FAQ
What can Wholesale Monument Direct memorials be used for?
Our granite memorials are designed for several uses. They may be used as cemetery grave markers where cemetery regulations permit, as pet memorials, or as garden and remembrance memorials on private property. The same memorial may be appropriate for more than one purpose, subject to any rules that apply at its final location.
What size flat marker should I choose?
We offer three sizes of flat granite markers. The 16" × 8" × 4" marker is approximately 60 lbs. and is our smallest and easiest flat marker to handle. The 20" × 10" × 4" marker is approximately 95 lbs. and provides additional design space while remaining smaller than a traditional 24-inch marker. The 24" × 12" × 4" marker is approximately 135 lbs., is our most traditional size for a human cemetery marker, and provides the greatest design space. All weights are approximate.
Can I install the memorial myself?
Our online product line has been intentionally limited to memorials that we believe many customers can reasonably install themselves. Granite is heavy, however, and even smaller memorials require careful handling. Before ordering, make sure you have a safe plan for receiving, moving, transporting, and positioning the memorial. If you expect to hire someone to install it, make those arrangements before ordering. Many monument companies limit installation services to memorials purchased directly from them.
Is installation included?
No. Online orders are made for customers who can arrange safe handling and installation themselves. Delivery is package delivery, not monument placement or installation service. Check with your cemetery's management before placing your order to confirm that the marker and your installation plan are permitted. If you expect to hire someone to install it, make those arrangements before ordering.
Can I use one of your markers in a cemetery?
Usually, provided the cemetery permits the particular size, material, color, style, foundation, and installation method you select. Cemetery regulations vary considerably. It is the purchaser's responsibility to obtain cemetery approval before ordering. Because our products are personalized and made to order, a cemetery's refusal to accept a memorial does not make the memorial returnable.
What if I want a memorial that isn't offered on your website?
Wholesale Monument Direct intentionally offers a limited selection of sizes, styles, fonts, and designs suited to online ordering, shipping, and customer installation. If you are looking for something outside our online collection, our parent company, Wholesale Monument Company, is a full-service monument manufacturer with many additional capabilities. Contact us and we will help determine whether Wholesale Monument Company can assist with your project.
Do you offer custom designs beyond what is shown on the website?
At launch, online orders are limited to the emblems, layouts, fonts, and personalization options available in our designer. For custom artwork or a memorial beyond the online options, contact us about the additional capabilities available through our parent company, Wholesale Monument Company.
Can I see my memorial before I order it?
Yes. Our online designer lets you personalize your memorial and see a representation of your design before submitting your order. Please review it carefully. Your submitted design serves as your proof unless you specifically request our assistance with the design.
Will my marker actually look like the preview image I created?
Your preview represents the engraving layout and general appearance of the granite, not an exact reproduction of the stone you will receive. Your submitted design serves as your proof unless you specifically request our assistance with the design. Minor production adjustments may be made as needed. If we recommend significant changes, we will contact you with a separate proof for approval before production begins. Natural granite characteristics and screen colors vary.
Can you review my design before it is engraved?
Yes. You may ask our monument professionals to review your design for engraving requirements, readability, and overall presentation. Minor production adjustments may be made as needed. If we recommend significant changes, Wholesale Monument Direct will contact you with a separate proof for approval before production begins. If a separate proof is required, the normal production period begins after you approve it.
What if I want my design produced exactly as I created it?
We can produce your submitted design provided it meets our production requirements. Please inspect every name, date, word, and punctuation mark carefully before placing your order. Errors contained in a customer-approved design are the customer's responsibility. If Wholesale Monument Direct makes an engraving or production error that does not match the approved design, we will make it right.
What fonts can I choose?
Our online designer offers a carefully selected group of fonts that engrave well in granite: Roman, Government, Arial, Antique, and Palatino.
Why can't I make my lettering smaller?
Our minimum letter height is 3/4 inch (.75 inch), with no exceptions. Granite lettering must be large enough to engrave properly, remain readable, and meet our quality standards. If your wording will not fit at the minimum size, you will need to shorten the inscription, choose a larger memorial, or adjust the design.
Can I use my own artwork or request an emblem that isn't shown?
At launch, online orders are limited to the emblems, layouts, fonts, and personalization options available in our designer. This allows us to provide predictable pricing, reliable engraving results, and a straightforward ordering process. For custom artwork or a memorial beyond the online options, contact us about the additional capabilities available through Wholesale Monument Company.
Will my granite look exactly like the image on my screen?
No two pieces of natural granite are exactly alike. Shade, grain, pattern, veining, and other natural characteristics vary, and computer screens display colors differently. Online images and previews represent the general appearance of the granite and engraving layout, not an exact reproduction of the stone you will receive.
How long will my memorial take to produce?
Most Wholesale Monument Direct memorials are expected to ship approximately 2–3 weeks after the order is placed. If you request design assistance and significant changes require a separate proof, the 2–3 week production period begins after you approve the revised design. If an unusual material or production delay is expected, we will contact you.
How long does it take to make and ship my marker?
Most Wholesale Monument Direct memorials are expected to ship approximately 2–3 weeks after the order is placed. If design assistance requires a separate proof, this production period begins after you approve the revised design. If an unusual material or production delay is expected, we will contact you. This is the expected time until shipment, not the delivery date.
How will my memorial be shipped?
Our memorials are carefully packaged for shipment and are currently planned to ship by FedEx Ground. Delivery is package delivery, not monument placement or installation service, so please have an appropriate plan for safely handling the memorial when it arrives.
What if my memorial is damaged during shipping?
If your memorial or its packaging appears damaged when it arrives, take photographs of the package and memorial and contact us promptly. Keep all packaging materials until we have reviewed the damage with you. We will work with you to resolve legitimate shipping damage.
Can I change or cancel my order after I place it?
Because our memorials are personalized and made to order, completed or in-production orders cannot be returned or canceled. Contact us immediately if you discover an error after ordering. We cannot guarantee that changes or cancellations can be made once an order has been submitted.
What if I make a spelling or date error?
Please check your lettering very carefully before ordering. Names, dates, spelling, wording, and punctuation contained in a design submitted and approved by the customer are the customer's responsibility. If we engrave the memorial according to the approved design, we cannot provide a free replacement because of an error in the submitted information. If the error is ours, we will make it right.
How should a flat marker be installed?
Always follow the cemetery's requirements first. Where no different cemetery requirement applies, we generally recommend installing a flat marker so that its top is no more than approximately 1/2 inch above the surrounding grade. A properly prepared base using dry concrete mix can provide additional stability and is advisable in many installations, although a concrete base is not necessary in every situation.
Do I need a concrete foundation?
Not necessarily. Soil conditions, marker size, cemetery requirements, and local practices vary. A prepared base of dry concrete mix, such as commonly available QUIKRETE or SAKRETE products, can provide a firm, level foundation and additional stability. Check with the cemetery before purchasing materials or beginning installation.
What should I ask my cemetery before ordering?
At minimum, confirm the permitted length, width, and thickness; granite material and color; memorial style; whether customer or family installation is allowed; and any required foundation or setting method. Also ask about placement, inspection, foundation, or other cemetery fees. Confirm all requirements before placing your order.
How should I clean my granite memorial?
We recommend D/2 Biological Solution for routine cleaning of granite memorials. Follow the manufacturer's directions and use appropriate soft brushes or cleaning tools. Avoid aggressive cleaning methods or products that may damage the granite or engraving.
Do you sell D/2 Biological Solution?
Our parent company sells D/2 locally, but because of shipping considerations, Wholesale Monument Direct customers will generally find it easier to purchase D/2 from another online supplier.