Shipping and Returns

 
 

1. Overview

This policy applies to physical products purchased through thepottershandsstudio.com. Purchases of classes, workshops, studio time, events, deposits, packages, memberships, and gift cards are not covered here — those are governed by the Refund, Cancellation, and No-Show Policy in our Terms and Conditions.

Because our pieces are handmade, slight variations in size, shape, color, texture, and glaze are normal and are part of the character of handcrafted ceramics. These natural variations are not considered defects.

2. Order Processing

In-stock pieces purchased through the Website are typically processed and shipped within 5–7 business days of payment. Custom and made-to-order pieces have variable production times, which we will communicate to you at the time of your order. You will receive an order confirmation by email, and a shipping confirmation once your order ships. Processing times may be longer during busy periods or holidays. We reserve the right to cancel and refund any order at our discretion (for example, if an item is out of stock or listed in error).

3. Shipping

  • Where we ship: We ship within the contiguous United States. We do not offer international shipping, or shipping to destinations outside the contiguous U.S. (such as Alaska and Hawaii), unless arranged with us in advance.

  • Shipping cost: Shipping is calculated at checkout based on package weight and destination. We do not offer free shipping.

  • Carriers and methods: We ship via UPS or USPS. Delivery time estimates are provided by the carrier and are not guaranteed.

  • Packaging: Ceramics are fragile, and we take care to pack items securely. Please open and inspect your order promptly upon delivery.

Delivery time frames are estimates only. Once an order leaves our hands, transit times and delivery are controlled by the carrier, and we are not responsible for carrier delays, weather, or other circumstances beyond our control.

4. Local Pickup

Local pickup is available at our Oxford, Mississippi or Hernando, Mississippi location. If you select pickup at checkout, we will notify you when your order is ready, along with the pickup location and hours. Orders not picked up within 30 days of the ready notification may be treated as abandoned.

5. Damaged or Lost Shipments

We want your order to arrive safely. If your item arrives damaged, please contact us at thepottershandsstudio@gmail.com within 5 days of delivery with your order number and clear photos of the damaged item and the packaging. At our discretion, we will arrange a replacement (if available) or a refund for the damaged item.

For packages marked delivered but not received, or lost in transit, please contact us and we will assist in filing a claim with the carrier. Because delivery is controlled by the carrier, we cannot guarantee reimbursement for packages that the carrier confirms were delivered, but we will work with you in good faith.

6. Returns and Exchanges

All sales are final. Because each piece is handmade and one of a kind, we do not accept returns or exchanges, and we do not offer refunds for change of mind, buyer's remorse, or the natural variations in handcrafted ceramics described in Section 1.

The only exception is an item that arrives damaged in transit or is defective, which is handled under Section 5 (Damaged or Lost Shipments). Custom, personalized, and made-to-order pieces, gift cards, and pieces created by students in class are likewise non-returnable.

7. Refunds

Because all sales are final, we issue refunds only in limited circumstances — for example, an item that arrives damaged or defective (Section 5), an order we cancel (Section 2), or an order you cancel before it ships or before production of a custom item begins (Section 8). Approved refunds are issued to your original payment method within 5–10 business days. Original shipping charges are non-refundable except where the refund is due to our error or a damaged item. Depending on your bank or card issuer, it may take additional time for the refund to appear.

8. Order Changes and Cancellations

If you need to change or cancel an order, contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate requests, but we cannot change or cancel an order once it has shipped or once production of a custom item has begun.

9. Contact Us

Questions about shipping or returns? Contact us at:

The Potter's Hands Studio Email: thepottershandsstudio@gmail.com Phone: (901) 330-6039 Oxford, Mississippi · Hernando, Mississippi