Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about LithoPrime and how the platform works.

About LithoPrime

LithoPrime is a curated, verified global network connecting serious stone buyers with verified quarry owners, manufacturers, fabricators, artisans, and exporters.

Unlike open marketplaces, LithoPrime verifies every vendor before approval. We focus on quality, trust, and serious trade relationships — not bulk listings.

LithoPrime is a verified trade network. Only approved vendors and serious buyers are allowed to participate.

Yes. We onboard verified vendors and buyers across key stone-producing and importing countries worldwide.

For Buyers

Architects, developers, contractors, procurement managers, or anyone looking to purchase material for personal use — whether for construction or decor purposes.

Yes. Buyers can register for free and send up to 7 enquiries per month. Unlimited enquiries are available under the Pro membership plan.

Verified vendors have undergone documentation review, operational checks, and portfolio validation to ensure credibility.

LithoPrime verifies business registration, operational proof, project history, and production capability before approving any vendor.

All communication happens through the platform's enquiry system to ensure privacy, traceability, and security.

Currently, LithoPrime facilitates verified introductions. Escrow and secure transaction tools may be introduced in future phases.

Verified vendors are expected to respond promptly. You can escalate non-responsive vendors to our support team for follow-up.

For Vendors

Quarry owners, slab manufacturers, fabricators, artisans, monument makers, exporters, equipment manufacturers, machinery providers, wholesalers, retailers, shipping aggregators, and verified trading companies can apply.

No. All vendor applications undergo manual verification before activation to maintain platform quality.

Depending on the vendor category, you may need: business registration, tax ID / GST / export license, factory or quarry proof (such as Google Reviews), portfolio images, and project references.

Verification typically takes 3–7 working days, depending on documentation completeness.

LithoPrime offers tiered subscription plans including Prime Verified and Prime Elite, providing increased visibility and premium features.

Yes. Subscriptions can be cancelled as per the terms outlined in the vendor agreement or by raising a support ticket.

LithoPrime does not guarantee volume but ensures that buyer enquiries come from serious, registered users.

Free enquiries are limited, and buyer activity is tracked. Suspicious or abusive accounts are restricted.

Artisans & Fabricators

Yes, provided they submit a verified portfolio and hold any license that allows them to conduct business, while meeting our craftsmanship standards.

Absolutely. Buyers can specify project requirements, and fabricators or artisans can respond with custom proposals tailored to the brief.

Trust & Security

LithoPrime follows secure authentication protocols and does not publicly display sensitive contact details.

Contact details are shared only through approved enquiry workflows — never publicly.

We continuously review vendor performance, buyer feedback, and compliance standards to uphold the integrity of the network.

Membership & Pricing

Pro membership allows unlimited monthly enquiries and priority communication features for buyers.

No. All pricing plans are transparent and listed on the platform.

Certain vendor tiers may include subscription-based or credit-based lead access, clearly outlined in the plan details.

Shipping & Logistics

LithoPrime does not directly handle shipping. However, we provide tools like the Freight Calculator to help you estimate costs, and vendors on our platform often include their preferred delivery terms, ports, and logistics partners in their trade profiles.

Vendors can specify their preferred Incoterms in their trade profile, including EXW (Ex Works), FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight), CFR (Cost & Freight), DAP (Delivered at Place), DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), and others. Delivery terms are negotiated directly between the buyer and vendor for each transaction.

FOB (Free on Board) means the vendor is responsible for loading the goods at the port of origin. Once the material is on the vessel, all costs and risks transfer to the buyer. FOB is widely used in the stone industry because it gives buyers flexibility to choose their own freight forwarder and shipping line.

Under FOB, the buyer arranges and pays for ocean freight and insurance from the port of origin. Under CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight), the vendor includes freight and insurance costs up to the destination port. CIF is often preferred by buyers new to international trade as the vendor manages more of the logistics.

Use the LithoPrime Freight Calculator — a free tool that provides AI-powered ballpark estimates for sea, air, and road freight across 100+ countries. Simply enter your origin, destination, product type, and weight to get an estimated cost range, transit time, and carrier suggestions.

Sea freight is the most common and cost-effective mode for heavy stone shipments (slabs, blocks, tiles). Air freight is available for urgent or lightweight orders such as samples. Road freight is used for domestic or cross-border land deliveries within the same region.

Customs duties are the buyer's responsibility unless the delivery term is DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). Premium members can use LithoPrime Trade Intelligence to research import tariffs, HS codes, required documentation, and compliance regulations for their specific trade routes.

Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (or airway bill), certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate (where applicable), and any product-specific test or quality certificates. Requirements vary by country — use Trade Intelligence for destination-specific guidance.

Yes. Verified vendors can add their preferred shipping ports, payment methods, and delivery terms to their trade profile on LithoPrime. This helps buyers evaluate logistics compatibility before initiating an enquiry.

Responsibility depends on the agreed Incoterm. Under FOB and EXW, risk transfers to the buyer once goods are loaded or made available. Under CIF or CIP, the vendor arranges insurance up to the destination port. We strongly recommend buyers arrange marine cargo insurance for all international stone shipments regardless of the delivery term.

Platform Policies

We provide communication support but do not act as a legal arbitrator between parties.

Yes, vendors can upgrade to higher tiers at any time from the dashboard.

Prime Elite status is granted based on performance, verification strength, and industry reputation.

Our goal is to maintain a trusted environment where serious trade can happen without noise, spam, or unverified listings.