Low Minimum
A supplier that requires a smaller-than-typical minimum order, but still requires one -- as opposed to true no-minimum ordering.
Low minimum suppliers reduce the barrier to entry compared to traditional bulk manufacturing, but they still require you to commit to an order above zero -- often a set number of units, a minimum dollar value, or a minimum per-SKU quantity.
Low minimum is a legitimate and often reasonable middle ground between true no-minimum dropshipping and traditional large-batch manufacturing. The key is knowing which category a supplier actually falls into before you compare pricing.
Example
A manufacturer requires a 250-unit minimum per SKU for a custom formula, compared to a traditional manufacturer's 5,000-unit minimum.
Worth Knowing
Suppliers sometimes market a low-minimum program as "no minimum" in headlines. Read the order terms, not just the marketing language.