Request 3–5 stone sample pieces (about 30×30 cm) via courier, verify thickness and veining, sign off in 7–10 days, then place a first OEM order on a 30% deposit / 70% against B/L. This 2026 checklist prevents costly first-order mistakes.
Why a Sample Comes Before the Order
Natural stone varies block to block. A sample is your only objective benchmark: once signed, every shipment should match it. Skipping sampling is the most expensive shortcut in stone sourcing.
- Courier samples: 3–5 pieces, ~30×30 cm, 5–7 days.
- Cost: often free or courier-only ($30–$80).
- Check: color consistency, finish, edge, thickness.
White-labeling natural stone in 2026 is a branding decision as much as a sourcing one: OEM lets a new brand reach market in weeks on an existing mold at a 300–500 unit minimum, while ODM protects differentiation through bespoke shapes and finishes at roughly 1,000 units once mold cost is covered. The discipline that makes either model profitable is batch-coding—reserving raw material from a single quarry block so every shipment, including phased reorders, matches the approved sample for color and veining. Pair that with a 7–10 day sample sign-off and a 30% deposit / 70% against Bill of Lading payment structure, and a stone brand controls both quality and cash flow from first order to scale.
Sample Verification Checklist
| Check | Pass standard |
|---|---|
| Color consistency | Matches catalogue / brief |
| Surface finish | No pitting, clean polish |
| Edge quality | No chipping |
| Thickness | Within ±1 mm, multi-point |
| Veining | Suitable for match/bookmatch |
From Sample to First Order
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Request 3–5 samples via courier |
| 2 | Verify & sign off (7–10 days) |
| 3 | Get Proforma Invoice (FOB/CIF, terms) |
| 4 | Sign PO with spec + inspection rights |
| 5 | Pay 30% deposit; 70% vs B/L |
| 6 | Optional PSI before container seals |
What to Put in the Purchase Order
- Stone type, size, finish, quantity with ±3–5% tolerance.
- Unit price, total, Incoterm, ports, and validity.
- Packing method (ISPM-15) and inspection rights.
- Dispute-resolution and replacement clause.
Before briefing a factory, compare OEM vs ODM to choose your model, and review the wholesale quality framework for inspection standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stone samples should I request?
Three to five pieces per variety, about 30×30 cm, shipped via DHL/FedEx in 5–7 days; you usually cover only international courier cost ($30–$80).
What do I check in a stone sample?
Color consistency, surface finish (no pitting), clean edges, thickness within ±1 mm at multiple points, and veining suitable for matching.
What are standard first-order payment terms?
Typically 30% deposit to schedule production and 70% against a copy of the Bill of Lading; L/C is available for trusted, high-volume partners.
Should I inspect before shipping?
For meaningful orders, yes—hire SGS, Intertek, or BV for a pre-shipment inspection (~$300–600) to verify quantity, quality, and packing.
What goes in the purchase order?
Stone spec, quantity tolerance, price, Incoterm, ports, packing (ISPM-15), inspection rights, and dispute clause—see our OEM vs ODM guide.
Glady Stone: Sample-to-Order Program
Glady Stone ships samples in 5–7 days and supports first OEM/ODM orders with clear specs, branded packaging, and ASTM/EN documentation.
Send your stone brief to Glady Stone to request samples and a first-order quote.
In 2026, a disciplined sample-to-order flow—verify, sign off, specify, and inspect—turns a risky first stone order into a repeatable, batch-consistent supply line.
More B2B Stone Buying Guides
- OEM vs ODM: White-Labeling Natural Stone Products in 2026
- Natural Stone Wholesale in 2026: MOQ, FOB/CIF & Batch Quality Control
- Shopify Dropshipping Natural Stone in 2026: The Complete Seller Playbook