Natural Stone Buying FAQ: Samples, MOQ, Lead Time, FOB, CIF, DDP

US buyers ask us the same questions before their first stone order. Here are straight answers to the 15 we hear most, with the actual numbers we work to. If your question is not here, send it over and we will answer it directly.

1. What is your advantage over other suppliers?

Quality assurance. Our own QC team works inside the factory, checking raw material selection, cutting, dry lay-out, packing and container loading against your requirements and control samples. You are welcome to send your own QC inspector as well.

2. Where do your raw materials come from?

We select blocks directly from quarries we have worked with for years, and we hold exclusive supply agreements with several trusted quarries, so we can offer stones your competitors cannot easily source.

3. Can I get samples before ordering?

Yes. Regular samples are free; you only cover the courier cost. Samples are prepared from current production material, so the color and veining you approve are what we produce against.

4. What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

MOQ depends on the product. For marble mosaics it is 360 sq ft; for tiles and panels, mixed containers of several items are usually acceptable. Tell us your list and we will confirm.

5. Can I start with a small trial order?

Yes. For stocked items, one crate per item can start. Tell us your list and we will confirm the trial quantity.

6. Can we use our own brand on the products and packaging?

Yes, we accept OEM orders. Your brand and logo can be printed on the products and cartons for orders of one full container or more.

7. What is your lead time?

In most cases, production takes about 2–3 weeks after we receive your deposit. We confirm a shipment schedule with your order and update you with photos during production and loading. Ocean transit after production depends on your destination port, and your forwarder can confirm the sailing time.

8. How are the goods packed?

All orders are packed to international export standards: film protection and a paper or foam box inside, then a firm plywood crate outside, suitable for long-distance ocean transportation.

9. Which ports do you ship from, and on what terms?

We can ship FOB from any major Chinese port. Tell us your preferred port and we will quote accordingly. EXW and CIF quotations are available on request, and we will work with your nominated forwarder if you have one.

10. Will the stone I receive match the sample exactly?

Natural stone varies from block to block in color, shade and veining, so an exact match cannot be promised. What we do instead is photograph the dry lay-out of your order before shipment, so the stone you approve is the stone you receive.

11. Can I mix several products in one container?

Yes, in most cases. Mixed containers of several items are usually acceptable. Send us your list and we will consolidate it into one shipment to save freight.

12. Can you quote FOB, CIF or DDP?

Yes, all three. We quote FOB from any major Chinese port, CIF to your port, or DDP to your warehouse with duties and taxes included. Tell us which basis you prefer, plus the approximate quantity of each item and your destination, and we will quote accordingly.

13. Will my best sellers stay available for repeat orders?

Our core lines are built for repeat supply. Tell us the items you reorder most often, and we will keep production and stock aligned so your best sellers stay available.

14. Can you produce custom sizes or finishes?

Yes. Sizes, finishes and packing can be customized to your market. Send us your requirement and we will confirm whether we can produce it.

15. Why source from China instead of buying locally?

Factory-direct supply removes the middleman markup, our quarry agreements secure stones that are hard to source elsewhere, and several items can be consolidated into one shipment to save freight.

Want photos and pricing? We can quote FOB, or landed to your warehouse, whichever is easier for you to compare.

— The Sino-Marble Team