Turkey is one of the world’s largest exporters of natural stone — famous for its premium marble, travertine, and onyx. Many importers, designers, and contractors choose to buy directly from Turkish factories to reduce costs and get better quality control. However, buying stone internationally is not without risk. Here are five common mistakes to avoid when purchasing stone directly from Turkey.
1. Ignoring Supplier Verification
One of the biggest mistakes is trusting unknown suppliers without proper background checks. Always verify that your supplier is a registered exporter with experience in international trade. Ask for company registration documents, export references, and visit their showroom or factory (virtually or in person).
Pro Tip: HubWayStone partners only with verified Turkish quarries and factories to ensure reliability and quality.
2. Not Requesting Samples Before Bulk Orders
Each quarry in Turkey produces stone with slightly different tones and veins. Ordering without physical samples can lead to color mismatches once the slabs arrive. Always request sample slabs or tiles from the same block intended for your order. This small step prevents major disappointments later.
3. Misunderstanding Export Terms (FOB, CIF, EXW)
Many importers get confused by Incoterms. For example, FOB (Free On Board) means the supplier delivers goods to the port, while CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) includes shipping to your destination. Clarify all terms before signing the invoice — who pays for transport, insurance, and customs duties.
4. Skipping Quality Inspection Before Shipping
Another common error is failing to arrange a third-party inspection before shipment. Cracks, uneven polishing, or color inconsistency may appear during production. A pre-shipment inspection ensures that the materials meet your agreed-upon standards and saves costly returns or disputes.
5. Choosing the Lowest Price Instead of the Best Value
Price is important, but cheap doesn’t always mean good. Extremely low offers often hide lower grades of stone or poor packaging. Focus on value — consistent quality, safe packaging, and transparent communication. Reliable exporters provide detailed quotations with all specifications clearly listed.
Buying natural stone directly from Turkey is a smart decision if done carefully. By avoiding these five mistakes — and working with verified, experienced exporters — you can enjoy top-quality marble, travertine, and onyx at competitive prices, delivered safely to your country.
Looking for a trusted supplier? HubWayStone offers direct access to Turkish quarries with full export support, inspection, and logistics.