Monument Planet operates as a direct-import wholesale supplier, sourcing granite monuments from manufacturing facilities in India and distributing them to monument dealers, funeral homes, and cemeteries primarily in the Northeast United States. Understanding how the ordering process works from first contact through final delivery helps new dealers get up to speed quickly and helps existing dealers use the system more efficiently.
Getting started as a Monument Planet dealer requires setting up a wholesale account. The process is straightforward: provide basic business information (business name, address, tax ID, and contact information), agree to wholesale terms, and receive access to wholesale pricing. Monument Planet does not sell retail to end consumers — all sales are made to verified trade buyers. This wholesale-only model keeps pricing consistent and protects the dealer's margin in the market.
Pricing is provided through a wholesale price list that covers standard sizes in the primary granite varieties. Standard black granite monuments are priced by size and configuration; specialty granites (Blue Pearl, India Red, Bahama Blue, etc.) are priced at a premium over the standard black pricing. Custom sizes that fall outside the standard price list can typically be quoted on request. Volume discounts may apply for dealers who order consistently or place larger orders.
Placing an order starts with submitting a complete cut sheet — a specification document that includes the granite variety, die and base dimensions, all surface finish specifications, and the complete inscription including all text, font preferences, and any artwork or design elements. The more complete and accurate your cut sheet, the faster and smoother your order will process. Missing information requires follow-up, adds time, and increases the risk of errors.
Artwork proofing is a mandatory step in the process. Once your order is received and all specifications are confirmed, the art department prepares a digital proof showing the proposed inscription layout on a scaled representation of the monument face. This proof is submitted to you for review and then to the family for approval. Your role is to confirm accuracy and get the family's written sign-off before the proof is approved for production. Monument Planet will not begin engraving without an approved proof — this protects both the dealer and the family from errors that would be expensive and emotionally difficult to correct.
Production and shipping timelines depend on the specific order. Standard black granite monuments typically have production timelines of 4–8 weeks from proof approval to readiness for shipping. After shipping from India, transit to the US East Coast takes approximately 4–5 weeks. Domestic shipping from the distribution facility to your location adds a few days. Total lead times are discussed explicitly with your account representative when you place an order.
Payment terms vary by account relationship and order type. New accounts typically require payment in advance or at proof approval. Established accounts with good payment history may qualify for net terms. Consult with your account representative about the terms that apply to your account.
Contact and support are handled through dedicated account representatives. If you have a question about a specific order — where it is in production, how to handle a revision request from a family, or whether a specific cemetery's size requirement can be accommodated — your account rep is the right contact. Monument Planet's wholesale model is built on relationships with dealers, and the support structure reflects that.