A Growing Market—and a Growing Problem
At first glance, it’s all very convincing. A beautiful stone bathtub displayed online at a surprisingly low price, with alluring images and promises of “authentic materials” and “worldwide delivery.” But who’s really behind that product? Increasingly, we’re seeing clients approach us with unfortunate stories about “amazing deals” that turned into financial and emotional burdens.
The Invisible Middleman
Most brokers don’t make it clear that they’re not manufacturers. Their websites rarely mention the real source of the product. Some even use AI-generated or copied imagery from factories they’ve never visited. Others buy factory seconds—bathtubs that didn’t pass quality control—then repair visible defects and resell them as new.
These brokers visit multiple producers in Indonesia in a single day, snapping photos of anything they can, later passing it off as their own “collection.” In reality, they don’t oversee production, don’t know the materials firsthand, and can’t offer any real support once your bathtub ships.
True Manufacturer vs. Broker: What’s the Real Difference?
Let’s break it down. Here’s how buying from a manufacturer like Lux4home™ compares to purchasing from a middleman:
How Does a Manufacturer Like Lux4home™ Compare to a Broker?
There are several critical differences between buying directly from a manufacturer and buying through a broker. Here's what you should know:
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Product Control:
A real manufacturer oversees every step of the production process. At Lux4home™, we know exactly where the stone comes from, who carves it, and how it’s packed. Brokers, on the other hand, have no control over production and often rely on third parties they barely know. -
Quality Assurance:
Manufacturers apply strict quality control and often hold certifications (like PZH or CE). Brokers typically can’t guarantee consistency in stone, finish, or craftsmanship – and they rarely offer certifications. -
Customization:
Need a specific size, finish, or material? A real manufacturer can make it happen. Brokers usually offer only what’s in stock – no adjustments, no exceptions. -
Communication:
Working with a manufacturer means talking directly to the source – someone who understands stonework. Brokers act as middlemen, and messages often get lost in translation. -
Pricing Transparency:
Manufacturers offer factory prices. Brokers add their margin – sometimes discreetly – and hide logistics costs until the last minute. -
Delivery & Logistics:
Manufacturers like Lux4home™ have optimized packaging, shipping experience, and local contacts. Brokers are often surprised by customs issues, delays, or damage – and you’re left to deal with it. -
Experience & Portfolio:
Lux4home™ has 20+ years of experience and over 203 hotel projects worldwide. Most brokers appear out of nowhere and disappear just as fast. They usually can’t show real photos of past installations – because they don’t have any.
Real Stories, Real Regret
Over the past decade, we’ve spoken to dozens of clients who first ordered from resellers—only to come to us months later for replacements or repairs. Here are just a few of their stories.
“Most of them were okay… but some arrived broken.”
“Enough pieces arrive broken that it costs me a small fortune locally to fix.”
One European reseller shared this with us after switching from multiple brokers to Lux4home™. Their packages often arrived with hidden cracks or chips, and although the price was slightly lower, the cost of local repairs erased any savings. Not to mention the headaches.
$18,000 Tub… and It Leaks
“The epoxy/resin was cracked on arrival. The tub leaks and leaves rust-colored stains in the water.”
This Canadian homeowner was devastated after purchasing a bathtub made of petrified wood from a U.S. broker. Despite paying a premium, they received no support. Two professional repair attempts failed. In the end, the bathtub couldn’t be salvaged—and they were left with a costly ornament.
⏳ “New Delivery in Six Months”
“My client’s bathtub arrived chipped. The company offered a replacement… in November.”
For interior designers, deadlines are non-negotiable. In this case, a luxury project was delayed for months because the broker had no way to replace the damaged tub promptly. Eventually, the design had to change entirely.
Behind the Scenes at Lux4home™
So what does it look like when you buy directly from a trusted manufacturer?
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Production control on site in Indonesia, with European-standard oversight
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Local artisans combined with a global logistics and customer support team
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Certified materials, verified sources, and optional finishes
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Custom dimensions to suit any bathroom layout
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Real-world references: over 203 hotel projects, 57 countries, award-winning service
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Post-sale care, support for architects, and repeat collaboration
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Registered in the EU—legal accountability and secure invoicing
The company produces stone: Round Bathtubs, Oval Bathtubs, Custom Bathtubs, Roman Bathtubs, Soaking Bathtubs, Gray Bathtubs and others..., more on: https://www.lux4home.com/stone-bathtubs/
We don’t hide who we are. Our photos come from actual projects. Our collections are ours, and our production is documented every step of the way. That’s why architects, hotels, and private clients trust us.
Stone Bathtubs Are an Investment. Choose Wisely.
When you’re spending thousands of dollars on a single product, transparency is non-negotiable. Don’t gamble on a website with no address or stock photos. Don’t buy from someone who can’t tell you where the stone came from, or who will take no responsibility when something goes wrong.
Whether you’re a homeowner, a hotelier, or a designer, it pays to work with someone who knows their craft—and stands by it.
Buy from a producer, not a middleman. Buy from Lux4home™.
