Buying Stone Over The Internet - Tile Advice

[On one]

As the title says.........would you?
I have a customer who was going to be buying 40m2 of 20mm thick limestone floor tiles from a branch based national supplier but I had to advise her because of height and weight issues that it was not a good idea.
Now 2 months later she is wanting buy some stone over the internet,which for my point view I can only see negatives(as a non tile purchasing tiler)
What would be your pro's and con's of buying unseen?

 

[Tile seller]

As we all know, natural stone varies hugely. To some, these variations are part of the natural beauty of the product but, to others there unacceptable.
I'm sure there are bargains to be had online. The supplier may not have such huge overheads to pay and therefore lesser profit margins etc.
That said, I'm also sure that flogging the worst cuts of natural stone online is a good way of shifting the poorer quality stone. Pictures are not as good as seeing the product with your own eyes.
I think it's a bigger risk than buying at a shop but then there the chance of a bargain.

If it was me I'd want to see what I was buying before I parted with my cash.

 

[Ian]

Porcelain/ceramic bought over the internet is ok, as you're likely to get pretty much the same as a sample, with so much variation in stone shades/quality, it's just too risky. I'd always want to see exactly what I was buying sat in front of me when it comes to stone, far too many variables with it. Some (not all obviously), internet suppliers will send out samples of the best bits what actually gets delivered can be very different and they'll alway refer you to the, "shade and quality variations" part of their terms.

 

[On one]

The thing is the customer is wanting my advice on a link that she has sent me........
.....so if the quality/colour/shade/finish isn't up to it,who is she going to be pointing the finger at?

 

[Ian]

The thing is the customer is wanting my advice on a link that she has sent me........
.....so if the quality/colour/shade/finish isn't up to it,who is she going to be pointing the finger at?

I think my advice would be, if you can't physically see what you're buying, don't risk it. Not with stone, far too much low grade rubbish out there.

 

[Unused Account 1]

All the same answers ,seen it and done it all before,dont do it

 

[On one]

There's got to be SOME reputable firms selling over the net,surely?

 

[Ian]

There's got to be SOME reputable firms selling over the net,surely?

Yeah there are but, let's say the quality is top notch, as per the sample, all the colour variations that are associated with stone can't be shown in a 100x100mm sample, probably not in a full size tile either. The batch variations in a porcelain or ceramic tile are minimal from batch to batch, with stone the variations within the batch can be dramatic, some like it some hate it, that's where the problems begin.

 

[Dan172]

It personally depends on if there is a lot of variation,what the pictures are like. Room sets are helpful. Just phone up and ask for any more questions or for the company to email the customer more photos. I manage a website for tiles, mosaics etc. Best thing to do.

 

[Concrete guy]

I used to wholesale stone before I concentrated on tooling alone, we used to encourage our customers to come and view the product, pick the pallets/batches of material they liked then deliver it for them.

However we had a similar number of customers that just bought over the phone/internet.

Occasionally they didn't like what was received, in which case we'd pick it up and replace or refund. It's part of the business. More often than not this was caused by perception, colours on a computer screen not being replicated exactly and 100 x 100mm samples not being able to represent 30m2 of natural stone (understandably).

Consumer contract regulations (previously known as Distance selling regulations) mean you can simply send the stuff back if you don't like it. It's highly geared to the consumer.

As long as she goes in with her eye's open and makes sure it's a half sensible company there shouldn't be any issue. After all, most on line stone wholesalers have yards that are open for viewing, buying on line is generally undertaken if you don't happen to live with in driving distance of that particular yard.

With all that in mind, natural stone is, well, natural and subject to shade and quality variation.

Go and look at it if you can.

 

[J Sid]

As above, you can normally go and put your name on a pallet from the internet supplier.
If they say no then go else where

 

[Unused Account 1]

Talking stone just started a travertine job today ,for an insurance company,very poor quality tiles ,so much filler on the face ,not nice at all ,annoying fitting them when could of got better quality for a few quid a metre more

 

[Italy]

It is like marrying woman
view from a photograph

 

[White Room]

It is like marrying woman
view from a photograph

So if you don't like her, you send her packing

 

[Italy]

So if you don't like her, you send her packing

no, promise to wed.
It should be maintained. hahaha