Due to environmental constraints, availability of resources, cost of manufacturing, or any other considerable reason making everything in our country is not feasible. Thanks to shipping facilities that we can get things at our doorsteps by importing nearly everything from anywhere! Let’s talk about importing ceramic tiles: according to data released by Statista, India, China, and Brazil are the top 3 ceramic tiles producing countries!
If you plan to import tiles from another country, there are several things to keep in mind.
1) Type of Tiles you want to Import and a leading producer
Considering the bigger picture, the main product segments in the overall tile manufacturing are wall tile, floor tile, vitrified/porcelain tile, and industrial tile segments. You need to consider your requirement and look for manufactures from other countries.
The segments of tiles that the majority of importers consider are Double Charge Porcelain, Soluble Salt Nano, Digital Glazed Porcelain, Full Body Porcelain, Digital Ceramic tiles, Step Riser tiles, Pavement tiles, and Wood Look tiles. These are the tile segments that are likely to bring you bounteous business.
2) Choosing the Right Manufacturer/ Supplier
While you are sitting overseas in another country and planning to import tiles, it becomes crucial to make sure that you choose the right supplier or manufacturer. Tile importers or buyers often fear to strike with a fraud or a manufacturer delivering low-quality products. Perhaps, it becomes significant to ensure that you order tiles from the authorized manufacturer.
How to choose that?
1) Experience Matters! Look for experienced manufacturers dealing in the tiles and ceramic industry having an export experience of over a decade. This helps you ensure the professionalism and smooth process as they have been in the game for long
2) Check their website, read the customer testimonials, and keep a record of how have they exported tiles successfully
3) Inquire for every detail, right from the material they use in the tiles, the procedure of making, and standards they follow.
4) An authorized importer would have ISO and CE certification. It is very significant to ask them about the same.
5) Ensure that the client provides safe and timely delivery. Also, ensure to take insurance of the tile consignment.
3) Quality is the King
The tiles you source should be durable, long-lasting, and appealing, along with other characteristics of the individual type. There are various possible quality checks, but visiting their site is not always possible so you can ask for video proofs for quality. There are certain quality certifications issued to the tile manufacturers if they meet the standard quality expectations. Choose a tile exporter with certifications such as ISO 9001:2015.
4) Smooth Transit
Consider some vital points to keep in mind for a smoother transit process while importing tiles.
1) Loading Port Details: The manufacturer will transport the order from its warehouse to the nearest loading port. The transportation cost for loading the parcel to the port is usually involved in the Freight on Board (FOB) cost estimated by your tile manufacturer.
2) Freight Cost: This is the cost of transportation from the Port of Loading to the Destination Port. It is fixed and predecided by the exporter to which both the parties should agree!
3) Insurance: What if your cargo does not reach you properly and is damaged or lost during the transit? Well, Insurance is the best possible option to go with. If you have the insurance, the manufacturer or the forwarder will bear the loss and compensate you for the damage.
4) Document Delivery: The bill of lading, a complete list of the packing and order, commercial list, and other supporting documents are sent to the importer through FedEx or DHL or any other courier company. Usually, the charges are paid by the importer.
5) Customs Clearance: For some importing countries like the US, they need to file a custom bond before importing.
5) Mode Of Payment
One of the important points to consider while importing from other countries is the mode of payment. There is a fear of being scammed. However, all you can do is check the background of the manufacturer properly. Also, consider placing a small order first so that you can know how the manufacturer deals.
Most import-export deals run on a 3:7 payment model, where 30% is paid in advance and 70% on completion of the order. There are several potions of payments like telegraphic transfer, Paypal, cash, and letter of credit.
Corona Vitrified India is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of India. We work and execute deals considering all the above-specified points and assure stress-free delivery of tiles to your country!