Buying stone from China starts with a clear specification and a supplier you can verify. A factory quotation is only one part of the decision: compare the material, fabrication scope, inspection arrangements and delivered cost before ordering. Direct sourcing does not guarantee a lower total price.
1. Define the stone and application
Send the intended application, preferred appearance, dimensions, finish, quantity and destination. Include drawings for cut-to-size work. Separate confirmed requirements from preferences that still need discussion.
- Identify the product or reference image.
- Specify how dimensions and quantities should be measured.
- List edge profiles, cut-outs and matching requirements.
- Ask which characteristics need samples, reports or written confirmation.
2. Verify who will supply the order
Ask for the contracting business identity, contact details and the scope it will perform. Clarify which party sources the material, cuts it, inspects it and arranges transport. A website photograph alone does not establish factory ownership or capacity.
Request evidence relevant to the order rather than assuming that every stone product needs the same certificate. Where a report or certificate is supplied, check its issuer, scope and connection to the proposed material.
3. Agree samples and appearance references
Discuss sample availability, charges and shipping before arranging a sample. Record its identifier, finish and approval date. For material with variation, ask for a representative range and current slab or batch photos; one small sample may not describe an entire order.
See the stone sample ordering checklist.
4. Compare quotations on the same basis
Check whether the quoted scope includes material, cutting, finishing, packing, inland transport, freight, insurance and destination services. Record exclusions and quotation validity. Compare total cost for the same specification, rather than assuming a fixed saving against another supplier type.
If an Incoterms® rule is used, state the named place or port and edition, then confirm the responsibilities and risk transfer with the parties. The rule is not a substitute for agreed payment terms. Refer to the ICC introduction to Incoterms® 2020.
5. Confirm approval and payment milestones
Agree the payment schedule, beneficiary, approval records and documents in writing. Do not assume a universal deposit percentage or that a particular payment method is available. Verify payment details through an established contact before transferring funds.
6. Plan inspection and delivery
- Agree what will be inspected and against which approved references.
- Clarify who appoints and pays any independent inspector.
- Record the proposed packing method and handling instructions.
- Separate material preparation, fabrication, inspection, booking, transit and destination clearance in the schedule.
- Confirm the importer and destination broker’s requirements before shipment.
Timing depends on the confirmed material, order scope, approvals and transport arrangements. Request a current schedule for the actual order rather than relying on a general website estimate.
Discuss your sourcing requirements
Prime Stone Works is a stone sales brand based in Shuitou, Quanzhou, Fujian, China. Browse stone products and real application references, then share your specification for discussion. Availability, services and commercial terms need written confirmation for each order.