To optimize costs, buyers should focus on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) rather than just the unit price. Negotiate based on tiered MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity); for instance, increasing an order from 500 to 2,000 units can often reduce the unit price by 15-25%. Additionally, choosing SKD (Semi-Knocked Down) packaging can significantly reduce shipping volume and logistics costs. For long-term savings, prioritize suppliers on Made-in-China.com who offer OEM/ODM services, allowing for custom branding without the premium price of established retail brands.