Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about ordering, products, shipping, and brand approvals.

Ordering & Quoting

Browse our catalog and add products to your Quote List. When you're ready, fill out the quote request form with your project details and a Startex sales representative will follow up within one business day.

Yes. Products are sold in case packs, which vary by item. Case pack quantities are listed on each product page. The minimum order is one case.

A case pack is the standard shipping unit for a product — for example, a table lamp with a case pack of 4 ships in a carton of 4 units. Quantities on the quote form automatically calculate in case pack increments.

We do not recommend it. Our items come packed with protective inserts designed to protect them from freight damage. Splitting case packs increases the risk of breakage.

Startex is a B2B supplier. We work with hotel owners, purchasing agents, procurement firms, interior designers, and hotel brand construction/design teams. We do not sell directly to individual consumers.

Lead Times & Availability

Quick Ship products are typically in stock and ready to ship within 2 business days. Special Order products are made to order and carry a longer lead time, typically 10–14 weeks. Lead times may be longer during certain times of the year.

Closeout products are being discontinued. Stock is available while quantities last. Once a Closeout item sells out it will not be replenished but may be available as a special order. If a Closeout item is critical to your project, we recommend quoting sooner rather than later.

Lead times apply per item. If your quote includes a mix of Quick Ship and Special Order products, Quick Ship items can ship immediately while Special Order items will follow on their respective lead times. Your sales rep can advise on whether to split the shipment or hold for a combined delivery. Split shipments may be subject to additional delivery charges.

Cleaning & Care

Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. Avoid liquid cleaners, sprays, or damp cloths near sockets or electrical components. For metal finishes, a dry cloth prevents scratching and streaking. Plated finishes such as brushed nickel are protected with several coats of clear lacquer to prevent rust. Cleaning solutions, especially those containing ammonia, can damage the lacquer, cause rusting and may void the warranty.

Wipe upholstered surfaces with a lightly dampened cloth and mild cleanser as needed. Allow to air dry fully before use. Avoid soaking fabric or using harsh chemical cleaners or solvents, which can break down upholstery material and void the warranty.

Spray glass cleaner onto a soft cloth first — never spray directly onto the mirror surface. Overspray or liquid runoff can seep behind the glass and damage the reflective backing. For framed mirrors, keep cleaner off the frame finish. For LED mirrors, avoid moisture near the LED housing and electrical connections.

Yes. Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach-based products, ammonia at high concentration, and any liquid that could run behind the glass. Use standard glass cleaner applied to a cloth, not directly to the surface.

Finishes & Durability

No metal finish is completely rustproof, but finish type significantly affects corrosion resistance. Powder-coated finishes offer the highest rust resistance and are recommended for bathrooms and humid environments. Painted finishes provide moderate protection. Plated finishes (chrome, brushed nickel, etc.) are the most susceptible to corrosion and should be kept dry and wiped down with a dry cloth regularly.

All Startex finishes are applied to commercial-grade standards, but they are not scratch-proof. Handle fixtures carefully during installation. Do not use abrasive cloths or harsh cleaners on finished surfaces, as these will damage the coating and may void the warranty.

Electrical & Dimming

Hardwired fixtures without switches — including wall sconces, pendants, vanity lights, and ceiling lights — are compatible with customer-supplied dimmable wall switches. Dimming performance depends on the bulb being used. Confirm that any bulb you specify is rated for use with dimmer switches. Startex does not supply or warrant the dimmer switch or bulb compatibility.

Fixtures vary by product. Common configurations include Medium Base (E26), Candelabra (E12), Integrated LED (no replaceable bulb), and GU24. The lamping type for each fixture is listed on its product page and spec sheet.

Integrated LED fixtures have the light source built into the fixture and do not accept replaceable bulbs. These fixtures cannot have bulbs swapped out. The LED module is designed to last the life of the fixture.

LED components in hospitality-grade fixtures are typically rated for 50,000 hours of use, which translates to well over 10 years under normal hotel operating conditions.

It is technically possible, but doing so voids the ETL/UL certification and Startex's product warranty. We do not recommend this modification. If your application requires hardwired installation, please specify a hardwired fixture from our catalog.

Certifications & Compliance

Startex fixtures carry ETL or UL certifications. ETL and UL are both Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) accredited by OSHA. Products certified by either lab meet the same safety standards and are accepted by code authorities, building inspectors, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) across the United States and Canada. ETL certification is equally valid for hotel brand approval, construction compliance, and FF&E specification purposes.

Both are OSHA-accredited safety certification marks, and both signify that a product has been independently tested and meets applicable safety standards (typically ANSI/UL standards). The marks are interchangeable for code compliance purposes. The choice of certifier does not affect product quality or acceptance.

ADA compliance is based on the product characteristics and the installation details. Products noted as ADA will meet ADA requirements when installed in a compliant way. If ADA compliance is a requirement for your project, contact your Startex sales rep to identify qualifying products.

Shipping & Receiving

Startex utilizes a variety of freight carriers, as well as small parcel service from UPS and FedEx. Your Startex representative will provide a freight quote that includes the recommended carrier.

Yes, local pickup and third-party carrier arrangements are available by appointment. Please contact your Startex sales representative to schedule. Please note that Startex cannot accept freight damage claims for orders that are picked up or shipped via a customer-arranged carrier — freight claim responsibility transfers to the customer at the time of pickup or carrier handoff.

Inspect all shipments upon delivery. If you find shipping damage, document it immediately — photograph both the packaging and the damaged product before installation. Contact your Startex sales representative within 5 business days. Claims submitted after installation or without photographic documentation may not be accepted by the freight carrier. Do not install damaged product before filing a claim.

Store products in a dry indoor environment, protected from moisture, extreme temperatures, and physical damage. LED mirrors in particular should be kept away from humidity and stored at room temperature. Extended outdoor or uncontrolled storage may void the warranty.

Brand Approvals & Design Schemes

Startex products have been reviewed and approved for use in specific hotel brand renovation and new-build programs. Approved products meet the brand's design, finish, and performance standards. We hold approvals for Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, and Best Western Hotels. Using brand-approved products simplifies specification sign-off and reduces procurement friction.

Brand programs update periodically. While our listings reflect current approvals as of our last verification, we recommend confirming eligibility with your brand's purchasing or construction team before finalizing your specification, particularly for renovation projects governed by Property Improvement Plan (PIP) requirements.