Wholesale monuments: Trade pricing, dealer programs, and sourcing

Wholesale monuments are sold primarily to monument dealers, funeral homes, and cemetery memorial companies, though some wholesalers sell direct to families for specific products like flat markers and standard uprights. The wholesale market exists because monument manufacturing, granite quarrying, cutting, polishing, engraving, is concentrated in specialized facilities, while most retail monument companies focus on customer consultation, custom design, and installation.

For trade buyers, wholesale monument pricing typically runs 30 to 60 percent below retail. The wholesale price reflects the manufacturer’s cost plus margin, without the retailer’s design consultation, showroom overhead, custom engraving, installation services, and warranty. Buyers who can perform those services themselves, or who can partner with a local installer, access substantially better pricing.

Common wholesale monument products

Wholesale catalogs typically include:

Flat markers. The most standardized product. Common sizes include 18x24 inch, 24x12 inch, 20x28 inch, and 24x30 inch. Standard finishes are polished top with steeled or polished sides. Engraving is optional and priced separately. Granite selection typically includes several grays (Barre, Georgia, Carnelian), pinks (Mountain Rose, Dakota), blacks (India Black, Impala), and imported granites in a range of colors.

Slant markers. A flat face angled at about 15 to 30 degrees, mounted on a thicker base. Less common than flat markers but popular in some cemeteries. Wholesale pricing typically runs 20 to 40 percent above flat markers of equivalent size.

Upright monuments. The most varied product category. Sizes range from small 2-foot uprights to large family monuments 6 feet or taller. Pricing depends on size, granite, finish, and customization. Custom shapes, dies, and family monuments can run into thousands of dollars at wholesale, with corresponding retail pricing significantly higher.

Benches and specialty items. Granite benches, cremation benches, and specialty monuments are also available wholesale. Pricing varies widely.

Dealer Programs and Application Process

Most wholesale monument companies require buyers to apply for dealer status. Requirements typically include a business license, a resale certificate (sales tax permit), a federal tax ID, and proof of business in the monument or related industry. Some wholesalers also require a minimum annual purchase volume, references, and a brief business plan.

Application processing typically takes 1 to 4 weeks. Once approved, buyers receive access to trade pricing, catalogs, and ordering systems. Some wholesalers assign account representatives; others operate self-service online portals. Payment terms vary, many require payment in advance for the first several orders, then transition to net 30 or net 60 terms for established accounts.

Sourcing considerations

When evaluating wholesale monument suppliers, consider four factors: product range, granite selection, lead times, and shipping logistics.

Product range. Some wholesalers specialize in flat markers and standard uprights. Others offer full custom monument manufacturing including family monuments, mausoleums, and specialty items. Match the supplier’s range to your needs.

Granite selection. Domestic granite (Barre Gray from Vermont, Georgia Gray from Georgia, and several Texas and South Dakota granites) is typically more expensive than imported Indian or Chinese granite. Confirm the granite grade and ask for samples when ordering significant quantities.

Lead times. Standard flat markers often ship in 2 to 4 weeks. Custom uprights take 4 to 12 weeks. Imported monuments add 4 to 8 weeks of shipping time. Plan well in advance of cemetery deadlines.

Shipping. Most wholesalers ship FOB origin, meaning the buyer pays for shipping. For large monuments, freight costs can be substantial, $200 to $1,000 or more depending on weight and distance. Some wholesalers negotiate volume freight rates; others work with specific carriers.

Frequently asked questions

References & Further Reading

The following sources informed the guidance on this page:

• legacyheadstones.com
• www.wholesalemonument.com
• supernovaintl.com
• tecstonegranite.com
• travismonumentgroup.com