Stone orders are large enough that payment structure and insurance are worth agreeing explicitly rather than assuming.
Payment structure
A deposit to start carving, and the balance before dispatch once you have approved photographs. This protects both sides: the workshop is not funding a project that may be cancelled, and you do not pay in full for a piece you have not seen.
What the deposit covers
Block selection and blocking out, which is where most of the material risk sits. It is the point at which a cancellation becomes genuinely expensive.
Shipping terms
Agree who arranges freight, who pays duty and who bears risk during transit. If you are unsure about incoterms, ask for the two common options in plain language and pick deliberately.
Insurance
Insure for full replacement value, including freight. Under-insuring to save a small premium is a poor trade on a one-off carved piece that cannot be quickly replaced.
Damage claims
Agree in advance who files the claim and who deals with the carrier. Ambiguity here is the most common reason claims fail.
Keep a written record
Specification, price, timeline and shipping terms in writing, including any changes agreed later.
Frequently asked questions
What payment terms are normal for a custom marble murti?
A deposit to begin carving and the balance before dispatch, after you approve photographs of the finished piece.
Should I insure a marble murti shipment?
Yes, for full replacement value including freight. A hand-carved piece cannot be quickly or cheaply replaced.
Who handles a damage claim in transit?
Agree this in writing before shipping. Ambiguity over who files the claim is a common reason claims fail.
Where to go next
