Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about project fit, products, the sourcing process, fees, ordering, quality, and delivery.
01. About StellarHaus and project fit
What does StellarHaus do?
StellarHaus helps design-led project teams source and coordinate products from manufacturers in Asia. We clarify requirements, identify suitable options, evaluate products and manufacturers, coordinate samples and quotations, prepare the order, and support production and delivery.
What kinds of projects are a good fit for StellarHaus?
StellarHaus can be a strong fit when a project needs a product that is difficult to obtain through standard U.S. channels, requires customization or development, or needs structured coordination across supplier evaluation, samples, cost, certification, production, and delivery. We assess fit early and tell you candidly whether our involvement is likely to add value.
Is StellarHaus a distributor, manufacturer's representative, reseller, or marketplace?
How do I know whether sourcing from Asia makes sense for my project?
No. StellarHaus is an independent project-sourcing and coordination firm. We do not represent a fixed group of manufacturers, resell their products, or operate a supplier marketplace. Our work begins with the client's project requirements.
It may make sense when it offers better product fit, customization, capability, or overall economics - and the quantity and timeline support the process. Sometimes an established U.S.-market source remains the better choice.
Related Insight: Sourcing from Manufacturers in Asia for Design-Led Projects: When It Makes Sense - and When It Doesn't.
Who does StellarHaus work with?
We work with designers, architects, project owners, contractors, and product creators. You may control the purchase directly or advise a client who will approve or fund it. We clarify decision-making, payment, and approval roles at the beginning.
Do you work with small projects or low quantities?
Yes, in some cases. We assess whether the product, quantity, development or testing needs, freight, and total cost make the project technically and commercially workable. If the economics or manufacturer requirements are unlikely to serve your project well, we will tell you early.
02. Products and customization
What types of products can StellarHaus source?
Our current focus includes lighting, furniture and casegoods, fixtures and elements, and decorative elements. We review each request individually because the right approach depends on the product, intended use, quantity, and project requirements.
How do you identify product and manufacturer options for my project?
We start with your project requirements, not a fixed catalog. We may draw on manufacturers we know, search for additional options, or assess a product or manufacturer you have already found. The objective is to identify well-fitting options - not direct the project toward a preselected supplier.
Can StellarHaus help if I have already found a product or manufacturer?
Yes, case by case. If the opportunity fits our scope, we can begin with that lead, assess what is confirmed, supplier-stated, or still open, and coordinate the necessary evaluation, sampling, order preparation, production, and delivery work.
Can StellarHaus help with customized or newly developed products?
Yes. We can support light or deep customization when the manufacturer's capability, quantity, timing, and budget make the work feasible. In some cases, the need can be met more efficiently through an existing product or established configuration. More substantial development may require a separately defined Product Development Support scope.
Related Insight: What Does 'Customizable' Really Mean? Four Product Paths - and What They Mean for Cost, Timing, and Development.
03. How the sourcing process works
03. HOW THE SOURCING PROCESS WORK
What happens after I first contact StellarHaus?
You tell us what you need and share whatever information is already available. We review the project's initial fit, clarify important gaps, and, if the opportunity appears viable, prepare a complimentary preview of preliminary product and manufacturer directions.
What can I see during the complimentary preview?
The preview typically presents two or three preliminary, anonymized product and manufacturer directions, why they may fit, and what remains open. Its purpose is to help you decide, with greater clarity, whether a paid supplier assessment is worthwhile. It is not yet a verified recommendation or quotation.
When will I see the names of the manufacturers you recommend?
Manufacturer identities are normally shared during the relevant paid supplier-assessment stage, subject to the confidentiality and use terms of our engagement agreement. When sensitive project, design, or commercial information will also be shared, a separate NDA may be used.
How do you choose the manufacturers you recommend?
We evaluate each manufacturer against the project’s product, quantity, quality, documentation, testing, commercial, timing, and communication requirements. We prioritize relevant, proven experience in U.S. and European markets—whether supplying established brands, serving built projects directly, adapting products for these markets, or supporting private-label programs. A prior working relationship between StellarHaus and a manufacturer may improve access or coordination, but does not determine our recommendation. We do not accept payment from a supplier in exchange for recommending it.
Related Insight: From Promising Product to Project-Ready: What to Verify Before Committing to an Overseas Product or Manufacturer.
Why and when will I need a sample or prototype before I place the order?
That depends on what remains uncertain. A sample may help confirm an existing product or configuration, while a prototype may be needed to develop or test a new design or function. The validation step should match the risk and the next commitment.
How long could it take from my first conversation with StellarHaus to final delivery?
A realistic schedule includes supplier review and quotation, sampling and approval, any customization or development, testing and certification, production, and delivery - not simply factory lead time. An existing product may take several weeks to a few months from first contact to delivery; customized work may take several months or longer. Certification status, required testing, and the choice between air and ocean freight can materially affect the schedule. We provide a project-specific estimate after the initial review.
Can I stop after the assessment or sample stage?
Yes. You approve each paid stage before it begins and may stop before authorizing the next one. If you stop after a stage has begun or after a manufacturer or specialist-service commitment has been made, StellarHaus fees for work already undertaken and any outside amounts already committed or paid are generally non-refundable. Exceptional circumstances are reviewed individually under the engagement terms.
How do you protect confidential project information?
We limit information sharing to what is necessary for evaluation and execution, and we can use confidentiality agreements where appropriate. Sensitive drawings or concepts are not automatically shared in full with every manufacturer being considered.
Do you help negotiate with manufacturers?
Yes. We help align the quotation scope and negotiate relevant commercial points, such as pricing, quantities, samples, development costs, timing, and payment terms. You review and approve the final commercial commitments.
04. Fees and payments
How does StellarHaus charge for its services?
Our fees are based on the agreed project stage, scope, and level of support. We confirm the work, deliverables, and fee before each paid stage begins. Product-development work may be scoped separately when required.
Do suppliers ever pay StellarHaus?
Not for client sourcing transactions, supplier promotion, or marketing. We do not receive transaction-based supplier commissions, accept payment to promote suppliers, or allow a supplier to pay for a recommendation or preferred placement. Our client-sourcing work is paid for by the client.
What other costs should I expect besides StellarHaus's service fees?
Other project costs may include products, samples or prototypes, manufacturer-charged engineering or development, tooling, testing and certification, inspection, freight, duties, customs brokerage and, where applicable, importer-of-record services, warehousing, and final delivery. Any Product Development Support provided by StellarHaus is a separately scoped StellarHaus service fee.
When do I need to pay, and how?
Each project receives one coordinated funding schedule tied to its agreed stages and commitments. At each checkpoint, you review and approve the amounts, recipients, purposes, and expected timing for the next phase. The related invoices may be issued by different parties and become payable at different times according to the underlying work and payment terms.
Will I need to make payments to several different parties?
Under the standard structure, a project generally involves three payees across its lifecycle: StellarHaus, the manufacturer, and an appointed logistics/import partner. Not all three invoice at every stage, and we coordinate their amounts and timing through one funding schedule.
05. Ordering, importing, and delivery
How do I place the order?
StellarHaus helps prepare or align the purchase-order package - including the approved product definition, quantity, pricing, timing, payment, packaging, and delivery terms - for your review and approval. If your organization has an internal procurement team or established PO process, we work within that process. The client or designated buying entity formally issues or authorizes the order to the manufacturer.
How are production, importing, freight, and final delivery handled?
StellarHaus coordinates production and pre-shipment inspection with the manufacturer, and the agreed importing, freight, and delivery route through one or more selected logistics partners. The responsibilities, included services, and final delivery point are confirmed before shipment.
06. Quality, certification, warranty, and problem resolution
How do you confirm whether a product meets my project's testing or certification requirements?
We first confirm the requirements identified by your project owner, specifier, design team, or applicable authority. We then review the exact product's existing documentation and identify any gaps. If additional testing or certification is needed, we clarify its feasibility, cost, and effect on timing before you decide to proceed.
How are product quality requirements and inspections handled?
We document the approved product and quality criteria before production. Depending on the project, the manufacturer or an independent inspector checks production against them and reports the results. We review the findings and coordinate any required correction or follow-up before shipment where practical.
How is product warranty handled?
For projects proceeding through StellarHaus, the manufacturer's warranty responsibilities are defined before the order is placed. Coverage remains subject to the agreed duration, exclusions, claim conditions, and whether the issue falls within the manufacturer's responsibility. We help review these terms and coordinate the documentation and communication if a claim arises.
What happens if products arrive late, damaged, or incorrect?
We help document the issue, identify the responsible party, and coordinate the appropriate claim or corrective action. Available remedies depend on the purchase, warranty, shipping, and insurance terms agreed for the project.