2011

After reading an article about countertop pricing, which begins on p. 74, in the January 2011 issue of Stone World, we want to offer this advice to countertop fabricators:

Taking the time to relay important details to your customer is a key factor in selling your service.  The Home Depots and Lowes of the industry sell their countertops as a SKU, so competing on price is not a competition at all.  Also, break down an ad that lists multiple offers because the listed items are not always relevant (they might already be included in the service and are not really a deal.)

There is a need to determine fixed costs (business costs that do not change) and variable costs (business costs that change with level of production.)  Direct costs such as freight, materials, power, tools, commissions, labor, etc., do not change.  “Indirect costs” are things such as administrative staff, insurance, marketing, and safety programs.

There are various pricing strategies in the market:

• Square-foot pricing: not very effective when differentiating businesses


• Good/Better/Best pricing: varied pricing for different market segments (retail, k&b, designer, contractor, etc.


• Bundle pricing: encourages the use of a product in quantity by offering a discount   for volume, allows for profit maximization


• De-bundled pricing: encourages customer to upgrade and choose


• Premium pricing: geared towards unique and high quality, maximizes profit


• Penetration pricing: for use in new and different markets

Tools such as software, time sheets, and job cost sheets help determine the level of cost in a fabrication business.  Detailed pricing sheets that list cut-outs, edgework, radius corners, bump outs, lamination, seams, etc., are itemized so you are able to break down every detail of the customer's particular job. This is where you can possibly negotiate details with the customer if they do not like the price.

In a competitive market where price is always the first topic of conversation, it is important to outline the details and importance of your service. Check out our post about the factors affecting the price of granite.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association has released its 11 Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2011, and on the list is quartz countertops. Though granite is still the most popular countertop option, quartz countertops such as Caesarstone are taking some of the share of the market.

Caesarstone is an engineered stone surface containing ground up pieces of quartz held together with a resin to form a durable solid surface. Consumers like Caesarstone because it is more affordable than granite and comes in a wide variety of colors to match interiors. Quartz countertops are most popular in kitchens, but they can be used in bathrooms as well.

Besides countertops, designers and product manufacturers are using Caesarstone in a host of creative applications, including texturized Motivo wall panels and Sonobath vessel sinks, which are both available at Marble and Granite Inc.

Want to get in on the quartz countertop trend? Caesarstone countertops in Sandalwood are on special this month at Marble and Granite Inc. while supplies last because they are being discontinued.

As trade show season in the design industry is underway, 2011 kitchen trends are emerging. The new Living Kitchen trade show, billed as the first International Kitchen Show, has kicked off in Cologne, Germany, and we want to take a look at how design and technology are evolving in the coming year:

• Kitchen layouts are changing as kitchens become part of the living space


• The evolution of the "smart" kitchen, which feature "integrated sound systems, LED and digital lighting concepts as well as remote controls and electronic cabinet opening mechanisms"


• Matte finished surface and countertops create the natural, organic look that is popular


• Kitchen colors are being selected to create either a warm atmosphere or high contrast


• Classic style cabinetry is making a comeback as a backlash against the minimalist look


• Energy-saving and integrated kitchen appliances in simple black and white.

For the latest kitchen trends sent straight to your inbox, sign up to receive e-mail updates from Marble & Granite Inc. in Westwood, Mass.

Continuing our video series on natural stone properties, we present "Introduction to Natural Stone, Part 2."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoxYW0EWXW0

Browse our inventory of imported marble and granite, available wholesale at Marble and Granite Inc. in Westwood, Mass., and Milford, Conn.

There is only one slab left of our extra-large verde saltan marble, an elegant and durable natural stone material ideal for any application. It is from Lot #8569 and measures 140-by-58 inches. Green-colored stones, or serpentines, are glamorous options for kitchen and bath countertops, replacing neutral beiges and whites. Due to the high concentration of serpentine minerals, these green stones are significantly less porous and much denser than other marbles. This allows for installation in high traffic areas such as kitchens and even kitchen islands. Plus, you can't beat a seamless countertop this big!

Contact Marble and Granite Inc. for more information.