For porcelain slabs from Morbi, the usual minimum order is one container. Within it, most factories set a minimum per design, commonly at least one full A-frame or crate, and a higher minimum for designs made to order.
The exact figures vary by plant, by size and by whether the design is in stock. Use this guide to understand the logic, then get each plant's terms in writing.
Why the container is the starting point
Slabs are heavy, so the container fills by weight. Freight and documents cost much the same whether the container is full or half full, so factories and buyers plan in whole containers. Our guide on how many slabs fit in a container shows how to estimate a load.
Some plants will sell part of a container from ready stock, but you then pay for a container that is not fully used, or rely on someone to consolidate. The general rules for tiles are in tile MOQ in Morbi.
Minimums per design
Inside the container, these factors set the minimum for each design:
- Ready stock designs can often be taken by the frame or crate, because the slabs already exist.
- Made-to-order designs need a production run, and slab runs tend to be set by the press and kiln schedule, so the minimum per design is higher.
- Book-matched designs come in sets, so the minimum is counted in complete sets.
- Full-body or vein-through slabs may need a dedicated powder mix, which can raise the minimum.
- Custom designs or sizes need setup work and usually carry the highest minimum.
Mixing slabs and tiles
Many importers want slabs for feature walls and worktops alongside tiles for floors. Some plants make both and will load a mixed container. Others make only slabs. Mixing can work, but the heavy tiles and the tall slab frames must be planned so the container is safe and balanced.
Ask for a loading plan that shows every design, frame and pallet. Our guide on mixed sizes and designs in one tile container covers the practical limits.
Starting small
- Pick slab designs from ready stock for the first order.
- Keep to a few designs and sizes, so each meets the per-design minimum.
- Choose one thickness for the first order to simplify packing and loading.
- Ask whether the plant will hold back matching stock of the same batch for a short time, so you can reorder.
What to agree in writing
State the number of slabs, frames or crates and square metres for each design. Each design should be one batch, one shade and one calibre. Agree the grade definition, the packing and the loading plan. Avoid paying the full value in advance to a plant you have not verified.
Next step
We help you plan a first slab container that meets the plant's minimums without overcommitting, and we supervise production and loading. To shape your first order, book a free sourcing review.