Scale when it works

Once orders are steady, switch to batch runs and your cost per unit drops fast.

Instant-quote services are priced for one-offs. At steady volume, ask for batch pricing or move to a dedicated shop. Per-unit cost often falls sharply with quantity because setup is amortized.

Move only the parts that are stable and in demand. Keep the make-to-order path for custom variants.

Re-run steps 9 and 10 at every quantity jump. The cheapest supplier at ten units is rarely the cheapest at a thousand.

Checklist

• Steady order flow before batching
• Batch quotes from at least two suppliers
• Quality check on the first batch
• Custom variants stay make-to-order