Ready stock or factory production: which way to buy stone?
For project purchases there are usually two routes:
- choosing from ready stock
- ordering new production
Neither is always better.
The choice depends on:
- time
- area
- dimensions
- grade
- finish
- budget
What is ready stock?
Stone that has already been produced and is available for delivery.
Advantages:
- speed
- you can see the actual shipment
- less risk about appearance
What is factory production to order?
The factory produces to your order:
- dimensions
- thickness
- finish
- quantity
Advantages of ready stock
- fast delivery
- you see the real product
- you can select pieces
- suits urgent projects
Limits of ready stock
It may:
- not be enough quantity
- not be available in the dimensions you need
- have no top-up supply
Advantages of production to order
- better-suited dimensions
- more accurate quantity
- the finish you want
- closer fit with the project
Limits of production to order
- production time
- dependence on raw blocks
- possible differences from the sample
- minimum order quantity (MOQ)
Urgent projects
If time is critical, ready stock has the advantage.
Large projects
For a large project, production to order can make more sense, especially if you have an exact specification.
Small projects
Ready stock is usually simpler and more economical.
Grade
With ready stock you can see the whole inventory.
With new production, a sample and an acceptable range must be defined.
Custom dimensions
If the project layout is precise, production to order can reduce waste.
Special finishes
Flamed, leathered, bush-hammered or a special thickness may need a production order.
Price
Production to order is not necessarily cheaper.
You also have to count:
- MOQ
- time
- waste
- transport
Top-up supply
If the project has several phases, ask about supplying the second phase from the start.
Quality control
For production to order, it is best to define these stages:
- sample
- start of production
- quality control
- final approval
When to choose ready stock
- urgent project
- small area
- the available shipment looks right
- the available dimensions are usable
When to order production
- large area
- special dimensions
- special finish
- a planned project
Comparison table
| Criterion | Ready stock | Production to order |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | High | Lower |
| Seeing the product | Full | More limited before production |
| Customisation | Low | High |
| MOQ | Usually lower | May be higher |
| Schedule risk | Lower | Higher |
| Control of dimensions | Limited | Better |
Common mistakes
- Ordering production without enough time
- Buying ready stock without checking the total quantity
- Assuming a second shipment will match exactly
- Choosing on price alone
- Not defining the grade
- Having no reference sample
Summary
If speed and seeing the real product are the priority, ready stock has the advantage.
If you have a large project, special dimensions or a specific finish, production to order can be the better choice.
See also ordering stone for a large project.
Frequently asked questions
Is ready stock cheaper?
Not always; it depends on the stock and the terms of sale.
How long does production to order take?
It varies with the product, the volume and the factory's capacity.
Which is better for a large project?
If you have enough time and an exact specification, production to order is worth considering.
Will a second shipment be exactly like the first?
With natural stone, a perfect match is hard to guarantee.