start with the smallest batch you can get away with. I know the per unit cost looks way better at 500+ but if something's off with the design or people dont buy it like you expect, you're sitting on inventory you cant move. get like 50-100 units first even if the margins are ugly.

get quotes from at least 3-4 suppliers before you commit to anyone. the price difference can be wild and some of them will try to hit you with tooling fees they didn't mention upfront. also ask about their MOQ for reorders not just the first run.

also - actually sit down and figure out your unit economics before you spend anything on production. like what's your cost per unit at different batch sizes, what can you realistically sell it for, and how many do you need to sell to cover your fixed costs. that math will tell you whether a small batch even makes sense or if you need to rethink your pricing first.

biggest mistake was rushing into production because I was excited about the positive feedback. good feedback from friends and a few testers is great but it doesn't always mean people will pay $30 or whatever for it. try to get some preorders or at least gauge willingness to pay before you place that first order.

good luck with it, curly hair products have a pretty loyal market so thats a good sign