Three retail bands, three packaging tiers
US shelves sell squishies at roughly $5 (bulk single), $10 (blister / 2-pack) and $17 (mystery or display box). The same mould serves all three; only the packaging and margin change.
What MOQ really means
Factories quote MOQ per design, but most accept mixed cartons — several designs or colourways in one 240–288-piece carton. Ask for the mixed-carton minimum, not the per-design number.
Materials and what they cost
PU foam is the volume tier; TPR gel adds crunch and transparency; food-grade silicone is the premium creamy texture. Price rises in that order.
Compliance is part of the price
ASTM F963-23, CPSIA and (for any bead fill) 16 CFR 1250.4 testing should be quoted upfront. A supplier who cannot show a 2026 report number is not ready to ship to the US.
Source: U.S. CPSC recall notices of 3 Sept 2026 and 16 CFR 1250.4 (Federal Register, 12 Dec 2025).