viable; packing labor increases but is predictable
5,000 pcs	US$3.55–4.25 / unit	US$3.95–4.80 / unit	US$4.05–4.90 / unit	Savings depend more on SKU control + pack-out discipline than “more quantity”

How to read this table:

Kraft box is usually the most cost-efficient retail box at low tiers.
Color-printed box adds printing/setup cost; unit drops as quantity rises.
Window box is usually MOQ-driven; it adds material + assembly steps, so it’s rarely the cheapest—but it can win on shelf presentation.

This example tier table uses a 20cm simple bear (2–3 variants, mixed decoration, labels/barcodes, retail packaging) to show how unit cost and price breaks behave at 500/1,000/2,000/3,000/5,000 pcs.

Assumptions (example only — for budgeting, not a public price promise)

Product: 20cm simple bear, low part count, standard plush fabric + standard stuffing

Brand layer: 2–3 colorways/SKUs, embroidery + patch/print mix, woven label + barcode sticker, carton marks/warehouse rules

Packing options:

500+ pcs: Kraft paper box or Color-printed paper box
3,000+ pcs: Window box (paper box with plastic/PVC window) is typically MOQ-driven due to tooling and setup

Cost anchors used (market references):

China minimum hourly wage reference (floor): Shanghai ~RMB 25/h; Beijing higher hourly floor ~RMB 27.7/h.
Plush fabric examples: velboa/plush fabric commonly quoted about US$1.00–2.10/m.
Polyester stuffing examples: US$0.70–1.20/kg.
Packaging market examples (for budgeting): printed corrugated/paper boxes at 500–999 pcs often quote around US$0.78–0.89; window toy boxes often US$0.25–0.70 (MOQ varies by structure).

Important: Real quotes vary by box structure (rigid vs corrugated), printing coverage, inserts, window size, and packing labor.

What makes the “range” wider for branded + packaged plush?

These three inputs usually decide where your quote lands inside the range:

SKU count & variant mixing rules (2 vs 3+ colorways; mixed cartons vs separated)
Decoration area (embroidery stitch count + patch size + print area)
Packaging structure & packing labor (rigid vs corrugated; inserts; window assembly)

Where buyers accidentally erase tier savings?

Too many SKUs too early → slows lines and increases sorting/packing errors
Carton qty rules change late → re-pack + re-label + cost creep
Packaging artwork changes after approval → reset setup and re-quote loops
Mixing different pack-out rules across tiers → tier table becomes apples vs oranges

Example C: How do accessories (magnets, outfits, add-ons) change tiered pricing?

Accessories can cap tier savings because components + handling don’t scale like sewing does.

Plush with different accessory tier table

EXW China | 1 SKU | standard paper box | accessory attached and packed per unit

Tip: read across a row to see how each accessory choice changes unit price at that quantity tier.

Quantity Tier	Base Bear (no add-on)	+ Magnets (set)	+ Canvas Clothes (1 pc)	+ Denim Overalls (1 pc)	+ Hat (1 pc)	+ Glasses (1 pc)	+ Canvas Shoes (1 pair)	Full Outfit (clothes+overalls+hat+glasses+shoes)
500 pcs	US$4.60–5.50	US$5.10–6.55	US$5.85–8.10	US$5.80–8.40	US$5.55–7.55	US$5.20–6.60	US$5.75–7.90	US$8.10–11.90
1,000 pcs	US$4.10–4.95	US$4.60–5.85	US$5.25–7.25	US$5.20–7.50	US$4.95–6.70	US$4.70–5.85	US$5.15–7.05	US$7.25–10.60
3,000 pcs	US$3.85–4.70	US$4.30–5.50	US$4.95–6.85	US$4.90–7.05	US$4.65–6.25	US$4.45–5.40	US$4.85–6.65	US$6.75–9.95
5,000 pcs	US$3.75–4.55	US$4.15–5.35	US$4.85–6.65	US$4.80–6.85	US$4.55–6.10	US$4.35–5.25	US$4.75–6.45	US$6.60–9.70
10,000+ pcs	US$3.65–4.45	US$4.05–5.25	US$4.75–6.55	US$4.70–6.75	US$4.45–5.95	US$4.25–5.15	US$4.65–6.35	US$6.45–9.50

Typical tier behavior

300–500 pcs: highest unit price because setup and handling variability are concentrated.
1,000 pcs: workflow stabilizes; labor minutes/unit improve.
2,000–5,000 pcs: most savings come from stable assembly/packing rhythm.
10,000+ pcs: components dominate, so the tier curve flattens unless the accessory set is simplified.

Key advice (what prevents “cost creep” on complex programs)

Lock the accessory list early (parts, materials, attachment method, packing position).
Avoid late “style upgrades” (new denim style, new shoe pattern, new magnet placement) — they reset sourcing + approvals.
Treat magnets as a risk item: they may require stricter controls and can change testing/compliance expectations depending on market/channel.

This tier table shows a 20cm low-complexity plush bear with standard paper box packaging, then compares common accessory variables (magnets, canvas clothes, denim overalls, hat, glasses, canvas shoes).

Assumptions (example only — for budgeting, not a public price promise)

Base product: 20cm simple bear, low part count, standard plush fabric + standard stuffing

Packaging: standard paper box (no window, no special inserts)

Labor anchor: China minimum wage floor is referenced for budgeting (real factory “loaded labor” is higher than minimum wage).

Accessory price anchors: typical wholesale component ranges from market listings (varies by quality/spec/MOQ).

How the ranges are built (simple):

Unit range reflects material grade + sewing/packing minutes + QC handling differences
Tiers improve mainly through fixed cost spread + workflow stability, but accessory components remain per-unit

What each accessory variable assumes

All add-ons include component cost + added handling time + packing/QC impact (not just the part price).

Magnets (set): small magnet pieces + securing method + extra QC handling; magnets can raise safety/compliance handling requirements.
Canvas clothes (1 pc): a simple garment set; pricing varies by fabric, stitching, branding.
Denim overalls (1 pc): denim/cotton style outfit; can vary widely by style/detail.
Hat (1 pc): simple bucket/straw/knit style.
Glasses (1 pc): small plastic accessory.
Canvas shoes (1 pair): miniature canvas sneakers/shoes.

3 Tier Levers: Improve Price Without Sacrificing the Brand

1. How to lower unit cost across tiers without damaging quality?

Reduce time-per-unit and prevent rework—those are the real levers.

To improve custom plush pricing, focus on levers that reduce labor time per unit and stabilize production: simplify sewing steps, control variant count, choose decoration methods wisely, standardize packaging, optimize cartons, and lock specs early to prevent rework loops that erase tier savings.

1. Reduce Sewing Complexity

Fewer pattern pieces and seam lines = fewer minutes per unit
Simplify 3D shapes, reduce layered panels, avoid tiny curvature seams
Standardize seam allowance and stitch paths for repeatability
Replace “hand-finish heavy” details with production-friendly construction
Result: lower labor cost and fewer defects caused by difficult sewing steps

2. Control SKU Count at Launch

Start with fewer colorways/variants for the first production run
Reduce changeovers (thread, fabric, patch placement) and line interruptions
Keep one master construction standard before expanding variations
Limit mixed-SKU carton rules early to prevent packing errors
Result: higher line efficiency, fewer packing mistakes, more stable unit cost

3. Choose Decoration Methods Wisely

Match method to artwork: embroidery for readability, printing for gradients, appliqué for bold blocks
Align decoration with pile height/texture to avoid blur, edge lift, and distortion
Reduce “multi-method stacking” unless it truly adds value (more steps = more risk)
Lock placement anchors (centerline, seam distance) to prevent drift
Result: fewer redo rounds, fewer “logo looks different” disputes, more consistent output

4. Standardize Unit Packaging

Choose one packaging format early (polybag / paper box / retail box)
Freeze insert layout, tag positions, barcode placement rules
Avoid late changes that trigger reprint, relabel, and re-pack labor
Keep pack-out steps simple and repeatable for bulk lines
Result: less rework, fewer receiving issues, stable packing labor cost

5. Optimize Carton Specs (Lower Landed Cost)

Right-size cartons to reduce dimensional weight and shipping surcharge risk
Keep consistent units-per-carton to protect packing speed and accuracy
Protect product shape to reduce damage returns and repack
Define palletization and carton marking rules early (if needed)
Result: lower freight cost, fewer damages, fewer last-minute logistics adjustments

6. Lock Specs Early (Stop Rework Loops)

Define “must-not-change” items before sampling approval: fabric, pile direction, size tolerance, decoration method, accessories, packaging rules
Consolidate feedback into one list per revision round (avoid conflicting approvers)
Confirm final reference standard (PP / golden sample logic) before bulk starts
Avoid midstream changes that reset costing, testing, and pack-out
Result: tier savings stay real, timelines stay predictable, and bulk matches the approved baseline

2. MOQ vs “best tier”: what quantity should you choose?

MOQ starts production; best tier stabilizes unit cost and delivery rhythm.

MOQ is the minimum quantity to start; “best tier” is where unit cost becomes stable and reorders become predictable. Choose quantity based on your launch plan, forecast, and risk tolerance—not only by chasing the lowest unit price. Plan tiers to match your selling reality.

A practical approach

New brand: start with a realistic pilot tier, reduce SKUs, validate demand
Proven seller: choose the tier where unit cost stabilizes and reorders repeat
Seasonal launch: consider split shipments to hit deadlines without forcing one huge tier

3. What specs do you need to send to get a usable tier table fast?

Clear inputs produce a tier quote your team can approve internally.

Tiered pricing quotes are fast when specs are clear. Send the essentials below and you’ll receive a tier table (e.g., 300/500/1000/3000 pcs) plus key cost drivers—so you can compare price breaks, align stakeholders, and decide without back-and-forth re-quotes.

Share the

size + design complexity (or reference photos)
quantity range (tiers you want)
number of SKUs/variants
decoration intent (embroidery/patch/printing)
accessories list (keychains/zippers/magnets/electronics)
packaging type (polybag vs retail box)
target market/channel (Amazon/FBA, retail, events) if compliance changes scope

FAQs about custom plush Tiered Pricing

Q1: Why is the first tier much higher?

Because fixed and semi-fixed costs are spread across fewer units, and early production has more variability and setup impact per unit.

Q2: Can I get the 1,000 pcs unit price at 300 pcs?

Usually not unless specs change (simpler materials/process/packaging). Tier behavior reflects real efficiency and fixed-cost spread.

Q3: What changes pricing the most—size or complexity?

Both matter. Size drives material usage; complexity drives labor time. For many plush programs, labor complexity is a bigger cost driver than expected.

Ready to a tier table that matches your launch plan and budget?

Share your quantity tiers, SKU count, and packaging type. We’ll return a tiered quote structure plus the key levers to improve unit cost without sacrificing brand quality or triggering rework.