What Can Go Wrong When You Buy a Stone Bathtub from a Broker Instead of the Maker?

Buying a natural stone bathtub is a long-term investment — not only in aesthetics but also in durability. Even in historic palaces, stone elements installed centuries ago remain intact. But there’s one condition: the stone must be natural and flaw-free. Unfortunately, many buyers fall for the illusion of savings or are simply unaware of the risks. They end up buying through middlemen or brokers who pose as manufacturers, lured by seemingly lower prices or faster delivery.

In this article, we share real-life stories from clients who — as they later admitted — regretted not buying directly from the manufacturer, such as Lux4home™.

Without scaremongering — but with full transparency — we’ll show what can go wrong when there is no quality control over the production, the stone itself, or even packaging. These insights are valuable, even if you plan to buy elsewhere.

1. A Bathtub from Indonesia… But Not the One I Ordered

One customer visited Bali in person, choosing a specific bathtub model from a local supplier — not Lux4home™. He placed the order, paid a deposit, and three months later received a completely different product. The color, shape, and finish did not match the agreement.

⚠️ The broker explained that “the stone ran out” so they “made a similar one.” Unfortunately, no consultation, no refund, and no option to complain.

In tourist-heavy areas, brokers often buy defective or rejected products from real producers and sell them at discounted prices to travelers — knowing they’ll likely never see them again.

At Lux4home™, such a situation is impossible — the client always receives photos of the actual product before shipping, and every detail is confirmed with our team. If needed, we make final adjustments before packaging. We also follow strict European quality standards, and to ensure full legal accountability worldwide, we maintain a registered office in the European Union. That means international buyer protection applies — something companies based solely in Indonesia cannot guarantee.

2. An Outdoor Bathtub That Fell Apart After One Winter

A customer from Germany purchased a marble bathtub for his garden, convinced by elegant photos in a broker’s brochure. After just one winter, the tub began to crack and crumble. Why? The marble used was unsuitable for outdoor use in such climates!

❗ Lux4home™ always asks whether the bathtub will be installed outdoors and selects the appropriate stone accordingly (e.g., river stone or basalt). We even address this in our blog guide, which is worth reading before placing an order:
👉 Can a Bathtub Be Installed Outdoors? Find out here

3. A Cheap Tub… That Arrived Cracked

“The price was amazing — $1,200 for a marble tub others were selling for $3,000 or even $12,000 in the U.S.,” wrote one customer.

The product arrived late, and upon unpacking, a large crack was visible along the rim. Contacting the broker? Impossible. No invoice, no responsible party, no warranty. The damage wasn’t caused during transport — the crate was intact. The tub simply wasn’t usable.

Lux4home™ photographs every product after packaging and uses container-secured shipping. With over 20 years of experience — unlike many new businesses that disappear quickly — we offer insured transportation and full support throughout the shipping and customs process.

4. A Glued Bathtub – No One Mentioned It

Another customer noticed strange differences in the bathtub’s texture after a few uses. On closer inspection, it turned out the tub was glued from multiple pieces of stone — and the joints were hidden with filler. The product did not match the advertised images and posed a real risk to the bathroom. A crack could have released hundreds of liters of water, putting anyone bathing at risk.

Many brokers purchase rejected bathtubs — those that failed quality checks — repair them, conceal the flaws, and sell them as brand new. They obtain these as “scrap” and market them deceptively.

At Lux4home™, each bathtub is carved from a single block of stone. No glue, no patchwork. Every tub is a handcrafted piece of honest craftsmanship. If we operated like that, no hotel would ever trust us again.

5. The Bathtub That Never Arrived – A Project Rewritten

An interior designer in France planned a spa project using an onyx bathtub. The client ordered from a local distributor, who sourced the product from Indonesia. The tub arrived… four months late and in completely wrong dimensions.

The result? The entire spa concept had to be changed, leaving the investor disappointed and the designer unpaid.

At Lux4home™, we work directly with architects and hotels, sending real-time photos during production and supporting logistics at every step. Our goal is to build long-term relationships, and many of our clients return for future projects.

When It’s Too Late, Many Ask: Was It Worth the Risk?

Clients — especially those who bought from Bali “tourist brokers” — increasingly admit they regret not buying directly from a verified manufacturer. Brokers often have no control over production, no knowledge of stone types, and no visibility into the process.

Lux4home™, on the other hand, combines local craftsmanship with European-level responsibility and legal protection. With over 20 years of experience serving clients and hotels worldwide, we stand by every product we create.

Just one example? We have over 4,000 real project photos from our customers — probably more than any other stone bathtub manufacturer worldwide.

Here’s What You Gain by Working with a Real Manufacturer:

✅ Over 20 years of experience in freestanding stone bathtubs, spa tubs, garden tubs, rustic tubs, and custom projects of any kind
✅ Experienced artisans who match the right stone to your needs — something a broker cannot do
✅ Legal responsibility and stability — we’ve been in business for two decades, and we’re not disappearing tomorrow
✅ You choose, we make it happen — down to the last detail
✅ Ethical production — no child labor, no environmental shortcuts, only passion and skill

No matter where you decide to buy, you can always use our free buying guides and resources. We’re here to help you make the right choice — even if it’s not with us.