
A custom swimwear manufacturer finds the wholesale price by adding up the cost of materials, labor, and setup. You need to watch the price because it comes from every step in making the swimwear. Knowing the cost of goods manufactured (COGM) helps you see why the manufacturer picks a certain price. When you look at the wholesale price, you can see how profit margins and all costs make the final number.
Key Takeaways
Learn how much each part of custom swimwear costs. The main parts are materials, labor, and delivery. If you know these, you can plan your budget well.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) changes the price. If you order less, each piece costs more. Try to order more to save money and get better prices.
Use the right math to find wholesale prices. Add up all costs and your profit margin. This helps you set prices that are fair and make money.
Pick a manufacturer by looking at quality and price. Find one that gives you good products and fits your budget.
Always ask for a full list of costs. This helps you see where your money goes and keeps your prices fair.
Cost Breakdown by Custom Swimwear Manufacturer

When you work with a custom swimwear manufacturer, you should know how each cost adds up. The cost of goods manufactured (COGM) is the starting point for wholesale prices. Every step, from picking fabric to shipping, changes the price and quality of your swimwear.
Materials and Trims
Fabric is the main part of your swimwear. The kind of fabric you pick, like recycled nylon or spandex, changes the price and how it feels. Better fabric costs more but lasts longer and feels nicer. Trims, such as elastic bands, hooks, and decorations, also add to the cost. If you want special or eco-friendly trims, the price will be higher. Manufacturers check fabric quality, how much you need, and market prices to set costs. Fabric prices can change, so you should check them often to keep costs low and quality high.
Cost Component | Amount ($) |
---|---|
Fabric Costs | 8 |
Labor Costs | 12 |
Trims and Accessories | 2 |
Private Labeling | 1 |
Packaging | 1 |
Quality Control | 1 |
Shipping (FedEx Economy) | 5 |
30 |

Labor and Production
Labor is a big part of the cost. Where your manufacturer is located changes labor prices. For example, U.S. factories may charge $10–$20 per piece. Factories in other countries may charge $2–$5. Labor costs pay for sewing, cutting, and putting the fabric together. Good workers make better swimwear and fewer mistakes. You want your manufacturer to check quality at every step.
Sampling and Setup Fees
Before making lots of swimwear, you pay for samples and setup. These fees cover design, tech packs, and making first pieces. Samples cost $100 to $300 each. Setup fees can be up to $500 for each style. These costs help you check fit and quality before you order a lot. Checking quality during sampling is important for good results.
Branding and Packaging
Custom branding helps your swimwear stand out. You pay for private labeling, logo printing, and special packaging. For 100 pieces, branding and packaging can cost about $300. Eco-friendly packaging and custom branding make your brand look good and show you care about the planet. Good packaging also keeps the fabric safe and quality high. Every detail, from tags to boxes, helps tell your brand story.
Delivery Costs
Delivery costs depend on how big and heavy your order is. Shipping to different countries changes the price. You might pay extra for paperwork or customs. If you do not plan shipping well, costs can go up by 20%. The manufacturer will help you pick the best shipping to keep your fabric safe and quality high.
Tip: Always ask your custom swimwear manufacturer for a full cost breakdown. This helps you see where your money goes and keeps your price and quality balanced.
MOQ and Its Impact on Wholesale Pricing
MOQ Definition and Importance
When you work with a custom swimwear manufacturer, you will hear the term moq many times. The minimum order quantity, or moq, means the smallest number of swimsuits you must order for each style or color. Manufacturers set moq to cover their setup, labor, and material costs. If you want to create a new design, the moq helps the factory manage its resources and keep production efficient.
A low moq lets you test new styles or colors without spending too much money. This option works well for small brands or first-time buyers. Some manufacturers offer a low moq, such as 12 bikinis, which is perfect if you want to start small. Others set a high moq, like 300 pieces, to make sure they cover all costs and offer better prices per unit.
Here are some typical moq ranges for custom swimwear manufacturers:
Manufacturer | MOQ Range |
---|---|
Bali Swim | Starting at 100 |
Yogi & Boo | Around 300 |
Active Qstom | Starts from 50 |
Swimwear Manufacturers | Minimum of 300 |
Bali Summer | Starting from 200 or $3,000 |
Appareify | Starts at 200 |
Swimwear Bali | Starting at 300 |
Gold Supplier | Varies by supplier |
12 bikinis total: Great for first-time buyers.
80 bikinis total (private labeling): Minimum order for private labeling.
120 bikinis total (custom design): Starting point for custom designs.

How MOQ Affects Unit Price
The moq you choose changes the price you pay for each swimsuit. When you order a low moq, the cost per unit goes up. This happens because the factory spreads setup, labor, and fabric costs over fewer items. If you pick a high moq, you get a lower price per unit. The factory can buy materials in bulk and work more efficiently, so you save money.
A low moq means higher price per swimsuit.
A high moq means lower price per swimsuit.
Bulk orders help you get discounts and better deals.
Some manufacturers offer special savings for bulk orders. For example, Bali Swim gives progressive discounts as your order grows. Contrado offers 20-40% off the base price when you order more. Printful gives up to 17% off if you order at least 25 items, and you can mix sizes and prints.
Tip: If you want to keep your price low, try to meet the high moq set by your manufacturer. This way, you get the best value for your custom swimwear line.
How to Calculate Wholesale Pricing
Pricing Formulas and Methods
To figure out wholesale pricing, you need the right formula. First, add up all your costs. This means fabric, trims, labor, packaging, and delivery. Make sure you do not forget any costs. A custom swimwear manufacturer also checks overhead and market trends before picking a price.
Manufacturers use different ways to set wholesale prices. Some use easy formulas. Others use more steps to get the price. Here is a table with common formulas you might see:
Formula Description | Formula | Example |
---|---|---|
Recommended Retail Price Calculation | Wholesale Price / (1 - Markup Percentage) = Retail Price | $60 (Retail Price) x (1 - 0.55) = $27 (Wholesale Price) |
Basic Wholesale Price Calculation | Cost of Goods x 2 | Ensures at least 50% wholesale profit margin |
Keystone Pricing Method | Retail Price / 2 = Wholesale Price | If Retail Price is $60, then Wholesale Price = $30 |
Absorption Pricing | Wholesale Price = Cost Price + Profit Margin | Includes all associated costs and desired profit margin |
A wholesale price calculator can help you check your math. Most brands use the basic formula. This formula doubles your cost to get a 50% profit margin. Some brands use the keystone method. This means the wholesale price is half the retail price. Absorption pricing lets you add every cost and pick your own profit.
Tip: Always check your formula before you set prices. This helps you keep your profit and quality high.
Think about seasonal trends when you set prices. During busy times, manufacturers may change their pricing. They might give lower prices for big orders. They may charge more for fast delivery. You can save money if you order in bulk because the cost per swimsuit goes down.
Setting Profit Margins
You want to make money on every swimsuit you sell. To do this, you need to pick the right profit margin. Most brands choose between 30% and 50%. This helps you cover costs and grow your business.
Here is an easy way to set your price and profit:
Find out how much it costs to make one swimsuit.
Pick your profit margin. Most brands pick 30%, 40%, or 50%.
Use this formula:
Wholesale Price = Production Cost / (1 - Profit Margin)
For example, if your cost is $10 and you want a 50% profit, use this formula:
Wholesale Price = $10 / (1 - 0.5) = $20
Compare your price to other brands to stay competitive.
You can use this formula to set your retail price too. If you want a 55% markup, use this formula:
Retail Price = Wholesale Price / (1 - 0.55)
If your wholesale price is $27, your retail price will be about $60.
Note: Always include every cost in your formula. This keeps your profit safe and your quality high.
A good pricing plan helps your brand grow. You can change your formula if your costs go up or down. You can also offer discounts for big orders. A custom swimwear manufacturer can help you find the best way to set prices so you keep your profit and quality strong.
Choosing a Custom Swimwear Manufacturer

Comparing Price Quotes
When you look at price quotes, do not just pick the cheapest one. You should think about both price and quality. Try to find a good mix of both. Use this checklist to help you choose:
Make sure the manufacturer checks quality often. This keeps your swimwear the same every time.
Ask how long it takes to make your order. You want your swimwear delivered on time.
See if the manufacturer saves money without lowering quality.
Check if they know about new swimwear styles. New ideas are important.
Make sure they can work with stretchy fabrics and strong seams.
Look at their fabric choices. Good and eco-friendly fabrics are better.
See if you can change designs to fit your needs.
Make sure their minimum order is right for you.
Ask how they check quality during production.
Pick a manufacturer who talks clearly and helps you through each step.
Check what extra services come with the price. Some manufacturers help with design and check quality. These services help you avoid mistakes and keep your swimwear nice. Even if these cost more, they help your brand grow and give you more value.
Tip: Always ask for samples before you order. Read reviews and check how fast they finish orders before you choose a manufacturer.
Negotiation Tips
You can save money by using smart ways to talk with manufacturers. Here are some tips to help you:
Strategy | Description |
---|---|
Understanding Market Rates | Learn what prices are normal right now. |
Leveraging Volume for Discounts | Order more pieces to get lower prices. |
Discussing Payment Terms | Ask for payment plans that help you pay easier. |
Building Strong Relationships | Work well with your manufacturer for better deals later. |
When you talk about moq or ask for lower prices, be honest and clear. Manufacturers may let you order in bundles or offer better terms. Start with a small order to build trust. This can help you get better deals next time. Remember, you need both good prices and good quality for your business to do well.
You figure out wholesale prices by adding all the costs together. This means you count fabric, labor, and delivery costs. When you know each cost, you can make better choices. You can also set good profit margins for your swimwear. Learning about MOQ helps you keep costs low and quality high. This information helps you talk with manufacturers and find hidden costs. You can set prices that help your brand stay strong and make money.
FAQ
What is the most important cost in custom swimwear manufacturing?
Fabric usually makes up the largest part of your cost. High-quality or eco-friendly fabrics cost more. You should always ask your manufacturer about fabric options and prices.
Can you lower your wholesale price by increasing your order size?
Yes! When you order more pieces, your price per swimsuit goes down. Manufacturers give discounts for bulk orders. You save money by meeting or exceeding the minimum order quantity.
How do you know if a manufacturer’s quote is fair?
Compare quotes from at least three manufacturers. Check what each price includes, like fabric, trims, and shipping. Ask for a full cost breakdown. This helps you see if you get good value.
Do you have to pay for samples every time?
You usually pay for samples, especially for new designs. Some manufacturers may offer free samples if you place a large order later. Always ask about sample fees before you start.