Designers don’t buy “containers.” Designers buy solutions for a project—a few pieces that land on time, arrive intact, and look consistent in the space.
That’s why we often get this exact question from West Coast designers:
“Do I need to fill a full crate to ship? What’s the minimum order amount?”
If you’re sourcing ottomans, here’s the clear, buyer-friendly answer.
1) Do you need to fill a full crate to ship ottomans?
No—most projects don’t require it.
What you need is a shipment plan that matches reality: handling, stacking, vibration, humidity, and last-mile risk. For ottomans, the most common failure isn’t “shipping size.” It’s packaging mismatch—cartons that look fine on paper but don’t protect corners, legs, upholstery tension, or frame stability in transit.
A safe plan typically includes:
Carton strength that matches stacking needs
Corner/edge protection (especially for legs and bases)
Moisture control for upholstery materials
Clear “do not stack / stack limit” rules where required
Internal bracing so the frame doesn’t shift
When packaging is engineered properly, consolidated shipping becomes a practical option for small-batch projects.
2) What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom ottomans?
MOQ is not a single number—because ottomans are not a single product.
A reliable supplier will tie MOQ to build stability and finish consistency, not an arbitrary threshold. MOQ typically depends on:
Construction: wood frame vs engineered frame, metal base, storage hardware
Upholstery: fabric/leather availability, color matching, performance requirements
Finish control: how you lock stain/topcoat standards for reorders
Customization: unique dimensions, piping, tufting, leg style, labeling
Quality checkpoints: the tighter your standards, the more structured the run
In other words, MOQ should protect three things: quality, cost, and lead time—in that order.
3) The designer-friendly workflow that prevents “second batch surprises”
If your goal is a project that can scale (or at least reorder consistently), the safest process is simple:
Step 1 — Define the spec that matters
Dimensions, seat height, firmness, upholstery performance, base/leg finish, and packaging expectations.
Step 2 — Sample + “master reference” approval
This is your anchor. Without a master reference, “almost the same” becomes a costly problem later.
Step 3 — Packaging spec based on your delivery reality
Project delivery, warehouse receiving, or retail replenishment all require different protection.
Step 4 — Small run with QC checkpoints
Focus checks: stitching alignment, upholstery tension, leg/base alignment, carton protection.
Step 5 — Reorder with confidence
Once the master reference and packaging are locked, reorders become predictable.
4) Why Teruier is built for this kind of project sourcing
Teruier works within a mature craft-hub manufacturing ecosystem—where artisan skill, material access, and process know-how are all close to the production line.
That matters for ottomans because they’re detail-sensitive: structure, upholstery, finish, and packaging discipline all have to work together. Our job isn’t to “sell a piece.” It’s to help designers and buyers build repeatable, reorder-ready SKUs—without forcing container-only commitments.
5) Want a realistic MOQ + shipping plan for your ottoman project?
Send these 3 details (even rough is fine):
upholstered or hard-surface
dimensions (L×W×H)
one-time project or reorderable SKU
We’ll recommend a practical MOQ logic and the best shipping setup for your situation.
