Frequently Asked Questions
Everything US buyers need to know about custom sculpture ordering, shipping, and quality
❓ Common Questions
Q: Why do quotes vary so much between factories?
Mostly because nobody quotes the same scope. One factory includes the mold, premium paint, and crating in the price; another quotes bare fiberglass with a basic gel coat. Before comparing quotes, ask each supplier exactly what is included: mold cost, finish, mounting hardware, crating, and freight. Then compare apples to apples. A cheaper number often just means more surprises later.
Q: Are Chinese statue makers reliable?
Plenty of them are, and plenty aren't, which is why the vetting steps above matter. China is the biggest source of custom fiberglass and FRP sculpture worldwide, and factories that export regularly to the US are used to American specs, inspection requirements, and payment terms. Ask for a video walkthrough of the production floor, a live call with the person who will manage your order, and shipping records from the last 12 months. A factory that can show you all three is generally a safe bet.
Q: How much deposit is normal?
For custom sculpture, 30-50% deposit before production starts is standard, with the balance due before shipping. Some factories ask 50% for one-off pieces because the mold work is front-loaded. Be wary of anyone demanding more than 50% up front, and never pay the full amount before you have approved the 3D design and seen production photos or videos.
Q: Can I see my design before it is made?
You should insist on it. A reputable maker starts with a 3D model you can review and approve from every angle, then moves to the mold only after sign-off. That review step is where most design mistakes get caught, before any money goes into tooling. If a factory wants to skip straight to production without showing you a 3D model, treat that as a red flag.
Q: Are cheap fiberglass statues worth it?
It depends on where they'll live. A $400 statue meant for indoor display can be fine. The same statue outdoors in full sun will often fade, crack, or chalk within a couple of years because the gel coat is thin and the fiberglass layers are light. For outdoor commercial use, budget for a statue with 3-6mm wall thickness and a UV-resistant gel coat, which usually starts around $1,500. Cheap works indoors, rarely outdoors.
Q: How long do outdoor fiberglass statues last?
A well-made outdoor fiberglass statue with a proper gel coat typically lasts 20-30 years with basic care. The finish fades over time, but the structure holds up because fiberglass doesn't rot, rust, or warp like wood or metal. Recoating or repainting every 8-12 years keeps it looking new. The single biggest factor is the quality of the original gel coat and paint.
Q: Can I buy just one statue or is there a minimum?
Yes, you can buy one. Single-piece orders are normal for restaurants, hotels, and retail displays. You pay a bit more per piece than a bulk buyer, and for a fully custom design you may share the mold development cost. But stock designs usually have no minimum at all, so if you like an existing piece, one unit is all you need.
Q: Do I pay for the mold separately?
Usually yes, but it depends on quantity. Molds run roughly $1,500 to $5,000 depending on size and detail, and you pay for it once. If you order several pieces from the same mold, the cost spreads across the run, so the per-piece price drops. For a single piece, many factories simply fold the mold cost into the quote and keep the mold for future orders.
Q: Can I get a price for just one piece?
Yes. Single-piece orders are common, especially for restaurants, hotels, and retail displays. You won't get the quantity discount, and you may pay a share of mold development, but one-off pricing is straightforward. Send the factory a reference photo or 3D model, the dimensions, and your deadline, and you'll get a concrete number within a few days.
Q: How long does shipping to the USA take?
Shipping to the USA typically takes 25–35 days by sea freight (to Los Angeles, Long Beach, or New York ports) and 7–10 days by air freight (to any major US airport). We ship via LCL (less than container load) or FCL (full container load) depending on your order size.
Q: How much does shipping to the USA cost?
Shipping costs vary based on size, weight, and destination. We provide a detailed shipping quote as part of your overall quotation. Sea freight is the most economical option for large sculptures. Contact us with your project details for an accurate shipping estimate.
Q: Who is responsible for import duties and taxes?
Import duties, customs clearance fees, and applicable taxes are the buyer's responsibility. We provide complete shipping documentation including commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin to facilitate smooth customs clearance. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms are available on request for qualified orders.
Q: Do you ship to all 50 US states?
Yes. We ship to all 50 US states. Our logistics partners handle door-to-door delivery, including remote locations. We can also arrange delivery to freight forwarders or US-based warehouses if you prefer.
Q: Can you provide CAD drawings before production?
Absolutely. We provide free CAD drawings and 3D renderings for your approval before production begins. Our design team works from your sketches, photos, reference images, or 3D files (STL, OBJ, FBX). You can request revisions until the design meets your expectations.
Q: Can you work from my photos or sketches?
Absolutely. Send us reference images, sketches, or 3D files. Our design team will create production-ready drawings for your approval. We can also work from verbal descriptions and mood boards.
Q: Can you match a specific Pantone color?
Yes. We mix custom gel coat colors to match Pantone, RAL, or your provided color sample. All finishes are UV-resistant and weather-stable for long-lasting color vibrancy.
Q: Can large sculptures be made in multiple pieces?
Yes. Large sculptures are designed with hidden seam lines and bolt connections for easy on-site assembly. We provide detailed assembly instructions and offer video guidance for complex installations.
Q: Do you provide installation guidance?
Yes. Every order includes detailed installation instructions. For complex installations, we provide video guidance, step-by-step manuals, and technical drawings showing mounting points and structural requirements. Virtual site consultations are also available.
Q: How much does a custom sculpture cost?
Pricing depends on size, complexity, material, and finish. Typical custom sculpture projects range from $1,000 for small pieces to $20,000+ for large-scale installations. Send us your requirements for a free, no-obligation quote within 48 hours.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
We accept T/T bank transfer, PayPal, and Western Union. For large orders, a 50% deposit and 50% before shipping is standard. All pricing is quoted in USD. Negotiable payment terms available for repeat clients and large orders.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
We accept custom orders starting from a single piece. MOQ varies by project complexity — contact us with your requirements. There is no minimum quantity for most custom sculptures.
Q: Do your sculptures meet US safety standards?
Yes. Our FRP sculptures use marine-grade resin and UV-stable gel coat that meet international safety standards. Stainless steel sculptures are TIG-welded with smooth, burr-free finishes. All materials are non-toxic and suitable for public spaces. We can provide material compliance documentation upon request.
Q: Are your sculptures suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. Our FRP sculptures use marine-grade resin and UV-stable gel coat. Stainless steel sculptures are TIG-welded with mirror or brushed finish. All outdoor sculptures are weather-resistant, UV-stable, and low-maintenance — designed to withstand US climate conditions from Florida humidity to Colorado winters.
Q: What warranty do you offer?
We offer a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects for all our sculptures. This covers structural integrity, material defects, and finish delamination under normal use. Extended warranty options available on request.
Q: Can I do a video inspection before shipment?
Yes. We offer live video inspections via WhatsApp, WeChat, or Zoom before your sculpture is packed and shipped. You can see the finished product in real-time, request final adjustments, and approve shipment. This is a standard service for all US buyers.
Q: Do you have US client case studies?
Yes. We have delivered 50+ projects to US clients across 35+ cities. Our sculptures are installed in theme parks, hotels, museums, shopping centers, and public spaces throughout the United States. Contact us for references and case studies relevant to your project.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
Get a Free Quote →