Why are stone bathtubs from brokers often cheaper than from manufacturers?

Because many brokers reduce production costs by skipping quality control, using cheaper materials, or buying defective pieces. The savings often result in higher risks.

How can I tell if I’m buying from a real manufacturer?

Real manufacturers usually show actual production images, offer certifications, are transparent with location, and can personalize orders. Brokers rarely offer these.

What should I ask before buying a stone bathtub from a foreign supplier?

Ask who produces it, whether you get documentation, where it's packed, and who is responsible for quality, breakage, or delays. Also check if they have a real website, consistent collections and how long they’ve been in business.

What if a stone bathtub arrives damaged?

If you buy from a manufacturer like Lux4home™, you get support, warranties, and options. Brokers often leave you with no responsibility or assistance.

Can I customize the size or finish of the bathtub?

Only real manufacturers offer full customization. Brokers offer only existing stock or fixed dimensions.

What are red flags when browsing stone bathtubs online?

Definitely prices that are too good to be true, vague promises, no website or a sketchy-looking one, and no documented projects.

Why Shipping One Stone Basin May Cost More Than the Sink Itself

Why freight for single sinks may exceed product value

At first glance, it may seem surprising that the shipping cost of one stone sink can equal—or even exceed—the price of the product. But this situation is not uncommon, and it’s based on how international logistics and shipping policies work.

Table of Contents

We’re sharing this knowledge based on the experiences of previous customers and current logistics practices.

1. Stone sinks are heavy and not suitable for air freight

A standard countertop stone sink weighs approximately 29-35 kg. Once securely packed for export, the shipping weight reaches around 40-45 kg.
Air freight is calculated either by actual weight or volumetric weight—whichever is higher. For bulky, dense products like stone sinks, the cost becomes extremely high, sometimes reaching 3–7 times the value of the product itself. That’s why air freight is not a viable option for most clients.

2. Ocean freight carriers charge for a minimum of 1 cubic meter

In ocean freight (LCL – Less than Container Load), most shipping companies or freight forwarders apply a minimum charge based on 1 cubic meter (m³)—even if your product occupies only a small part of that space.
A single packed marble sink takes only about 1/10 of that space, but the cost is the same as if you were shipping a full cubic meter.

In practical terms, that means the shipping cost of 1 sink is the same as for 10–15 sinks, which can fit on one pallet.

3. Port fees and documentation charges are fixed

Regardless of the shipment size, customs clearance, terminal handling, and administrative fees are often fixed or have a minimum value.
This means that whether you ship 1 unit or 20, some fees remain the same—making single-unit orders disproportionately expensive.

4. Important note from Lux4home™

Shipping rates, port fees, and freight policies are set by external shipping companies and agents—not by Lux4home™.
We have no influence over how these charges are calculated or applied.
Our role is to inform you transparently, based on real experiences from past clients, and help you make the best possible decision.

When does this NOT apply?

This situation mainly applies to standard countertop marble sinks.
It does not apply to:

freestanding sinks, which are larger and qualify for different shipping methods,
bathtubs (usually shipped on full pallets or containers),
combined orders, such as a bathtub plus one sink (in that case, the sink shares space and cost, making shipping much more efficient).

What have other customers done in similar situations?

If you need only one sink but the freight cost is too high, here are some real-life solutions used by our previous customers:

A. Order through a local distributor

Some clients asked local bathroom showrooms or stone importers if they could include their sink in a larger shipment.
This method often worked. We can provide product specifications or contact local businesses directly on your behalf.

B. Place a joint order with others

Clients sometimes teamed up with friends, interior designers, or other businesses to place a group order and split the shipping cost.

C. Let us know about a potential importer

If you know a company or showroom in your area that might be interested in importing marble products, share their contact details with us.
We’ll reach out to them and propose including your sink in their next bulk shipment.

Want to check the shipping cost yourself?

To get an accurate estimate in your local currency, try this workaround used by other clients:

Go to the DHL Express Rate Calculator
Choose “Send a shipment” or “Ship now”
In the Pickup location, enter your own address
In the Delivery location, enter:
Indonesia – Tulungagung, ZIP: 66212
For Dimensions, add approx. 10 cm to your chosen sink size
(e.g., enter 70 × 55 × 25 cm)
Set the Weight to: 40 kg
Review the shipping quote displayed in your local currency

(!) Why this method works:
Some versions of the DHL calculator don’t support international quotes from Indonesia. By reversing the direction of the shipment, you’ll still see the same price — but in a working interface, in your language and currency.

Summary

Question	Answer
Can I order one sink?	Yes, we can produce it.
Will it be expensive to ship?	Most likely, yes—due to fixed freight minimums.
When is shipping cost-effective?	With larger orders, grouped items, or combined shipping (e.g. with a bathtub).
Can you help lower the cost?	We’ll assist in finding alternative solutions, such as shared shipping or local partners.

Final thought

We at Lux4home™ are always happy to produce even a single sink.
But as a direct manufacturer, we want to ensure our customers understand that logistics costs—especially for single-item international shipments—are often outside of our control and dictated by the policies of shipping agents and global freight providers.

If you’re planning a renovation, hotel project, or working with a designer, feel free to contact us — we’ll help make shipping as efficient and affordable as possible.

Got feedback or want us to check a shipping quote for you?
Contact us anytime — we’ll be glad to advise.

Mariusz Tres

Mariusz Tres, the founder of Lux4home™ brand, is a passionate designer of natural stone products with over a decade of experience. His creativity and ability to implement unique ideas turn ordinary stones into a manifestation of clients' individuality and style. Fascinated by the beauty of natural materials, Mariusz constantly seeks new ways to utilize them in interior design, creating solutions that blend functionality with aesthetics. His mission is to inspire and promote the use of natural materials in creating exceptional interiors that reflect clients' personalities and lifestyles.