| Deciding factor | Single-SKU case | Mixed case |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory count | one line, one count | many lines, many counts |
| Shelf depth available | needs a deep stack | suits a shallow shelf |
| Turnover of the line | high, quick reorder | low, shared risk |
| Returns when slow | one slow SKU sits | loss spread across many |
| Stock-taking effort | fast to check | slower to reconcile |
| Priced per unit | identical in both | identical in both |
What is the MOQ on a mixed case?
A mixed order is placed as separate single-SKU lines, each above its own MOQ; there is no blended half-case option.
Is a single-SKU case ever returned for a slow line?
Returns follow the agreed policy per line, not the case format; the case format only changes how much of one line you carry.
Decision rule
Order a single-SKU case for a high-turn line with deep shelf space and a tight reorder routine, where one clean count keeps the case honest; move to mixed cases only when shelf depth is small and you want the loss of a slow line spread across the whole case rather than held on one SKU.
All figures on this page are illustrative sample values, not measured specifications.