Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Is the pottery safe for food, oven, microwave and dishwasher?
A: Yes, all the pottery is completely food safe, lead free and can be used in the oven, microwave or dishwasher. Handwashing is gentler on the pottery and helps it maintain its glossiness.
Q: Why does it take 4-6 weeks between my pre-order and when it is shipped?
A: Making high quality pottery is a lengthy multi-stage process: throwing, shaping, trimming, drying, the first kiln (bisque) firing, pre-glaze preparation, the glazing itself, the second (glaze) kiln firing, sanding, and sometimes even more. All these steps are done with care, to ensure your order is fulfilled to the highest quality possible. Additionally, I am a one-person business and do not have any workers.
Q: I need a gift right now, are there any items available sooner?
A: At any time, I should have some finished items in my inventory. Typically this will be a small portion of the wide variety available at the online shop. If I have an item on hand, I might be able to ship it within a week. I may also have items in mid-production, which would be available sooner than 4-6 weeks. If you have a genuine, pressing quick-order need, please email me directly to ask what's available (orna.pottery@gmail.com).
Q: How much variation can I expect with my order?
A: I try very hard to make my work consistent. I use the same glaze combinations and types of leaves shown in the photos. However, all my art is handmade. Every piece is unique and each leaf is different. There may also be small variations in size.
Q: How durable is the pottery?
A: Pottery is very durable and can last many years of consistent use. Feel free to use it like you would use any other dish, bowl, mug or cup you have in your kitchen.
Q: Why are the payments for the pottery and shipping done separately, instead of paying everything at once?
A: Depending on how many items you ordered and what type they are, the shipping parcels will vary. I strive to pack my wares in the most efficient way possible. Unfortunately, the shipping cost algorithm does not always accurately predict shipping costs when you order multiple items. In addition, shipping prices fluctuate in response to external conditions. That's why shipping is charged separately. Once your order is ready to ship, I will email you a Square invoice to pay the shipping costs. It will show as an email from "ORNA'S POTTERY" (all caps) with the sender's address coming from Square's domain.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for shipping?
A: As written above, shipping prices fluctuate. They also depend on your distance from Seattle. I have access to discounted shipping and pass all these savings on to you. Under normal prices, for a single-item order you may expect to pay around $10, less for smaller items or if you live closer, and a bit more in the opposite case. If you make a larger order, the cost per item will be lower because I pack the parcel as efficiently and safely as feasible.
Q: Can I pick up my order instead of having it shipped?
A: Yes! If you are local to the Seattle area you can pick up your order from Pike Place Market on days when I’m there. In fact, I encourage all locals who are able and want to save a bit of money to choose pickup instead of shipping. During checkout, you will have a pickup option under delivery methods. I will then contact you once your order is ready.
Q: What countries or regions do you ship to?
A: I currently ship to the United States and Canada. Please note that due to customs fees and the logistics of US-Canada shipping, shipping to Canada is significantly more expensive. If you (or someone you trust) have a US trip planned soon, you can save substantially by having the order shipped to a US address that you (or they) can pick it from.
Q: I ordered the pottery to my home in Spokane, WA. Why did you charge me the Seattle tax rate?
A: The site can only calculate a single tax rate per state. If you live elsewhere in WA and your tax rate is different, I will adjust the difference when calculating your shipping cost for your final pre-shipment payment. Note that regardless of where you live, if you pick the order up from here you have to pay Seattle's tax rate.
Q: Do you accept cancellations or returns?
A: Yes, I accept cancellations within one week of your order, unless I have already shipped your item(s). Please let me know as soon as possible if you wish to cancel all or part of your order. I do not accept returns, due to the high costs of shipping pottery across the country. I also do not accept cancellations for special or custom orders.
Q: What should I do if an item is damaged during shipping?
I package all orders with great care and in 15 years I have only had two pieces break during shipping. I also insure all packages. In the rare event that your order is damaged during shipping, please take photos of the item and packaging and let me know as soon as possible. I will arrange for a replacement or refund. You can contact me at orna.pottery@gmail.com.