5 Questions You Must Ask Your Foam Suppliers Before Ordering

There is more than just one type of foam. When it comes time to source foam for your project, you may need to ask some questions of your supplier. 

If you order the wrong product, miss a delivery, or find a supplier who can’t meet your specific needs, the project could actually end up costing you time and money. You may be looking for EVA foam for industrial use or modelling foam for creative work, knowing what to ask each time is vital.

MSTOR is the premier EVA foam supplier across Melbourne and Australia, for many years. We know what good supply looks like, what good foam should be. Because of this we know the right questions that should be asked of suppliers so you’re not left wanting when it comes to the quality of your foam. 

Here are five of the most important questions you should ask your foam supplier before committing to an order.

Question 1: What Types of Foam Do You Supply?

Foam is not a one-size-fits-all product. Each different type of foam has different properties and each suits a different application.

• EVA Foam is popular in industrial settings and automotive uses due to its flexibility and moisture resistance. It's also used widely in marine environments thanks to its waterproofing and buoyancy.

• PE foam is used for protective packaging, keeping things stable while being moved, couriered or posted.

• Neoprene works for insulation, sealing and soundproofing.

• EPDM is most commonly used in construction and for weatherproofing.

A foam supplier should have a broad range of foam supplies in stock, including all of the above. They should also be able to guide you and consult with you on your projects and what foam best suits your needs.

If your supplier can only offer you something close to what you want, but not the exact product, you may be left with something not suitable and potentially dangerous.

When asking this question make sure to describe your project in detail to get the best recommendation in return.

Question 2: Do You Offer Custom Cutting and Sizing?

Some jobs can suit standard sheeting, such as some wall insulation or EVA foam tiles around a swimming pool. However, many applications, indeed some industries need their foam cut to certain dimensions. Specialised packaging or an industrial sealing solution cannot be serviced with off-the-shelf foam.

You can try and cut the foam to fit yourself, however a good foam supplier should offer custom cutting services. This service should be able to cut foam to exact size and thickness. If you provide the precise measurements, your supplier can give you foam, cut to measure, fitting perfectly.

A good foam supplier will have the equipment and expertise to handle straightforward cuts to more specialised, custom cutting requests.

Question 3: What Are Your Quality and Certification Standards?

For some industries, such as construction and healthcare, the quality of the foam used in certain applications is not just a preference, it is often a matter of required compliance. If you substitute sub-par quality foam, or a supplier gives you the ‘next best foam’, because they don’t stock what you need, this can cause issues, even fines. Sub-standard products can compromise safety or impact your ability to meet your industry standards.

Ask if the products are ISO certified. Ask how they test and verify the quality of their foam range.

If you need a heat-proof foam product for industrial insulation in a high-temperature environment, be specific about your question, ask if the product is rated for that use. Get documentation if you need to show this.

Don’t make assumptions, don’t accept- we think so, it should be fine. Get absolute answers.

Question 4: What Are Your Lead Times and Delivery Options?

If you have a time-sensitive project, having the best foam products arrive late can be seriously disruptive to your business. Before you place an order get an idea of delivery times for standard foam stock and custom cut and prepared foam.

Generally, standard orders, off-the-shelf, can often be delivered in a few business days. Custom orders take a little longer, and you should cater for this.

Ask about delivery. Where do they ship, locally or nationally, and how much does it cost? Is there a minimum order required for shipping, or even free shipping?

When you’re running a business you need absolutes, you need reassurance that you can get your products and supplies on time and on budget. If there are delays in delivery, that costs you time and money.

Ask about other delivery options. If you are going to be a repeat customer, can you set up scheduled orders that flow automatically? Can you set up an account? How can your supplier make business with you easier?

Question 5: Can You Handle Bulk Orders — and What Are the Pricing Structures?

Following on from the above, if you need a regular order of foam, can you order in bulk? Is there a pricing structure change if you order in large volumes? Can the supplier handle an order of that magnitude? 

Be upfront about this, and don’t be surprised that a supplier may need a little more time to get stock in for you. If they are open to this and are willing to get the stock in, then that is a positive sign. If they avoid the idea of ordering extra in, or talk you out of this, that is a red flag.

If your large order needs some customised cutting, then you need to give fair time and warning to the supplier. You don’t want to make it difficult for them to fulfil your order.

It is also worth asking if the supplier can handle all of your foam needs in one place. This makes large orders more efficient, so you don’t need to do the runaround trying to fulfil your large orders from multiple vendors. 

When it comes down to it, just because a foam supplier can fulfil an order doesn’t make them the right supplier for you. You want more from a supplier, you want to build a relationship, rather than just having a place to buy your foam.

MSTOR is a supplier who can answer all five questions positively. We are a leading EVA foam sheet supplier in Melbourne and have a large range of other foams for other projects and uses. We are here to help you fulfil all your foam needs, no matter the size, the shape or the volume.

Browse our range online or get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.