[et_pb_section][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”0|” padding_mobile=”on” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_post_title admin_label=”Post Title” title=”on” meta=”on” author=”on” date=”on” categories=”on” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” featured_placement=”below” parallax_effect=”on” parallax_method=”on” text_orientation=”left” text_color=”dark” text_background=”off” text_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” module_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” title_all_caps=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”0||0|” custom_padding=”0||0|” /][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”0|||” custom_padding=”0|||”] [shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”21407147″] Globalization, automation, and strict quality control procedures are now creating products that are vastly superior to products manufactured during previous years. These factors have also affected the dimensional stone industry, resulting to customers that demand high-quality products at lower prices. Manufactured stone products, such as quartz and laminates, now compete with naturally-produced granite and marble. The latter’s natural “flaws, ” such as fissures, fill and veining, have become a cause of concern for customers, and this is why stone importers and distributors need to educate their market about the difference between manufactured and natural stones.

These “flaws” are natural elements in the stone, and since natural stone does not come to the market as a “manufactured” product, these stones are natural products with natural characteristics. The mineral and organic staining that can be found in many decorative stones came from natural factors, such as time, heat, and pressure. Producers deal with these natural challenges by filling natural fissures and refining them to what is generally considered “Industry Standard.” Understanding the limits of natural stone and how to communicate these to customers can certainly help us in up-selling, improving our profits, and better customer relations. For more details on this please visit: http://slipperyrockgazette.net/site/archive_Issues/0111/pdfs/Issue_21.htm

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