Ceramic Sales: 66% of our respondents generate 10 or less ceramic tile sales per month. And nearly 60% of participants’ total ceramic sales are for floor tile.  

Product Source: 57% of ceramic products sold are domestic, an increase of 10% from last year.

2010 Expected Growth: 50% of respondents anticipate an increase in ceramic sales in 2010. (Chart 1)

Most Important Attribute When Selecting Tile by End-User: Color Choices/Selection.

Selling Porcelain Tile: 97% of respondents sell porcelain tile. 50% of total tile sales are porcelain tile. (Chart 2) Domestic producer sales are 53% versus 47% imported. 

Selling Glass Tile: 78% of respondents sell glass tile. Glass tile represent 5% of total tile sales. Domestic producers control the segment with 62% domestic versus 38% imported.

Stone/Marble Sales: Respondents are averaging eight stone/marble sales each month.

Stone Sales: 34% of stone sales are travertine. Nearly two-thirds of sales are of imported stone.

2010 Expected Stone Growth: 34% of respondents expect a slight increase over 2009.

Number of Ceramic Tile Suppliers: 27% of respondents report an increase of ceramic tile suppliers used.

Number of Stone Suppliers: 61% of respondents report using the same number of stone suppliers. 

How Products Are Ordered: The telephone is the most preferred method of purchase for products/materials. (Chart 3)

Respondents: This study polled 155 respondents; 82% sell ceramic tile and stone products, 18% sell only ceramic tile.

82% purchase, specify and/or recommend ceramic tile and stone products; 17% purchase, specify and/or recommend ceramic tile products; and 1% purchase, specify and/or recommend stone products. 78% are flooring retailer/tile/stone showroom; 22% flooring contractor/installation.