Whether you are looking to buy silicone for personal use, industrial purposes, or to sell, finding a competitive price is always an important priority.

Thankfully, the internet has made price comparison easier than ever before, while also spurring healthy competition between manufacturers, repackagers, and vendors. With a few clicks of the mouse or swipes on your smartphone, you are bound to find great prices on silicone.

As with any product purchase, however, price alone isn't the only factor that should be taken into account. And though details such as quality, customization, and intended use aren't always as neatly quantifiable and comparable as pricing, taking these points into consideration can help you find the best deal on the best silicone for your needs. Let's take a look at a few things worth researching before making a final purchase.

1. Lead Time. Large-scale purchases of industrial products such as silicone tend to feature a notoriously slow lead time. In fact, the normal lead time for silicone ranges anywhere between 2 and 5 weeks. For many businesses with projects to complete, clients to satisfy, and schedules to meet, this simply doesn't cut it. Here at Silicone Depot, we understand this, which is why we strive to bring the speedy turnaround times of consumer websites such as Amazon to the industrial world. All orders placed with Silicone Depot ship the same day when ordered before noon EST.

2. Quality. Generally speaking, neutral curing silicones are considered to be higher quality than acetoxy curing silicone. This is because neutral curing silicones have no odor when curing, and they pose no risk for discoloration or corroding sensitive materials. Also, neutral silicones tend to be more weather-proof. This is not to say that acetoxy-curing silicones are all bad, however because they cure faster and offer more cost-efficiency, they are frequently used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other internal locations. For more on the pros and cons of neutral curing vs. acetoxy curing silicone, keep an eye out for an upcoming Silicone Depot blog post.

3. Intended Use. Though it may seem like all silicone sealants are more or less the same, the truth is that there are a few important differences to be aware of -- as the aforementioned neutral-curing vs. acetoxy-curing debate demonstrates clearly. You should also be aware that many additional changes and specializations can be made to adapt silicone for more specific uses. Heat-resistant silicone, expanding foam sealants, and paintable acrylic caulk are all good examples of this.

4. Bulk Discounts. Unfortunately, most online silicone vendors have yet to implement the discounted bulk pricing that industrial users of silicone count on. This makes buying silicone directly through the web unrealistic for many companies, causing them to miss out on the wide selection that the internet offers. The good news: Silicone Depot now offers discounted bulk pricing online.

Still unsure about the right silicone for your personal or professional needs? Get in touch with Silicone Depot at (812) 824-8000 to discuss your situation with an expert!