What to include when you send a stone enquiry
A clear enquiry gets a clear answer. Here is what an exporter needs to know to quote properly.
If you are buying stone from an exporter for the first time, it is not always obvious what information to send. The list below covers what is normally needed to respond with something useful.
The essentials
- Stone: the variety name, or whether you want granite or quartzite and a colour direction. A reference photo helps a great deal.
- Finish: polished, honed, leather or flamed.
- Thickness: for example 18, 20, 25 or 30 mm, subject to availability.
- Size and format: slabs, or cut-to-size pieces with dimensions.
- Quantity: in area, pieces or containers.
- Destination: the country and port, since this affects shipping and documents.
Helpful extras
- The application, such as countertops, flooring or wall cladding.
- Packing requirements, if you have any.
- Your timeline, and whether you need samples first.
- Whether you are comparing several varieties or want a mixed container.
Not sure about some of these details? Send what you have. It is fine to start with the application and the look you want and work out the rest together.
Before you place an order
Ask for photos or samples of the actual material, and confirm payment terms, delivery arrangements and documents in writing. These depend on the order, so they are best settled directly with the supplier.
Have a project in mind?
Tell us the stone, finish, thickness and quantity you are considering.