Tiles are the product most people think of when they think of Foshan, and for good reason: the kilns around the city produce more porcelain than any other region in the world. They are also the product where first-time buyers make the most avoidable mistakes. This guide walks through an order the way we run it for clients.
1. Decide formats before you look at designs
The format drives waste, labour cost and price. 600×1200 and 800×800 are the workhorses; 600×600 is cheaper per m² but slower to lay; 1200×2400 slabs look spectacular and need skilled installers. Fix the format per room first, then choose designs within it. A rough rule: order 5% extra for straight lay, 8–10% for diagonal or pattern lays.
2. Understand what you are being shown
Showrooms in China Ceramics City display the brands’ best product, priced for the domestic retail market. The factory that made it may sell the identical tile under three other names. Note the model number and the back-stamp; that is how we trace the kiln. And ask which grade you are looking at – 优等品 (first choice) is what you want for living areas.
3. Get prices at factory level
Factory pricing and showroom pricing are set differently. Ask for the ex-works price against a written specification so you are comparing like with like. For a villa-size order (800–1,500 m²) you will not be a big customer, so the way to get good pricing is to buy from stock designs and to consolidate with other buyers’ containers – which is what an agent does.
4. Sample, then seal the sample
Get a full tile, not a chip. Check it in daylight and under your intended lighting. When you order, that tile is signed, sealed and kept as the reference for shade and finish; the pro-forma states the shade and calibre batch numbers.
5. Write the specification
Size, thickness, finish, rectified or not, grade, water absorption, quantity in m² and in boxes, packing (pallets, corner boards), and the delivery date. All in Chinese on the pro-forma, with photos of the reference tile attached.
6. Inspect before you pay the balance
At the factory or warehouse: count pallets, open random cartons from different pallets, check shade against the reference, measure a few tiles, look for chipped edges and glaze defects. Photograph everything. Only then release the 70%.
7. Ship it properly
Palletised, strapped, corner-protected, film-wrapped, and loaded with heavy pallets low and level. A 20ft container carries roughly 1,000 m² of 800×800; a 40ft is limited by road weight in most countries. Details in our shipping guide.
Full price tables and MOQs are in the tile buying guide.
Planning to buy building materials in Foshan?
Tell us what you need and when you plan to come. We aim to reply the same business day with a realistic plan, price ranges and which markets to visit.