Last updated: June 2026 · Reading time: 8 min
If you’re sourcing Chinese silk fans for the first time, two questions come up before anything else: how many do I have to order, and how much will it cost? These aren’t just budget questions—they determine whether a product line is viable at all.
At EastFanArt, based in Suzhou—the historic heartland of Chinese silk fan craftsmanship—we work with importers, retailers, event planners, and wholesalers every day. Here’s what you need to know about MOQ and pricing.
Minimum orders vary significantly based on design complexity and materials:
| Product Type | Stock Design MOQ | Custom Design MOQ |
|---|---|---|
| Plain silk round fans (single color) | 100 pcs | 500 pcs |
| Hand-painted silk fans (basic patterns) | 200 pcs | 1000 pcs |
| Hand-painted silk fans (detailed/custom art) | 300 pcs | 2000 pcs |
| Folding silk fans | 200 pcs | 1000 pcs |
| Bamboo frame fans (standard) | 100 pcs | 500 pcs |
| Wood frame fans (carved) | 200 pcs | 1000 pcs |
| Wedding/event custom fans | 300 pcs | 500 pcs |
| Promotional logo fans | 500 pcs | 1000 pcs |
Why MOQ exists: Each fan involves multiple handcrafted steps—silk stretching, frame assembly, painting (if decorated), drying, QC inspection. Small batches require the same setup time as large ones, so the unit cost increases sharply below these thresholds.
| Price Tier | Per Unit (FOB Suzhou) | Typical Use | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $0.80–$1.50 | Promotional giveaways, high-volume retail | Polyester silk, basic bamboo frame, plain color |
| Standard | $1.50–$3.50 | Retail, event decor, wedding favors | Real silk (mulberry), bamboo frame, basic hand-painted |
| Premium | $3.50–$6.00 | Boutique retail, luxury events, gift shops | High-grade mulberry silk, carved wood/bone frame, detailed hand-painted art |
| Luxury | $6.00–$8.00+ | High-end decor, art collectors, museum stores | Fine silk, sandalwood frame, gold leaf accents, master artist painting |
The single biggest cost driver. Real mulberry silk costs 3–5× more than polyester blends. The difference is visible in sheen, drape, and durability. A budget polyester fan might pass at a distance, but real silk has a depth that premium buyers notice immediately.
Bamboo is standard and cost-effective. Carved wood (rosewood, mahogany) adds $1–$2 per unit. Sandalwood frames, which also give a natural fragrance, are premium tier only and can add $3+ per unit.
Simple single-color brush strokes cost little. Multi-color landscapes, portraits, or calligraphy add significant labor. Custom artwork requires a skilled artist and adds $1–$4 per unit depending on detail.
Bulk packaging (poly bags, no branding) is minimal cost. Individual gift boxes, silk pouches, or branded sleeves add $0.20–$0.80 per unit. This matters if your buyers expect display-ready packaging.
The volume discount curve is real. Going from 500 to 2000 units can reduce per-unit cost by 10–20%. Going from 2000 to 10,000 can save another 15–25%. Always ask for the tiered pricing table.
| Method | Transit Time | Cost (500 fans, ~15kg) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express (DHL/FedEx) | 5–8 days | $80–$150 | Samples, urgent orders, small quantities |
| Air Freight | 7–12 days | $50–$100 | Mid-size orders, time-sensitive |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 20–35 days | $15–$40 | Large orders, cost-sensitive, bulk importers |
All estimates are from Shanghai/Shenzhen ports to US West Coast. Add 10–20% for East Coast delivery.
Q: What is the minimum order for a sample?
Sample orders are available at 1–10 pieces for most stock designs. Custom sample fees apply. We can send samples via DHL/FedEx, typically arriving within 5–8 days.
Q: Can I mix designs within one order to meet MOQ?
Yes. Most Suzhou factories allow mixing designs within the same product category to reach minimum quantity. For example, 500 fans total split across 3–4 stock designs is usually acceptable.
Q: Do prices include painting?
Pricing tiers indicate what’s included. Budget tier is plain/printed only. Standard and above include hand-painting. Custom artwork is quoted separately.
Q: What payment terms do factories accept?
Standard is 30% deposit, 70% before shipment. T/T bank transfer is most common. For established relationships, L/C may be available.
Q: How do I verify factory quality before ordering?
Request samples first. For larger orders, consider a third-party inspection service (SGS, Bureau Veritas). Video factory tours are increasingly common and free.
Q: Are there seasonal price variations?
Not significantly for silk fans. Unlike agricultural products, materials (silk, bamboo) are produced year-round. However, order volume peaks before Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb) when factories close for 2–4 weeks.
Ready to place your first order?
Contact us at hello@eastfanart.com for MOQ pricing, samples, and customization options. We ship worldwide from Suzhou.
Small orders welcome — we work with startups and boutique brands too.
This guide reflects real market conditions from Suzhou, China. Prices and MOQs may vary by factory. Always confirm current rates before ordering.