Frequently Asked Questions
MPG Planters sells hand-crafted, lightweight crushed-stone planters, made at our factory in Cebu, Philippines and stocked at our warehouse in Thomson, Georgia. These are the questions buyers ask us most, answered plainly.
The planters
What are MPG planters made of?
Every MPG planter starts as crushed Cebu limestone, hand-pressed with fiber matting. What differs is the binder. PF, our Stonecast Fiberglass, is about 86 percent crushed stone bound with polyester resin. PC, our Composite Fiber Cement, is about 78 percent stone bound with a special cement. The PF or PC in each item number tells you which material that piece is made from.
What is the difference between PF and PC?
The resin bond in PF is exceptionally strong, so PF pieces can be made lighter while holding fine, carved detail. PF is our choice for detailed designs, tall pieces, and urns. PC has a slightly more mineral, concrete-like character and holds long, flat surfaces better, so it is our choice for designs such as deck boxes.
Are the planters heavy?
No, and that is the point of them. MPG planters give you the look and feel of real stone at a fraction of the weight of cast stone. Most individual pieces can be moved and placed by one or two people, without the machinery that heavy cast stone often requires.
Is the color painted on?
No. Color is mixed into the material itself, at no more than 5 percent pigment, so the color runs through the piece rather than sitting on the surface as paint. A chip or scratch does not expose a different color underneath.
Can the planters stay outside year-round?
Yes. MPG planters are made for indoor and outdoor use. Like any natural stone surface, an outdoor piece will gather some dirt and dust over time and develop a natural patina. A rinse with water is usually all the cleaning one needs.
Do the planters drain?
Most MPG planters are made to drain. If you need drain plugs fitted, or a piece prepared for indoor use, tell us when you order and we will set it up before your order ships.
What is a wicking planter?
A wicking planter holds a reservoir of water in its base. The plant draws water up from the reservoir as it needs it, so the planter waters the plant for an extended stretch between fillings. It is the closest thing to a self-watering planter we know how to make.
Can I get samples before I order?
Yes. Finish samples are available on request, so you can see the color and surface in person before you commit to a pallet. Contact us and we will send them out.
Ordering
Who can buy from MPG?
MPG sells wholesale by the pallet to trade accounts. Every new wholesale account is vetted before its first order, through our Become a Wholesale Partner application, so our pricing stays protected for the trade. Individual pieces are also available at retail on this site, including our Drop Shipping collection.
What is a pallet, and what is a Pallet ID?
A pallet is a set assortment of planters in fixed quantities, priced and sold as one unit. Every assortment carries its own Pallet ID, the number that identifies exactly which pieces, sizes, and finishes are on that pallet. When you order by Pallet ID, you know precisely what will arrive.
What is the minimum order?
The minimum opening order is $1,250. First orders are prepaid. Net 30 terms are available after an established ordering history and a credit review.
Is the stock shown on the site real?
Yes. Warehouse stock on this site follows our actual warehouse inventory, and in-stock pallets ship from Thomson, Georgia. When a pallet sells out, the site says so.
Freight and pickup
How are orders shipped?
Pallets ship as freight from our Thomson, Georgia warehouse. Freight is calculated by zone at checkout. Orders that draw on factory production, through Early Buy, a Special Reserved Order, or the Container Program, ship on their own schedules, covered below.
Why does checkout freight sometimes look high?
We would rather show freight honestly than surprise you later. Checkout charges freight at the top rate for your zone tier. If your order meets its zone minimum and the freight charged comes in above the catalog rate for your zone, we make it right at your choice: a refund of the difference, or the difference as store credit, redeemable anytime. You can always come down from a fair number. You cannot go back up from a low one without breaking trust.
Can I pick up instead?
Yes. Pickup at our Thomson warehouse is always free. Orders are ready for pickup in about two to four days, and we will confirm when yours is ready. Our warehouse is at 145 Industrial Drive, Thomson, GA 30824.
Programs and lead times
What is Early Buy?
Early Buy lets you reserve pallets ahead of the season at program pricing, with 10 percent down. Order Spring Early Buy by July 30 for January to March delivery, and Fall Early Buy by March 1 for July to September delivery. Orders placed in the late window, August 1 through October 30, arrive the following March to April.
What is a Special Reserved Order?
A Special Reserved Order, or SRO, is an existing catalog pallet built in the color combination you choose. The products, sizes, and quantities stay exactly as cataloged; only the colors are yours to mix. SROs carry a $1,500 minimum and 10 percent down, are assembled at our factory, and ship on the next suitable container. Most land in two to four months. Plan on four, and we will deliver earlier whenever stock and shipping allow.
What is the Container Program?
For larger programs and multi-store orders, full containers ship factory-direct at FOB pricing. Talk with us about your volume and we will build the container plan with you.
What is Drop Shipping?
Drop Shipping lets you offer individual MPG pieces to your customers without holding inventory. You sell the piece, and we ship it direct.